With our FdV NOEL show in full swing in Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto until Sunday, it's time to focus on our launch today in Vancouver.

From December 5 to 14, Downtown Vancouver will break into bloom as the seventh annual Fleurs de Villes NOËL floral trail unfurls across the city. This year’s theme, The Twelve Days of Christmas, gives the beloved carol a vivid new dimension, turning familiar verses into living, fragrant scenes shaped by the artistry of fifteen of Greater Vancouver’s top floral talents. Thirty installations – couture mannequins included – will brighten the city’s favourite shopping streets, in this joyful seasonal promenade.

Visitors can collect a printed map from the Concierge Desk at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or download one online, then set off at their own pace on this entirely free, self-guided holiday trail. Every stop offers its own flourish: lush storefronts, imaginative sculptural pieces, and visual winks to the song’s escalating gift-giving extravagance – from turtle doves to drummers, all reimagined in full bloom.

Robson Street becomes a particularly lively corridor this year. Oversized JOY letters erupt with colour, angel wings shimmer invitingly for snap-happy passersby, and a sleigh extends a playful invitation. Over on Alberni Street, Thierry pâtisserie adds edible temptation mere steps from a bright red phone booth – an irreverent nod to “five calling birds” – and welcomes guests with festive floral lollipops. Other immersive and festive experience that are perfect for photo ops include a reflective holiday scene at CF Waterfront and the toboggans suspended over the “fountain mountain” as part of a Le Chalet theme at Bentall Centre.

On December 6 and 14, downtown turns downright jubilant during “Holidays on Robson,” when carollers, a Santa letter-writing workshop, and plenty of culinary temptations animate the strip from mid-afternoon onward. Shoppers looking for a little holiday serendipity will find it at Blue Ruby, where the first 25 customers who spend $100 on opening day receive a complimentary floral bouquet. Two shoppers will also walk away with $250 gift cards simply by scanning a QR code in-store – a small thrill with sizeable sparkle.

Those in need of warming up can duck into one of three participating Hornby Street cafés – Caffè Artigiano, Bellaggio Café, and Faubourg Paris – each transformed into a serene winter woodland through frosted greenery and white blooms. Meanwhile, the Glowbal Group leans into the season with bespoke NOËL cocktails at Black + Blue, Coast, and Riley’s, adding a celebratory stop.

A touch of theatrical whimsy awaits at Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni, where “Six Geese a-Laying” becomes an elegant “Discover the Golden Egg” experience, debuting during the hotel’s annual tree-lighting on December 5. One lucky visitor will leave with an actual Golden Egg – a free overnight stay for a relaxing downtown staycation.

Behind the scenes, industry professionals will judge the installations, awarding trophies to florists during a VIP ceremony on opening day. But public opinion matters just as much: visitors can cast a vote in the Fan Favourite category and share their own moments of delight by tagging #NOELVancouver on Instagram for a chance to win a lavish $250 holiday bouquet.

Fleurs de Villes NOËL has become woven into the rhythm of Vancouver’s holiday season, cherished for its creativity, accessibility, and irrepressible sense of wonder. 

Download the Fleurs de Villes NOËL Map and enjoy our holiday gift to you.