Metropolis at Metrotown Welcomes West Coast Santa,
Launches First-Ever Outdoor Holiday Hive Market
Sleigh bells are ringing, and the spirit of the season has arrived in festive force at Metropolis at Metrotown! Starting November 12, BC’s biggest shopping centre invites visitors to step into a cozy, coastal holiday celebration – complete with a brand-new outdoor market, live performances, and the magical return of the Santa Experience, with West Coast Santa making waves as the newest addition to this cherished tradition.
Introducing West Coast Santa – The Newest Member of the Santa Experience
Joining the Met’s expanded Santa Experience, West Coast Santa brings a rugged, radiant twist to a timeless tradition. With the warmth of a crackling fire and the charm of the Pacific Northwest, he captures the spirit of the season – whether he’s hiking the misty trails of Lynn Canyon, storm-watching in Tofino, or sipping cocoa in his cedar cabin.
Outfitted in his signature red flannel, sturdy hiking boots, and a driftwood walking stick, West Coast Santa proves the holiday spirit shines just as brightly under coastal clouds as it does beneath snowy skies.
A World of Wonder: The Santa Experience (November 12 – December 30)
This year’s Santa Experience at the Met offers families a chance to discover holiday traditions from around the world – all guided by Santa himself. Guests can meet:
Father Christmas: the classic, storybook Santa
West Coast Santa: showcasing BC’s coastal traditions
Global Santa: celebrating customs from diverse cultures
Tropical Santa: popping in during his post-holiday travels, December 27 – 30
Each Santa visit includes an opportunity to purchase a keepsake family photo, with a portion of proceeds donated to Family Services of Greater Vancouver, a non-profit that helps make the season brighter for all, and Burnaby Neighbourhood House, a community-driven agency focused on improving wellbeing across the Burnaby community. For dates and availability, visit the website.
New this Year: The Holiday Hive Market (December 6 & 7)
The Met is unwrapping a brand-new experience with the launch of its first-ever Holiday Hive Market – a free-to-enter, open-air event filled with festive flavours. Sponsored by Novus and produced by the team behind the Artisan Farmers Market, the event will feature more than 30 local vendors, including:
eF & Be Bakehouse – Japanese baked treats
FD WOW Foods – traditional Brazilian cheese
Bliss Out Coffee – seasonal drinks, including Cáscara Hot Tea & Lattes
Pet treats, artisan gifts, and more
Taking place December 6 and 7, 11am – 4pm, the market also features a free photo booth, a kids’ craft station for DIY ornaments, and live music from local performers Dean Michael Smith, The Dimes, and more.
More Holiday Happenings at The Met (November 12 – December 30)
The magic doesn’t stop there. Throughout the season, the Met will be decked out with dazzling décor and merry moments:
Seasonal décor throughout the centre (November 12 – December 30)
Charity gift wrap station near Winners, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings (December 1–24)
Burnaby Christmas Bureau Toy Drive, near Victoria’s Secret, including limited gift card giveaways for donors (December 6, 11am – 6pm)
West Coast Santa Dance Party, complete with a roaming DJ, saxophonist, dancing snowman and polar bear (December 6, 12pm – 2pm)
The Toy Room: A Holiday Tradition Returns to the Met
The Met is once again teaming up with Burnaby Christmas Bureau to host The Toy Room – a holiday initiative designed to provide new toys to children from low-income families in Burnaby. Throughout the holidays, eligible families in need are invited to visit the Toy Room and choose from a selection of toys, books and gifts. Community members can get involved by donating new, unwrapped toys directly at the Toy Room (located in the upper level, next to Winners). Donations will be accepted from November 1 to December 20. To learn more, or to view a list of recommended items to donate, visit the website.
“Holidays at the Met truly captures the spirit of the season – it’s about making memories, supporting local, and bringing the community together,” said Amanda Chung, Marketing Manager. “We’re especially excited about this year’s lineup, from welcoming West Coast Santa to introducing our first outdoor market, and creating meaningful ways for guests to give back through our incredible charity partners.”
Holidays at The Met runs from November 12 – December 30. Metropolis at Metrotown is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 9pm; and Sundays, 11am – 7pm. Special holiday hours apply:
November 28, 8am – 9pm
December 21, 10am – 9pm
December 24, 10am – 6pm
December 25 (Christmas Day), Closed
December 26, 8am – 9pm
December 28, 10am – 9pm
December 31, 10am – 6pm
January 1, 11am – 7pm
With free parking and easy access via Skytrain, Metropolis at Metrotown is the perfect place to shop, celebrate, and connect this holiday season. To book your visit with Santa, or browse upcoming activities, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com.
About Metropolis at Metrotown
With over 330 stores, Skytrain access and free parking, millions of shoppers are attracted to Metropolis at Metrotown annually. Major stores include Cineplex Cinemas, Decathlon, H&M, Indigo, Old Navy, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sport Chek, T&T Supermarket, Uniqlo, Vessi, Walmart, Winners HomeSense, and Zara. For more information, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and Linkedin. #HolidaysatTheMet
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