{This post is shared with you in partnership with Metropolis at Metrotown. All Santa love is our own!}
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of sleigh bells and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It’s only 5 Fridays until Christmas and I’m already kicking off the season with a stop to visit our favourite man in red – Santa! This is our 4th year visiting Santa at Metropolis at Metrotown and we’re going to share why + how Metropolis can help you shop a little more stress-free this holiday season.
SANTA PHOTOS //
We’re going on our 5th year visiting Santa at Metropolis at Metrotown and each year, we’re encouraged to return by the amazing display and of course – the fact the photos are by donation and benefit the Burnaby Christmas Bureau. For a suggested donation of a minimum of $4 per photo, families can receive a beautiful digital copy of their photo to share far and wide or print to share with family and friends. Their displays are one of my favourites and have a certain… Frozen-esque vibe to the beautiful blue decor. Metroplis at Metrotown knows that lines can be hard for littles, so they’ve done their best to help alleviate some of the strain by handing out letters that kids can write to Santa and mail all in the same spot, some fun maze and activities and once you are in the queue, there are fun interactive games to play.
Since this isn’t our first Santa rodeo at Metropolis, it’s important to note that the longer you wait to see Santa during the holiday season the longer you are going to wait. He’s a popular guy afterall! To avoid long wait times, you are encouraged to visit early in the season (think November!) or during non-peak times. Early in the morning on a weekday, or be there for opening on the weekend. The Santa team is pretty quick at keeping the line flowing and helping get that magical shot, so you’ll be set either way.
Metropolis at Metrotown Santa’s availability is as follows:
November 15 – December 18
Monday – Saturday
11 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm
Sunday
11 am – 2 pm, 3 pm – 6 pm
December 19 – December 24*
11am – 1pm, 2 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm
Christmas Eve (December 24): 11 am – 1 pm , 2 pm – 5 pm
*Photos with Santa closes at 5 pm on Christmas Eve.
THAT HARD TO SHOP FOR PERSON //
Chances are you’ll probably do some shopping while you’re at the mall for photos, right? Don’t forget to check out the pre-Black Friday sales happening around the mall! Not sure what that special someone on your list may like? You may want to pick up the new Metropolis at Metrotown gift card, it’s redeemable all over Canada at 22 Ivanhoe Cambridge shopping centers (full list here). See the full list of 360 participating Metropolis at Metrotown merchants on metropolisatmetrotown.com. You can grab yours at Guest Services, at any of the dedicated gift card kiosks throughout the mall or, online if you don’t want to get out of your comfy pants.
I’m the worst when it comes to giving my friends and family a Christmas list, so this is right up my alley! I would love to receive a gift card that I can wander the mall for an afternoon enjoying.
GIFT WRAPPING //
If you do happen to find some must-have gifts around the mall on your adventures, you don’t want to risk them being seen when you get home! Enjoy Gift Wrap Services provided by the Burnaby Neighbourhood House and MS Society of BC/Yukon. Guests can enjoy gift wrapping services by donation starting November 29 to December 24. All proceeds will go back to the charities. Gift wrap booths are located in front of The Disney Store on the Ground Level, and in front of Plenty on the Upper Level. This is a great opportunity to be able to hide that special gift right under the tree (or am I just mean like that?)
YOUR SPECIAL TEXT HELPER //
Have you ever stood in front of the map at the mall looking confused? Or wandering around in a circle lost? Just me? Ok. Returning this year is the Text Guest Services program at Metropolis at Metrotown. Shoppers can receive information about planning their trip to the mall including hours, parking, stroller information and more. While you’re in the mall, you can text guest services for information on where a store is located, where to find family services and any other assistance you need in the mall. Save the number 604-359-9111 in your phone just in case! This service is available during mall hours.
EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS //
The holidays are busy, we get it! Metropolis at Metrotown holiday extended holiday hours are starting soon to help you finish off the last bit of your shopping so you can enjoy more time with the family (or more time at the mall, whichever you prefer!) Metropolis offers extended holiday hours from December 1 straight through until Christmas Eve as follows:
o November 29: 8:00am – 10:00pm
o December 1 – 18: 10:00am – 9:00pm – Daily (Expect Sundays: 10:00am – 7:00pm)
o December 19 – 23: 10:00am – 10:00pm – Moonlight Madness
o December 24: 10:00am – 6:00pm
o December 26: 8:00am – 10:00pm
And hey, don’t forget that Santa just isn’t for the kids… Mumfection and I always have fun getting our photos taken each year as well! Don’t forget that both Santa photos and gift wrapping services are by donation and directly benefit the most needy in your community. Please give generously if you are able and help grant some Christmas wishes for some deserving families. Happy holidays!
