Christmas Dinner in Vancouver — Restaurants & Buffets 2025 Guide
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Vancouver in 2025, consider yourself lucky — this city does the holidays beautifully. With twinkling lights wrapped around every tree, cosy restaurants filled with festive energy, and hotel buffets that look like they were designed for Instagram, Vancouver takes Christmas dinner seriously.
From romantic fine dining rooms and waterfront feasts to massive Christmas Day buffets loaded with seafood, roast turkey, and mountains of desserts, there’s something for every traveler and every budget. Pair that with outdoor markets, snowy mountain views, and holiday attractions you’ll find in guides like this helpful list of top Christmas activities in Vancouver, and you’re in for an unforgettable holiday trip.
Let’s dive into the very best Christmas dinners, buffets, and brunch experiences Vancouver has to offer for 2025 — plus costs, insider tips, itineraries, and everything you need to plan the perfect holiday feast.
Best Time to Visit Vancouver for Christmas Dining
Vancouver is festive all December long, but for Christmas dining — especially the big buffets and set menus — the sweet spot is:
📅 December 1st to December 31st
Here’s why:
- Restaurants release holiday menus the first week of December
- Peak décor, Christmas markets, and light displays
- Best reservation availability before mid-December
- Weather is cold but manageable (typically 2–7°C)
✔ Reservation Timeline
For Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, book 3–6 weeks ahead — especially at popular hotels like Fairmont or Westin.
Top Restaurants for Christmas Dinner in Vancouver 2025
Here are Vancouver’s top picks for a memorable Christmas dinner. All pricing is approximate and may vary.
1. Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Type: Christmas Eve & Day Prix Fixe
Estimated Price: $155–$195 per person (approx.)
Vibe: Modern, elegant, romantic
Botanist is one of Vancouver’s top fine-dining experiences — perfect if you want something refined and beautifully plated. Expect dishes like roasted sablefish, chestnut velouté, elevated turkey roulade, and stunning holiday desserts.
Ideal for couples and food-lovers who want a luxurious holiday meal.
Also Read: 50 Best Christmas Activities in Vancouver (2025 Guide)
2. H2 Kitchen + Bar at The Westin Bayshore
Type: Christmas Day Buffet & Brunch
Estimated Price: $110–$150 (approx.)
Vibe: Casual luxury, family-friendly
H2’s Christmas buffet is known across Vancouver for being absolutely massive. Think seafood towers, carving stations, house-made pastries, roasted vegetables, and one of the best dessert sections in the city.
The waterfront setting adds bonus festive warmth.
3. Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Type: Christmas Eve & Day Set Menu
Estimated Price: $135–$175 (approx.)
Vibe: Grand, historic, festive
Located inside the iconic “Castle in the City,” Notch8 combines holiday elegance with classic comfort. Expect slow-roasted turkey, silky soups, maple-glazed ham, and indulgent desserts.
Perfect if you want that storybook Christmas dinner vibe.
4. ARC Restaurant at Fairmont Waterfront
Type: Christmas Brunch & Buffet
Estimated Price: $125–$160 (approx.)
Vibe: Chic, bright, waterfront
ARC’s holiday buffets impress every year — BC seafood, charcuterie, carving stations, plant-forward dishes, and a jaw-dropping dessert island.
A great option for groups.
5. Homer St. Cafe & Bar
Type: Holiday Prix Fixe
Estimated Price: $65–$95 (approx.)
Vibe: Cozy, rustic, intimate
Famous for their rotisserie chicken, Homer St. Cafe is a warm, charming pick for travelers who want a festive meal without hotel-level pricing.
6. Glowbal
Type: Christmas Dinner Menu
Estimated Price: $70–$120 (approx.)
Vibe: Trendy, stylish, lively
Glowbal shines during the holidays thanks to its décor, energy, and crowd-pleasing menus.
7. Seasons in the Park
Type: Christmas Eve & Day Dinner
Estimated Price: $60–$100 (approx.)
Vibe: Scenic, romantic
Set in Queen Elizabeth Park, it offers fantastic skyline views paired with comforting Christmas classics.
Best Christmas Buffets in Vancouver 2025
1. Tuc Craft Kitchen
Price: ~$65–$95
Rustic comfort dishes and festive flavors.
2. River Rock Casino Resort Buffet
Price: ~$50–$70
Affordable, casual, tons of variety.
3. Pinnacle Harbourfront (P2B Bistro) Buffet
Price: ~$75–$105
Great waterfront views and better availability than the Fairmonts.
Pricing is approximate and may vary.
Christmas Brunch in Vancouver 2025
Luxury Brunch Options
- Fairmont Pacific Rim
- Hotel Georgia
- Fairmont Waterfront
Estimated Price: $95–$150 (approx.)
Family-Friendly Brunch
- Westin Bayshore
- Pinnacle Harbourfront
Casual Favorites (non-holiday menus)
- Jam Café
- OEB Breakfast Co.
Top Christmas Attractions in Vancouver
✨ Must-See Holiday Experiences
- Vancouver Christmas Market — mulled wine + live music
- Canyon Lights at Capilano Bridge — magical forest lights
- VanDusen Festival of Lights — huge botanical display
- Stanley Park Bright Nights
- Robson Square ice skating
- Gastown Christmas ambience
For even more ideas, check out this wonderfully detailed guide to the 50 best Christmas activities in Vancouver — perfect for building your festive itinerary.
Travel Costs in Vancouver (Holiday Season)
Daily budgets per person (approximate):
- Budget: $80–$120
- Mid-range: $150–$250
- Luxury: $300+
Christmas Meal Pricing
- Casual dinners: $40–$60
- Mid-range prix fixe: $65–$95
- Hotel prix fixe: $110–$180
- Buffets: $90–$150
Pricing is approximate and may vary.
How to Get Around Vancouver
- SkyTrain: Fastest for downtown + airport
- Bus system: Reliable but expect holiday schedule shifts
- Rideshare/taxis: Easy for nights or when it’s raining
- Walking: Downtown is compact
- Driving: Holiday parking is tight — avoid if possible
Safety Tips for Christmas Travelers
- Keep valuables close in markets
- Expect slippery streets after rain or frost
- Reserve meals early — walk-ins rarely available
- Dress in warm, waterproof layers
- Check transit schedule changes (Dec 24–26)
3-Day Christmas Itinerary for Vancouver
🎄 Day 1 — Downtown Holiday Magic
- Explore Robson Street
- Skate at Robson Square
- Christmas dinner at Botanist or Glowbal
🎄 Day 2 — Mountains & Lights
- Brunch on Granville Island
- Explore Stanley Park
- Night at Canyon Lights
🎄 Day 3 — Market + Buffet
- VanDusen Festival of Lights
- Wander the Vancouver Christmas Market
- Christmas buffet at H2 Kitchen
Travel Tips for Every Budget
💸 Budget
- Dine the week before Christmas for lower prices
- Opt for cafés or pubs with holiday specials
- Stay in Burnaby or Richmond to save on hotels
💼 Mid-Range
- Choose brunch instead of dinner
- Prix fixe menus offer best value
✨ Luxury
- Book hotel dining
- Choose waterfront luxury hotels
- Hire private transport for snowy evenings
Hidden Gems & Insider Tips
- Chambar — Belgian-Moroccan flavors with warm vibes
- Nuba (Gastown) — Lebanese comfort food
- Ask for Luigi — Italian plates (book early!)
- Cardero’s — Cozy waterfront dining
- Dockside Restaurant — Granville Island views
Final Thoughts
Spending Christmas in Vancouver feels like stepping into a glowing holiday postcard — snowy mountains, festive markets, sparkling lights, and some of the best Christmas dinners and buffets in Canada. Whether you’re dining in a luxury hotel, enjoying brunch by the water, or discovering a cosy neighborhood restaurant, you’ll find the perfect place to celebrate with loved ones.
Here’s to warm meals, bright lights, and a magical Christmas in Vancouver. Cheers — and happy feasting! 🎄✨
FAQ — Christmas Dinner in Vancouver 2025
1. How much does Christmas dinner cost in Vancouver?
Christmas dinners in Vancouver range from $40–$60 for casual restaurants to $110–$180 for upscale hotel dining. Buffets typically fall between $90–$150. Pricing is approximate and may vary depending on venue and menu.
2. Do restaurants in Vancouver serve Christmas dinner on December 25th?
Yes — many restaurants, especially hotel dining rooms, are open on Christmas Day in Vancouver. Popular spots like Fairmont, Westin Bayshore, and Pinnacle Harbourfront offer special menus or buffets. Early reservations are essential.
3. What are the best Christmas buffets in Vancouver?
H2 Kitchen + Bar, ARC at Fairmont Waterfront, and Pinnacle Harbourfront are the top choices for 2025. These buffets typically include roast turkey, seafood, pastries, and festive desserts.
4. What should I wear for Christmas dinner in Vancouver?
Most restaurants follow a smart-casual dress code. Vancouver’s winter is chilly (2–7°C), so warm layers and waterproof coats are recommended. For fine dining, dressier attire is welcome.
5. Do I need reservations for Christmas dinner in Vancouver?
Absolutely — especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Book 3–6 weeks in advance to secure a preferred time, as hotels and popular restaurants fill up very quickly.
6. Is Vancouver expensive during Christmas?
December is a peak travel period, so expect slightly higher prices for hotels and dining. Daily budgets range from $80–$120 for budget travelers to $300+ for luxury trips. Pricing is approximate and may vary.
7. Are there family-friendly Christmas dining options?
Yes — hotels like Westin Bayshore, Pinnacle Harbourfront, and Fairmont Waterfront offer family-friendly buffets with plenty of kid-approved dishes and relaxed ambience.
8. What are the best areas to stay for Christmas dinner access?
Downtown Vancouver, Coal Harbour, and Yaletown are the most convenient areas, offering easy access to restaurants and attractions. Staying downtown also eliminates parking headaches during holiday events.
9. Are vegetarian or vegan Christmas dinners available in Vancouver?
Most major restaurants now offer plant-based holiday dishes. ARC, Botanist, and Chambar typically include vegetarian and vegan-friendly options during festive menus.
10. What else can I do in Vancouver on Christmas Day?
Many holiday attractions — like Canyon Lights, the Vancouver Christmas Market, and VanDusen Festival of Lights — operate throughout December, though some may close on the 25th. Walking the seawall or exploring Coal Harbour is a great Christmas Day option.