Chestnut-warming nostalgia is the foundation of the festive season for many of us. From decorating the tree with those handmade snowmen your kids crafted 10 years ago to indulging in far too many shortbread cookies as soon as November rolls around. 

 

And then there are the favourite experiences we always do with friends and family––the ones that mean the holidays are finally here and it’s totally okay to wear that tinsel-covered sweater that’s been hibernating in your bottom drawer all year. For me, these merry must-dos include giggling like a giddy elf at a local panto and snapping fuzzy selfies at sparkling light displays.

 

But in recent years, we’ve realized that the secret to keeping Christmas fun is to combine our traditions with one or two new-to-us activities. It’s a great way to discover something different––while also finding fresh memory-making moments every December.

 

Taxiing for takeoff

 

Our “newest” Christmas activity is a magical downtown experience many in-the-know locals already embrace during the holidays––especially those who love Canada, enjoy gentle thrill-rides and really dig the idea of seeing Santa and his cheeky, chirpy band of pointy-eared helpers in their North Pole home.

 

Located at Canada Place, Flyover has been wowing year-round visitors looking for great activities in the city 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 (which is always a good idea during Vancouver’s chilly season).

 

Inflight entertainment

 

Your Soar with Santa experience starts in a darkened room that’s 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 all about the highly unusual journey you’re about to take.

 

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 moving for us Canadians than gliding through the visual hotspots of our incredible country––while looking down (and waggling your legs) over our iconic sites and scenery.

 

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 local viewers like us. 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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Festive encore

 

Except it isn't actually the finale. Flyover’s Soar with Santa experience comes with a gaggle of elfish supporting characters who pop-up 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 even spot Santa’s sleigh swooping ahead of you.

 

Within seconds, you’ll find yourself hovering over Kringle Werks, Santa’s snow-fringed, gingerbread-smelling North Pole wonderland. You’ll see 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 a Flyover gift ticket that enables someone you love to take their own flight.

 

Next to the boutique is the Flying Whale Café, where you can fuel-up on seasonal specials such as peppermint mochas and gingerbread cookies. And on Saturdays and Sundays until December 21 (plus December 22 and 23) you can book a hearty Breakfast with Santa here––complete with buffet feast, a visit with the red-robed wonder and a souvenir photo to mark your magical trip to the North Pole and back.

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If you go:

 

Soar With Santa at Flyover runs until January 4, 2026. Tickets are available on the attraction’s website––book ahead for your preferred date and time. Regular tickets are from $29 for adults and from $19 for children aged 13 and under, with discounted rates for B.C. residents.

 

There are also a couple of other cool ways to save: accompanied kids (aged 13 and under) ride free Monday to Thursday and there’s also a special Vancouver Christmas Market Bundle ($40 for adults; $25 for those aged 17 and under) which combines admission to Flyover as well as the nearby Vancouver Christmas Market. Visit the Soar with Santa webpage for all the details.

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