Some say there is a "War on Christmas." Just ask anyone who has been "offended" by some of Starbucks' holiday cups in the last few years, or those who growl back "Merry Christmas" insistently at your more inclusive "Happy Holidays" greeting.
Vancouver at Christmas/Shutterstock
But the fact is, not everyone celebrates Christmas. No Santa, no trees, no baby in a manger, no turkey or ham on the loaded table. That's the norm for many, many people who find themselves in Vancouver on and around Dec. 25.
Granted, it's hard to avoid the Christmas-themed window displays, decorated homes and shops, and trees, and odds are pretty high you're going to hear "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," at some point that day. However, all hope isn't lost. There are many things to do in and around Vancouver on Dec. 25 that aren't Christmas-specific.
If you don't have other plans to get together with friends or family on Christmas Day in Vancouver and are looking to get out and about--but not get too deep into the holiday's religious or secular traditions--here are some ideas of what to do.
Have a Japanese Christmas...and eat Fried Chicken
KFC Japan’s Christmas promotion (KFC Japan)
Christmas Day in Japan is focused on kindness, togetherness, exchanging small gifts, decorating with lights, and KFC. Yep. KFC. Households across Japan mark Christmas with a feast of finger lickin' good KFC. This isn't exactly the norm around here on a day when plenty of people are tucking into roast turkey with all the trimmings, so you'll be avoiding a Vancouver Christmas norm by taking a page from Japan's holiday playbook.
Locally, standalone KFC locations may be open on Dec. 25 (those in malls, however, will not be). Check with your local one, hit up another fried chicken fast food chain, or head to an indie spot like Richmond's LA Chicken or Hi Five (in Burnaby and Vancouver), which are open Dec. 24-25.
Get Outside
Walking on a chilly day in Vancouver/Shutterstock
Load up your smartphone with some podcast episodes or tunes, or grab a friend or sweetie, and take a walk. Weather permitting, explore a trail or the seawall, enjoy a public park, or stroll the empty city sidewalks (sure, they're "dressed in holiday style" but they ask nothing of you.
Other outdoor activities include skiing or snowboarding; local mountain resorts are open and offer plenty to see and do on Dec. 25. You can also go for an ice skate at Robson Square, or sign up to do the Christmas Day Run.
"Jewish Christmas"
Dim Sum/Shutterstock
You don't need to be Jewish to enjoy what's been lightheartedly referred to as "Jewish Christmas" for years: Chinese food and a movie. The majority of Chinese restaurants will be open on Dec. 25, and there are tons of movies out at major cinema chains to entice you for a day of good eats and entertainment.
See the holiday lights
The DuPlessis family home at 8222 Burnlake Dr (Photo courtesy DuPlessis family)
If your tolerance threshold for red and green and candy canes and inflatable Minions in Santa hats is high, you can always spend some time checking out the epic holiday-themed lights displays on homes across Metro Vancouver. Grab a thermos of hot chocolate and go for a stroll or a drive in your own area, or venture out to somewhere in the lower mainland you've never been to before.
Explore Marine Life at the Vancouver Aquarium
Photo: Vancouver Aquarium
Yes, the Vancouver Aquarium is open on Christmas Day! They'll still have some of their holiday Sea of Lights displays and features up and running, but it's pretty easy to make a day of diving into this educational wonderland. Plus, it's a great way to also get yourself into Vancouver's always-enchanting Stanley Park for a little exploring.
Take a Shot
Taking a photo in Whytecliff Park/Shutterstock
With fewer crowds out and about, Christmas Day would be a great day to grab your iPhone or DSLR or point-and-shoot and capture the city through your own lens. Take yourself on a photo crawl through Vancouver.
Play the Odds
Casino/Shutterstock
Casinos don't ever want you to worry about what time of day it is, so it's pretty easy to ignore the world outside when those of legal age opt to spend some time and bucks at the slots and tables. Just have a clear exit strategy and know your limits.
Lend a Helping Hand
Brown bag/Shutterstock
While volunteering on Christmas Day is often something you'd need to arrange for far in advance, and possibly go through some training for first. But if you're looking to do some good, there are a few things you can still do. You can organize a sandwich or burrito-making session with friends, then put together meal bags to hand out to people on the street. Or you can hand out other necessities like feminine hygiene products, warm socks, blankets, protein bars, or dog food (for those with canine companions) in areas with homeless populations. But you can also start at home by clearing out your closets and getting stuff ready to donate, or research some organizations you'd like to volunteer with in the new year.
Get a room
Hotel Vancouver, 1917. Photo: Vancouver Archives Item: CVA 677-21
Enjoy a staycation in a Vancouver hotel. Use a last-minute booking app or see if there's a vacancy at a place on your bucket list and treat yourself to a night away from home. If you're feeling fancy, it can be a day of lounging around in your hotel robe, bubble baths, and room service. Treat yourself, it's Chri--uh, it's YOUR day.
Hit the road
Driving on the highway in BC/Shutterstock
Lastly, you can opt to ditch Vancouver for a few hours or even days. Satisfy your wanderlust with a drive or full-on road trip. Check with Drive BC to make sure you aren't rolling up into dangerous wintery conditions if you're not prepared to take them on, and be sure to pack your patience for border crossing waits or BC Ferries delays. You'll encounter the same type of Christmas Day closures wherever the road takes you, but a giving yourself a change of scenery can be a great way to spend the big holiday.
Want to know what's open in Vancouver on Christmas Day this year? Check out this helpful list.
