When all of the traditional holiday prep — baking cookies, sending invitations, putting up decorations — is done, it’s time to enjoy a relaxing break at one (or more) of the best festive hotels in Canada. Whether you’re a local in need of a cozy staycation or a festive outing or an international traveler looking for that warm Canadian hospitality, these destinations offer the chance to embrace the magic of the season.
From coast to coast, the following hotels deliver pampering and sparkling holiday cheer in spades. Oceanfront getaways and urban escapes alike beckon with creature comforts and family-friendly amenities that elevate the most wonderful time of the year. Stylish seasonal cocktails, tree-lighting ceremonies, and joyful New Year’s Eve celebrations with family and friends are on the menu — along with much more.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Savor a Magical Holiday Getaway in Victoria
Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort truly dazzles when Victoria’s Inner Harbour twinkles with holiday lights. Each year, the hotel staff competes to craft the most beautifully decorated gingerbread house — and the results are on display for all to see. From DIY s’mores around the outdoor fire pit to wreath-making workshops with a local floral artist, delightful festivities abound. Why not sip hot apple cider in the lobby or delight pint-sized guests by enjoying breakfast with Santa Claus?
If you’re hungry for elevated holiday dining, check out WinterLURE. Each year when the temperatures drop, LURE Restaurant & Bar serves up a lavish six-course menu in heated outdoor domes for private celebrations. Play your favorite holiday tunes on a Bluetooth speaker while dining on locally inspired dishes like smoked beef tenderloin with confit potatoes and spruce-tip-infused crème brûlée.
Get Into the True Winter Spirit in Edmonton
Local hockey fans always hope to celebrate a Stanley Cup win at Rogers Place in Edmonton. While such a victory is never guaranteed, you can definitely celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at the nearby JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District.
After outdoor skating at the ICE District Plaza’s winter rink, which traditionally hosts special skates on December 24th and 25th, enjoy the holiday dinner at Braven, the hotel’s signature steakhouse. With the New Year countdown on, enjoy holiday-inspired cocktails and Champagne toasts in Alchemy Bar’s cozy setting. Following a home game at Rogers Place, the plaza shifts from its seasonal rink to a lively event space for the New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with live music, entertainment, and a vibrant downtown countdown just outside the hotel.
Seeking classic Christmas traditions and a quieter holiday atmosphere? The Westin Edmonton offers a blissful retreat beside Sir Winston Churchill Square. The hotel’s long-running Christmas Day Brunch is a local favorite, featuring family-friendly activities that add to the joy of the day. Throughout the season, The Westin also carries on its annual Cake for Good initiative, selling house-made Christmas cakes and donating the proceeds to a local food bank.
Guests staying at The Westin through New Year’s Eve can enjoy a multi-course dinner with live entertainment before choosing how to welcome the new year. Step directly into the square for the downtown countdown or enjoy viewing fireworks from the Crown Suite on the 20th floor.
Enjoy Festive Family Fun in the Heart of Toronto
Among Canada’s family-friendly holiday hotels, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel is a true standout. Laden with classic Christmas decor, this downtown Toronto property goes all out for the holidays. Stay in the Santa Suite, dig into breakfast with Santa, and send letters to the North Pole. You can even take photos of your pet with the jolly old fellow.
When your family isn’t looping around the beloved Nathan Phillips Square ice-skating rink, you can have a relaxing swim in the hotel’s heated indoor-outdoor pool. This holiday getaway is all about making memories that last a lifetime.
Rediscover the Magic of Christmas in Regina
In Canada’s heartland, folks cherish the rich history of Christmas. The spirit of the season is very much alive in Regina at The Hotel Saskatchewan, Autograph Collection, a local icon housed in a stately landmark building dating back to 1927.
With carolers, hot chocolate, and a Christmas market with local merchants, the hotel’s tree-lighting ceremony sets a joyous tone for the season. Do your little ones have a special request for Santa? Drop that letter in the hotel’s gleaming vintage mailbox. Plus, you can hone your festive skills at hands-on holiday workshops, including wreath designing and wood-wick candle making.
Enjoy the Holidays in Spectacular Style in Vancouver
Among holiday hotel destinations in Canada, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver enjoys a truly spectacular natural setting. Facing Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains, this upscale hotel excels at seasonal staycations.
At H Tasting Lounge, connoisseurs can indulge in Festive Afternoon Tea, sip from the 12 Cocktails of Christmas drink menu, or devour a Christmas brunch buffet with Santa. For otherworldly private dining, book an illuminated heated Winterlust dome on the lounge’s patio.
Pickleball, classic arcade games, and all sorts of all-ages fun await in the LEVEL UP pop-up games room at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. For generous-hearted guests looking to share the holiday spirit, The Giving Tree, the hotel’s annual collaboration with Ronald McDonald House, offers the chance to sponsor Christmas gifts for a local family in need.
Meanwhile, Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel is an official hotel partner for the Vancouver Christmas Market, situated just a couple of blocks away. Book the Vancouver Christmas Market Package, which includes two tickets to the market and overnight parking. The festive fun continues at the hotel with photos in front of a themed backdrop and a visit from Holly and Jolly, the gingerbread-cookie mascots of the market.
And don’t miss the holiday lunch buffet with roast turkey, cauliflower steak, brioche stuffing, and more at Showcase Restaurant & Bar, located at Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel.
Unwind for the holidays with retro games at W Montreal. (Photo: Marriott International)
Celebrate Good Times Past and Future in Montreal
Feeling sentimental during “Auld Lang Syne” each New Year’s Eve? Festive celebrations with nostalgic touches at the luxurious W Montreal might be just the ticket. The hotel has something for every kind of reveler. Dance the night away with holiday cocktails at live DJ events at Vinyl Bar, which owns some 3,000 vinyl records. Or test your skill at old-school video games on vintage consoles at the Retro Gaming Box.
Whether sampling a festive New Year’s Eve menu with Mediterranean flavors at the on-site Tbsp. restaurant or jamming to house music in the Living Room, you can look forward to new milestones while partying like you did back in the day.
Find Your Festive Bliss with Christmas in Calgary
Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel celebrates local history and culture throughout the Christmas season. Start your evening with a decadent dinner at ONE18 EMPIRE, where inventive sharing plates are accompanied by a selection of more than 300 fine whiskeys. On Friday and Saturday nights, head downstairs to FANTÔME, a secretive speakeasy inspired by the hotel’s history.
At Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown, you can decorate gingerbread houses and enjoy seasonal cuisine at Shoe and Canoe Public House.
Tempting though it may be to stay curled up in your supremely comfy hotel room, it’s worth bundling up and basking in Calgary’s seasonal glow. Amazing holiday lights displays, found everywhere from Stephen Avenue to the Calgary Zoo, are sure to leave your heart aglow.
Live It Up for the Holidays in Halifax
Christmas spirit is everywhere at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Warm up around fire pits on the Merry & Bright Patio with twinkling lights galore. There’s gently spiced mulled wine for the grown-ups and the hotel’s housemade, extra-rich hot chocolate for the whole family, not to mention ocean views for days. There’s plenty of fun for the kids, from face painting and reindeer games to encounters with Santa and the Grinch and the Evergreen Express mini train.
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