Events

Gingerbread Lane Is Back to Sugar-Coat Your Downtown Errands

Wander through candy-covered creations at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver and support Make-A-Wish Canada while you’re at it.

By Kerri Donaldson /

If our holiday gift guide is any indication, ’tis officially the season. Like Mariah hitting the first breathy note of “All I Want for Christmas,” consider this your cue to feel suddenly, aggressively festive.

And what better way than an entire village made of cookies. Hyatt Regency Vancouver’s Gingerbread Lane returns for its 33rd year, filling the hotel’s Burrard Street lobby with wildly overachieving gingerbread creations in support of Make-A-Wish Canada. 

From November 27 to December 28, the lobby transforms into Canada’s longest-running gingerbread display, with intricate houses and edible streetscapes crafted by pro pastry chefs, amateur bakers, local schools and corporate teams.  Think clock towers made of cookies, sugar-glass windows and more candy architecture than your childhood self could have dreamed up. In busy years, more than 40,000 visitors wander through, so you will be in good company as you choose your favourite cookie-based dwelling.

Admission is free, which leaves more room in the budget for a donation to Make-A-Wish Canada. Look for tap-to-donate stations and QR codes throughout the display; last year the event raised tens of thousands of dollars to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. 

Perfect pre- or post-office stroll, easy kid outing, ideal “I am extremely festive now” Instagram moment. No assembly or royal icing required on your part.

Last year’s winner. Photo courtesy of gingerbreadlane.ca

The Deets

When: November 27 to December 28
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Cost: Free admission; donations to Make-A-Wish Canada encouraged
More Info: gingerbreadlane.ca

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson is an assistant editor for Vancouver magazine (and sister mag Western Living) and covers arts and culture, including VanMag’s So Fun City. She’s also a comedian and will proudly overthink almost everything for your benefit. Send her pitches or riff bits at [email protected]