Take Festive Photos with Santa and Your Pets at This Downtown Vancouver Hotel

If your holiday season isn’t complete without a festive family photo, pets included, then mark your calendar. Portraits with Santa Paws is back at The Metropolitan Hotel for its third year, and it’s one of the most charming (and chaotic, in the best way) Christmas experiences in downtown Vancouver.

This unique holiday pop-up brings Santa, professional photography, and a pet-friendly hotel setting together for a warm, joyful photo moment that has become an annual tradition for many Vancouver families.

A Magical Holiday Portrait Experience, Pets Welcome

This isn’t your average mall Santa setup.

Portraits with Santa Paws rolls out the red carpet inside a centrally located, dog-friendly hotel, giving guests a cozy, festive space to capture a holiday memory with their loved ones, furry or otherwise.

Marriott Bonvoy members can book an exclusive 10-minute photo session for just $30, making it one of the best-value Santa experiences in the city.

And because this is Vancouver, where pets are part of the family, your dogs (and other friendly pets) are fully invited to join the shoot.

Professional Photos Delivered to Your Inbox

Each booking includes a fully edited, professional photo gallery delivered straight to your inbox within 48–72 business hours. That means you’ll have everything you need for holiday cards, Instagram posts, or that festive family group chat before the weekend even ends.

After event costs, all proceeds are donated to a local charity, adding even more heart to an already feel-good tradition.

Not a Marriott Bonvoy Member? It’s Free to Join

Because the event is exclusive to Bonvoy members, you’ll need an account to reserve. The good news? Membership is free, and signing up takes less than a minute.

Once you’re in, you can grab your session before the event sells out, which it does every single year.

Event Details

Location: The Metropolitan Hotel (downtown Vancouver, pet-friendly hotel)
Price: $30 for Marriott Bonvoy members
Pets: Fully welcome
Includes: 10-minute professional shoot + gallery delivered within 48–72 business hours
Proceeds: Donated to a local charity
Membership: Free Marriott Bonvoy signup required

Dates & Times:

  • December 5 — 4 PM to 9 PM
  • December 6, 7 — 10 AM to 2 PM & 12:30 PM to 4 PM
  • December 12 — 4 PM to 9 PM
  • December 14 — 10 AM to 2 PM & 12:30 PM to 4 PM
  • December 18 — 4 PM to 9 PM

Spots are limited, and this event sells out every year so booking early is essential. Book here.

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