Bells will be ringing at Metropolis at Metrotown! BC’s biggest shopping centre is welcoming the holiday season with new festivities, beloved traditions, and plenty of merry moments. As the Met marks 40 years of holiday memories, here are six ways to get into the spirit of the season:
1/ Santa Claus is coming to town – with a new early bird gift (November 12 to December 30)
A cherished tradition for local families, the Met’s Santa Experience returns with familiar faces. Meet Classic Santa, the jolly, rosy-cheeked Santa straight from a storybook; Global Santa, who celebrates the many ways the holidays are enjoyed around the world; and West Coast Santa, who captures the warm, rugged charm of the Pacific Northwest. And there’s one more visitor on the way: Tropical Santa will swing by December 27–30 during his post-holiday travels.
2/ Walking in a winter wonderland (November 12 to December 30)
Five dazzling installations throughout the Met set the scene for festive selfies and family portraits. Pose beside a massive bedazzled purse and heel, step into a nostalgic 40th anniversary display, and find more picture-perfect surprises along the Holiday Magic Photo Walk. At each stop, enter for a chance to win a $100 reward. The more stops you visit, the more chances to win!
3/ Do you hear what I hear? Santa’s telling stories! (December 6, 10am)
Little ones, gather round. Before the shops open, families are invited to settle in for a cozy morning of storytelling with Santa himself. This free holiday gathering requires advance reservations, available online.
4/ Rockin’ around the holiday tree (December 12, noon–2pm)
Get ready to jingle and mingle! Vancouver youth show choir ShowStoppers will lead a roving holiday dance party, inviting shoppers to sing and dance to familiar tunes. DJ Bfad and a saxophonist will add extra rhythm to the revelry.
5/ Fa-la-la-la-la! Live music fills the Met (December 4 to 19)
Let the sounds of the season put a spring in your shopping step. On Friday and Saturday late afternoon and evenings, local students and performers will fill the centre with festive melodies. Featured groups include Eh Capella, Holy Cross Regional High School, and Himig Kabataan Cultural Choir.
6/ It’s the most wonderful time to give
The spirit of giving shines bright at the Met, with plenty of ways to spread joy throughout the Burnaby community:
- Santa photos that give back: A portion of proceeds from every Santa photo will support the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, helping local families in need celebrate the holidays.
- Give a toy, get a treat: Donate a new toy or contribute $20 or more in cash to support the Burnaby Christmas Bureau and receive a $10 reward if you’re among the first 100 donors. In partnership with Burnaby Firefighters, the Toy Drive will support local families in need. Every participant will also receive an entry to win a $100 Metropolis at Metrotown reward.
- Wrapped with love: Let the Burnaby Neighbourhood House gift-wrap lounge handle the ribbons and bows, with all donations supporting the organization’s community programs.
- Joy in The Toy Room: In partnership with the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, the Met will once again host The Toy Room, where eligible families can select toys, books, and gifts for their children at no cost. Help fill the shelves with new, unwrapped toys at The Toy Room, located near Winners, from November 2 to December 15. Visit the Burnaby Christmas Bureau website for details and suggested donations.
“We’re delighted to welcome the holidays with a full calendar of returning traditions and new experiences, most of them completely free,” said Amanda Chung, Marketing Manager. “The holidays are about bringing people together, and we want everyone who visits the Met to feel part of that magic – whether they’re meeting Santa, enjoying a performance, or finding a way to give back.”
Holidays at the Met runs from November 12 to December 30. Metropolis at Metrotown offers free parking and easy SkyTrain access. Regular shopping hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am–9pm, and Sunday, 11am–7pm.
Special holiday hours are November 27 (8am–9pm), December 20 (10am–9pm), December 24 (10am–6pm), December 26 (8am–9pm), December 27 (10am–9pm), and December 31 (10am–6pm). The centre will be closed on Christmas Day.
To book a Santa visit or browse the holiday events calendar, visit www.metropolisatmetrotown.com
