Christmas at Canada Place

With the 2013 holiday season officially underway, Port Metro Vancouver is thrilled to be the presenting partner of Christmas at Canada Place, a festive, accessible and free-of-charge holiday destination. With more activities, entertainment, lights and décor than ever before, Christmas at Canada Place is ringing in its 26th year in a big way that promises to deliver Christmas cheer to guests of all ages.

Taking place in the Cruise Ship Terminal at Canada Place from December 1 – 31, 2013, guests will have the opportunity to skate under the Northern Lights, ride the holiday train, tour the historic Woodward’s Windows, enjoy classic Canadian snacks, and more, while sharing Canadian Christmas memories and making new ones. Guests are encouraged to help fill a shipping container of dreams for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society by dropping off food donations at the giant “present” located on the front plaza at the entrance of Christmas at Canada Place. Cash donations collected on-site will go to support Strathcona Community Centre’s Food Security for Children program.

“Port Metro Vancouver is committed to giving back to the local community and as a proud partner of the Winter Waterfront District, we are excited to be hosting Christmas at Canada Place as part of the wide array of waterfront Christmas activities taking place this year,” said Tom Corsie, president, Canada Place Corporation and vice president of real estate, Port Metro Vancouver. “During the holiday season and beyond, we place great value in doing our part to support neighbouring communities and causes that are important to Canadians and Vancouverites alike.”

Christmas at Canada Place 2013 includes:

· Skating Rink

§ Many Canadians have fond memories of skating and attendees can re-live these memories by enjoying Christmas at Canada Place’s covered synthetic rink under the Northern Lights. Invited to bring their own skates or rent onsite, two dollars per person rental will be donated to Strathcona Community Centre's Food Security for Children.

· Curling Rink

§ Nicknamed “Chess on Ice,” attendees can visit Christmas at Canada Place to throw a “rock” and see how close they can get to the “house” by learning more about one of Canada’s most popular winter sports with family and friends.

· Holiday Train

§ All aboard! Attendees will have the opportunity to jump on-board the miniature holiday train and imagine that they are conductors of a CN train, transporting goods across Canada. Donations of $2 per person will go to Strathcona Community Centre's Food Security for Children and the West Coast Railway Association.

· Historic Woodward’s Windows

§ The Woodward’s Windows are a treasured part of Vancouver’s history. Originally displayed in the popular Woodward’s department store, the windows featured classic holiday scenes with animated characters and elaborate decor. Handcrafted in the 1960s, the displays included The Candlestick Factory, Santa’s Workshop and Teddy Bear’s at Play. Following the closure of the Woodward’s department store, Canada Place purchased the displays in 1993 and has continued to incorporate them into the Christmas at Canada Place experience. The Woodward’s Windows offer nostalgia for those who remember seeing them displayed in the store and excitement for those seeing them for the first time.

· Santa’s Workshop

§ While Santa and his elves are busy preparing for Christmas, arts and crafts have been left in their Canadian workshop for attendees to enjoy. Holiday revelers can make decorations for their trees at home or write a letter to Santa and more.

§ Santa will visit Christmas at Canada Place on the weekends and attendees will have the chance to read their letters to him in person and take pictures.

· Festive Performances

§ Christmas at Canada Place is a must-stop for holiday entertainment for the entire family featuring popular children’s performers, local school choirs and much more.

· Avenue of Christmas Trees

§ One of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season, attendees can stroll through the avenue of beautifully decorated trees and take in the sights and smells.


A successful community event for the past 26 years, Christmas at Canada Place wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the following sponsors:

· Lead Partners: Northwest Territories Tourism, CN

· Supporting Partners: Park Royal, Loblaws City Market and Davie St Your Independent Grocer

· Christmas Tree Partners: Read Jones Christoffersen, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Purdy’s Chocolates, Vanguard Painting, Ken Heit Creative Communication Services, West Coast Sightseeing, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA), VINCI Park, Fraser Surrey Docks

· Media Partners: Global BC, Shaw, 24Hrs, 96.9 Jack FM, News1130, Sonic, OMNI, Lamar


For additional information, detailed hours and performance schedules, please visit www.canadaplace.ca/christmas.