The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by exploring the charm of Chilliwack's District 1881? From delightful drinks and shopping to enchanting train rides for the whole family, there's something for everyone in this winter wonderland.
We are so in love to have a holiday wonderland in our own backyard and we want to share our favourite things to do in District 1881 this holiday season. Let’s dive into the list, curated by our team.
Grab your favourite holiday drink
Start your holiday adventure by indulging in the warmth of the season with an egg nog latte. Or maybe a peppermint mocha? Or a hot cocoa? Options are many with our holiday menu! And with extended hours until 8pm, we’re here to warm you up into the night! Enjoy some time in the cafe, decked out with festive decorations, or head out on to your adventure!
Shop (local) ‘til you drop
Most of the shops in District 1881 are open until 8pm or later so you might even check a few things off your Christmas list while you’re visiting! Local favourites such as Spruce Collective and The Local Space have been joined by newcomers like Love Her Wild, Eco & Luxe and Magnolia & Oak. It’s a great shopping destination for locally crafted and curated goods.
Grab a slice of Roman-style pizza
For a taste of the extraordinary, head to Elevated Pizza for a mouthwatering slice of Roman-style pizza. It’s based on a focaccia crust and is baked in square pans for ultimate crispiness. The toppings vary, but all are to die for. Plus, you can grab tickets to the ferris wheel at Elevated Pizza and experience breathtaking views of Chilliwack and its surrounding mountains.
Capture memories with Santa (or Darth Vader!)
Bring the family and capture the magic of the season with photos with Santa, available by donation. If you're visiting on a Tuesday, swap the traditional Santa photo for a snapshot with Darth Vader, adding a unique and intergalactic twist to your holiday memories. No holiday outing is complete without a photo in front of a towering Christmas tree. Snap some insta-worthy shots in front of the impressive 40-foot Christmas tree, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.
All aboard the Christmas Train
Create lasting memories by taking the whole family on a festive ride aboard the Christmas train. Revel in the joyous atmosphere as you journey through the holiday-themed landscapes, spreading cheer to all aboard. It’s a big hit with the kiddos, but it’s also fun for all ages to enjoy. Feel like a kid again and revel in the holiday magic as you cruise around the cobblestone streets
Wine down at Fortitude Wine Bar
As the night unfolds, cap off your festive adventure with a touch of elegance at Fortitude Wine Bar. Unwind with a glass of wine in hand, savouring the flavours of the season in a sophisticated and cozy setting. Curated by their in-house sommelier, their wine list can stand its own against any wine bar in any major city in Canada. Chilliwack’s proximity to the Okanogan, Washington and Oregon gives us great access to incredible wines. You can even enjoy some local wine made by Whispering Horse, who grow their grapes and produce their wine a few minutes drive from District 1881 in the beautiful village of Yarrow. If wine isn’t your thing, District 1881 is also home to Fieldhouse Brewing and Bricklayer Brewing, two wonderful craft breweries.
Chilliwack's District 1881 is a holiday haven waiting to be explored. Whether you're enjoying festive drinks at Smoking Gun, riding the ferris wheel, or capturing memories with Santa, each activity adds a unique touch to your holiday experience. Embrace the magic of the season in this charming district and create memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to a joyous holiday season in Chilliwack!