Vancouver shops for Christmas ornaments and decorations
Brought out as they are only once a year, Christmas decorations are inherently nostalgic, each bringing with it a story of its origin and proudly displayed on a table or tree. Keep adding to this history and ritual with a few new ornaments a year — here are great places to get you started. [Image of The Cross courtesy of Jessica Napier]
The Cross Décor & Design
1198 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2X6From precious little cupcake ornaments to classic snow globes and frosted trees under glass domes, you can tell that the women behind The Cross are excited about the holiday. With a life-sized frosted tree in the store’s window, you can pick and choose from a huge variety of ornaments and see just how they’ll hang on your tree at home. They also sell tabletop decorations and a small selection of wreaths and, of course gifts for under that beautifully trimmed tree.
Paper-Ya
9-1666 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2This coveted little stationery shop at the Net Loft on Granville Island is bursting at the seams both with people and gorgeous paper goods, pens, stamps and other accessories. At this time of year, they also carry a small but fun collection of tree ornaments both cute (plush owls), classy (glass orbs) and kitschy (the Griswold’s stationwagon topped with a tree from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation). All perfect little additions to your holiday home.
Attic Treasures
944 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7Known for its mid-century modern furniture and ‘70s-style artwork and glass sculptures, it may come as no surprise that come December, this Commercial Drive vintage store also carries an impressive collection of beautifully intact retro Christmas ornaments. Straight from the Shiny-Brite boxes once tucked away in our grandparents’ attics, these blown-glass beauties will add a ‘50s flair to your holiday decor.
Nineteen Ten Boutique
4366 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9Every gorgeous home decor item at this South Main boutique is a covet-worthy piece with a modern-vintage vibe. Their selection of Christmas ornaments this time of year are no exception. High quality, precious little items, still with a touch of quirkiness and always unique. As you’re picking up some tree trimmings, you’ll be sure to find a few last-minute gifts for those hard-to-buy-for loved ones on your list.
CB2
1277 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C2Funky and eclectic, you can leave traditional notions of Christmas at the door as you enter the fun, modern world of CB2. Disco-ball-style gnomes and sleek, metallic tree figurines for the table are displayed alongside nut-crackers disguised as astronauts and adorable wooden penguins. On the ornament side, leather and felt cut-outs are charming and homey while frosted glass balls are modern in of-the-moment pastel hues. With your house kitted out like this for the holidays, you’re sure to make a merry statement.
Buchan's Kerrisdale Stationery Ltd
2141 41st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z6For a more traditional take on the holidays, head to Kerrisdale and visit Buchan’s Stationery, where Christmas oozes from every corner. Handcrafted nativity scenes, angels and whimsical creatures by Jim Shore are plentiful as are stuffed animal ornaments, stockings, candlesticks and more. Their huge selection of decorative paper napkins are perfect for your holiday cocktail parties and this being a stationery store, their greeting card section will help you with just the right holiday sentiment.
Vancouver Christmas Market
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3From late November right up to Christmas Eve, the parking lot at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre transforms itself into a winter wonderland straight from the streets of Heidelberg or Dresden. This open-air Christmas market is a wonderful day or evening outing if you’re looking for some unique, German-style ornaments. Grab a mug of mulled wine as you roam from booth to booth checking out handcrafted artefacts, glass ornaments and wooden nutcrackers all perfect for your own tannenbaum.
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