Vancouver's restaurant scene transforms into something truly special each December.
The city's culinary talent combines with holiday spirit to create dining experiences that go far beyond a typical meal out. From historic mansions decked in twinkling lights to mountaintop restaurants with panoramic winter views, Vancouver offers remarkable options for celebrating the season.
I've spent nearly 20 years in this city, and I've experienced these restaurants with clients, colleagues, and my own family. I know which venues deliver exceptional experiences year after year, and which ones truly capture the magic of the season.
Here's your complete guide to Vancouver's holiday dining scene for 2025—organized by experience type, with real details to help you plan the perfect celebration.
Elegant Fine Dining: When the Occasion Calls for Something Special
Hart House Restaurant (Burnaby) - $98 per person, Christmas Eve & Day
Picture this: a beautifully preserved 1910 Tudor mansion overlooking Deer Lake, adorned with seasonal decorations and glowing with warmth. Hart House creates an enchanting setting for holiday celebrations with their three-course Christmas dinner featuring Fraser Valley turkey roulade, prime rib, or vegetarian Wellington. The combination of historic charm, lakeside scenery, and a cozy fireplace makes this a memorable choice for families and couples alike.
Reserve early via OpenTable—these Christmas seatings are popular for good reason, and they do require a credit card to secure your booking.
The Observatory at Grouse Mountain (North Vancouver) - Premium mountaintop experience
This is dining as a destination experience. You'll ride the scenic Skyride tram up to 4,000 feet during the Peak of Christmas festival when the entire mountain sparkles with lights. The Observatory serves refined Pacific Northwest cuisine—local seafood, game, and seasonal specialties—while you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of snow-dusted forests and city lights twinkling below.
It's perfect for impressing visiting family or celebrating a milestone occasion. Book through Grouse Mountain's website and plan to arrive early so you can explore the festive mountain attractions before dinner.
Seasons in the Park (Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver) - $72-$109 for holiday menus
Located at Vancouver's highest point, Seasons offers spectacular city and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Their holiday menus range from a $72 three-course option featuring turkey or prime rib to a $109 traditional Christmas Day feast. The elegant atmosphere, stunning views, and consistently excellent execution make this a favorite for holiday celebrations.
Reserve on OpenTable several weeks ahead—this popular venue fills up quickly during the festive season.
Restaurants That Embrace the Holiday Spirit
Some restaurants simply add a few decorations. These establishments fully commit to creating an immersive festive atmosphere:
Bacchus Restaurant (Downtown Vancouver) - Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
Bacchus embodies cozy holiday elegance. The sophisticated dining room features warm wood paneling, plush seating, twinkling lights, and a glowing fireplace. They offer a delightful "Nutcracker" Afternoon Tea throughout December with treats like peppermint mocha verrines and gingerbread cheesecake. In the evenings, enjoy live piano music alongside classic Continental cuisine and festive cocktails.
This is wonderful for a special date night or an upscale client dinner. Book via Tock, especially for the popular afternoon tea service.
Nammos Estiatorio (East Vancouver) - Greek hospitality meets holiday cheer
Nammos creates a joyful holiday atmosphere with life-sized nutcracker soldiers greeting you at the door and dining rooms decorated like a Christmas wonderland. The festive setting perfectly complements their warm, generous Greek cuisine—think platters of roast lamb, saganaki, and fresh-baked pita. The lively, celebratory energy makes this ideal for groups who want both atmosphere and an authentic feast.
Reserve via OpenTable, particularly for December weekends when the festive buzz is at its peak.
Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (Downtown) - Classic holiday tradition
The historic Fairmont transforms each December, with the lobby bar becoming "Kringle's"—a festive Christmas pop-up featuring bright lights, a life-size advent calendar, and creative seasonal cocktails including house-made eggnogs. Notch8 also hosts festive lunch buffets, an elegant Christmas Day dinner, and their beloved Holiday Afternoon Tea. The "Castle in the City" ambiance captures the timeless spirit of Vancouver's holiday traditions.
Reserve through OpenTable or the Fairmont website—the pop-up bar has limited capacity, so planning ahead ensures you don't miss out.
Unique Experiences You'll Remember for Years
H Tasting Lounge "Winterlust" Domes (Coal Harbour, Vancouver) - Four-course festive tasting
This is Vancouver holiday dining at its most creative. Private heated geodesic domes on the waterfront patio create intimate "snow globe" dining spaces adorned with fairy lights and cozy décor. The four-course festive tasting menu showcases seasonal favorites like burrata salad, slow-roasted turkey, and decadent Yule log dessert—all while you enjoy harbour views and the occasional magical touch of their snow machine effect.
It's romantic, memorable, and surprisingly cozy despite the outdoor setting. Reserve immediately via Tock or their website—the limited number of domes books solid throughout the season.
PoMo Express Holiday Train Dining (Port Moody) - Vintage rail car dinner
Step back in time aboard a beautifully decorated 1920s rail car for an intimate dinner experience. Only 32 seats are available in this vintage 1921 Venosta car, where notable local chefs prepare multi-course gourmet menus and Christmas-themed cocktails like "Blitzen's Nog" flow freely. The antique fixtures, holiday garlands, and nostalgic atmosphere create a truly unique celebration.
Reservations are released in November through the PoMo Museum's website and typically sell out within days—this special experience draws holiday enthusiasts from across Metro Vancouver.
Shaughnessy Restaurant at VanDusen (Vancouver) - Dining among the lights
Located within VanDusen Botanical Garden, Shaughnessy offers a special Festival of Lights dinner menu featuring seasonal West Coast cuisine like BC steelhead and braised lamb shank. The magic happens when you look through the floor-to-ceiling windows at thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the winter gardens outside.
This makes for a complete evening—enjoy dinner, then stroll through the spectacular light displays. Reserve via OpenTable early, as many guests coordinate their light display tickets with dinner reservations.
Perfect for Groups and Gatherings
Dynasty Seafood Restaurant (Vancouver) - $898-$1,498 banquet packages for 8-10 people
Dynasty excels at creating memorable banquet experiences for larger groups. Their special holiday set menus feature elaborate multi-course feasts with dishes like whole crispy chicken, lobster, Peking duck, and more—all served communally on large round tables with lazy Susans. The award-winning Cantonese restaurant is also open on Christmas Day, making it a wonderful option for families who want to celebrate without cooking.
Call ahead to discuss your group's preferences and secure a table—private rooms are available if you book early.
Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse - $45 per person shared holiday buffet
For a relaxed, affordable group celebration, Burnaby Mountain Clubhouse hosts shared holiday buffets on select December dates. For just $45 per person, enjoy classic holiday favorites—roasted turkey, honey-orange glazed ham, herb stuffing, seasonal vegetables, and desserts—in a festive decorated dining hall. Groups of up to 12 sit at their own table while enjoying the communal holiday atmosphere.
Email to reserve your preferred date—these friendly, budget-conscious gatherings are popular with office parties and clubs throughout December.
Saint St. Grill (Port Moody) - Accommodates up to 90 guests for private events
This charming modern European bistro specializes in creating wonderful holiday party experiences. The warm old-world atmosphere is enhanced with twinkling lights and Christmas garlands, and their experienced team can tailor menus from multi-course plated dinners to cocktail canapés. They handle all the details with professional care, allowing your group to simply enjoy the celebration.
For impressive group celebrations in the Tri-Cities or Burnaby area, call well in advance to discuss your vision and secure your preferred date.
Making the Most of Your Holiday Dining Experience
Vancouver's holiday restaurant scene offers something wonderful for every occasion and budget. Here's how to ensure you have a fantastic experience:
Reserve Early, Celebrate Stress-Free - The most sought-after restaurants and special events book weeks in advance. Planning ahead gives you the best selection of dates and times, and ensures you're not scrambling last-minute.
Choose the Right Venue for Your Celebration - Consider what would make your gathering special. Romantic dinner for two? The Winterlust domes or Observatory offer magic and views. Large family gathering? Dynasty or Burnaby Mountain provide great group experiences. Impressive client dinner? Bacchus or Hart House deliver sophistication and charm.
Understand What's Included - Some venues require credit card deposits, have minimum spends, or need additional admission (like Grouse Mountain). Knowing the complete picture helps you plan your budget and timing appropriately.
Embrace the Experience - Holiday dining in Vancouver isn't just about the food—it's about the atmosphere, the views, the seasonal touches, and the memories you create. Come ready to enjoy the full experience these talented restaurateurs have crafted for you.
The Vancouver Advantage
What makes Vancouver's holiday dining scene special is how our restaurants embrace both celebration and the stunning natural setting. Where else can you dine in a heated dome overlooking the harbour, feast on a mountaintop surrounded by alpine lights, or enjoy dinner while gazing at thousands of lights twinkling through a botanical garden?
Our culinary community takes pride in creating experiences that honor the season while showcasing the incredible local ingredients and diverse cultural influences that make Vancouver's food scene so dynamic.
Whether you're a longtime resident planning your annual traditions or new to the city and discovering what makes Vancouver special during the holidays, these restaurants offer wonderful ways to celebrate the season.
About Roland Kym
Roland Kym brings nearly two decades of experience in the Vancouver real-estate market to his work.. Having completed over 1,000 transactions, Roland has developed a streamlined system dedicated to helping professionals, families and first-time homebuyers.
He knows the region inside and out—from neighbourhoods and school zones to market trends and cross-border considerations. His approach is not about selling dreams, but delivering results.