Heartwarming nostalgia is the icing on the cake for many of us during the holiday season. From decorating the tree with handmade stars your kids crafted 10 years ago to nibbling on those sugar-dusted shortbread cookies that miraculously appear at every gathering from November onwards.

 

And then there are the beloved experiences we always do with friends and family––the ones that mean the holidays have finally arrived and it’s okay to proudly wear your sparkliest sweater. For me, these annual must-dos include laughing like a giddy elf at a local panto and snapping fuzzy selfies at our favourite light displays.

 

But a few years ago, we realized that the secret to keeping Christmas fresh every year is to combine our regular traditions with one or two new-to-us festive activities. It’s a great way to try something different––and also discover some new memory-making moments you and your loved ones can look forward to every December.

 

Ready for takeoff

 

Our “newest” holiday happening is a magical downtown experience many in-the-know locals already embrace during the Christmas season––especially those who love Canada, enjoy gentle thrill-rides and revel in the the idea of seeing Santa and his cheeky band of pointy-eared helpers at the North Pole.

 

Located at shoreline Canada Place, Flyover is one of the city's top attractions and has been wowing year-round visitors looking for great activities in Vancouver for more than a decade. But at this time of year, it transforms into the sparkling Soar with Santa––a unique holiday experience for families, couples and groups craving a fun indoor activity to enjoy whatever Vancouver’s winter weather might throw at us.

 

Inflight entertainment

 

Your Soar with Santa experience starts with a pre-show in a darkened room decorated with a twinkling diorama of snowdrifts and softly falling flakes. Mischievous little elves peek from ice-laden trees and the antlers of dewy-eyed reindeers before two of their most friendly representatives––Pinecone and Chestnut––appear onscreen to tell you more about the unusual journey you’re about to embark on.

 

A few minutes later, you’re ushered into your seat and you buckle up for your “flight.” If you haven’t been to Flyover before, there is nothing more stirring for us Canadians than the feeling of rising and gliding over our amazing country while looking down (and waggling your legs) over landmark sites and majestic landscapes.

 

You’ll see everything from Toronto’s big city lights to the sawtooth peaks and roiling rivers of the Rockies. Rushing breezes and fresh cloud sprays add to the fun––especially when you zoom over Niagara Falls. And then there’s British Columbia, a dramatic, gem-like coastal beauty that brings a little lump to the throat of many viewers. The finale? You’ll float up above the clouds for a face-to-face encounter with the gently twirling Northern Lights.  

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Holiday encore

 

Except it isn't actually the finale. The Soar With Santa experience comes with a full serving of naughty elfish extras dotted throughout your cross-Canada jaunt like dancing (or hang gliding) sugarplums. And if you keep your eyes fully open during the Northern Lights segment, you’ll suddenly spot Santa’s sleigh swooping ahead of you.

 

Within seconds, you’ll be hovering over Kringle Werks, Santa’s snow-fringed, gingerbread-smelling North Pole wonderland. Feast your eyes on the gable-roofed workshops, waving elfish locals and even a family of snow-sliding polar bears having their own Christmastime party. It’s an ending that triggers lots of hearty holiday cheers from all your fellow riders.

 

Holly jolly add-ons

 

After “landing” back in Vancouver, check out Flyover’s boutique, with its well-curated array of gift ideas––we especially like the Native Northwest items here, including teacups and water bottles adorned with stylized, Indigenous-designed orcas, bears and hummingbirds. Looking for more pressie suggestions? Consider Flyover gift tickets that enable those you love to take their own flight. Tip: purchase gift tickets during Black Friday at a reduced rate of $20 per adult and $10 per child (limit of 14 tickets per guest, available online and at the attraction between November 25 and December 2.).

 

Next to the gift shop is the cozy Flying Whale Café, where you can fuel-up on seasonal specials such as peppermint mochas, gingerbread cookies and more. And on Saturdays and Sundays until December 22, you can also book a hearty Breakfast with Santa experience here––complete with a buffet breakfast, a visit with the Jolly Old Man himself and a souvenir photo to remember the day.

 

While you’re in this part of town, consider also planning a full festive day out––and saving money at the same time. For 2024, Flyover and the Vancouver Christmas Market (a short shoreline stroll away) have partnered on a special joint ticket covering same-day admission to both attractions. Priced at just $40 for adults and $25 for children aged 17 and under, it’s available online until December 24. It's one of several special deals available here this year—see below for more.

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If you go:

 

Soar With Santa at Flyover runs until January 1, 2025. Tickets are available on the attraction’s website––book ahead for the best rates and your preferred date and time. Regular tickets start at $29 for adults and $19 for children, with special Locals’ Rates available for B.C. residents. New this year, children aged 13 and under can also ride for free between Mondays and Thursdays (until December 19; excluding November 28), when accompanied by an adult with a regular-priced ticket.

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