Let’s be honest: nobody actually wants to bake a cake from scratch during the busiest month of the year.
Fortunately, Vancouver’s pastry scene has stepped up to save you from a flour-covered meltdown.
We have tracked down the most impressive Yule logs, tree-shaped croissants, and holiday treat boxes in the city.
Here are the best holiday desserts to track down in Vancouver right now.
1. To Live For Bakery
If you still think plant-based pastries can’t compete, these new tree-shaped croissants will humble you.
They are launching their Christmas Tree Croissants, and the filling sounds dangerous.
Inside those green layers is their take on a Baileys-inspired cream that is completely alcohol-free.
Each one is dusted with “snowy” icing sugar and topped with a chocolate star, making it the most photogenic breakfast on this list.
Address: 1508 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver
Dates: Available starting now (Morning launch)
Order: tolivefor.ca
2. Chez Christophe
You have likely seen their viral croissant cubes all over your feed, but their holiday lineup is the real showstopper.
This year, the star is the Christmas Tree Croissant, a double-baked specialty that is practically begging to be posted on Instagram.
If you are on dessert duty for the big dinner, they also have four distinct Bûche de Noël flavours: Cookies & Cream, La Chocolatee, Oh Deer, and Pear Rocher.
The “Oh, Deer” and “Pear Rocher” are particularly stunning if you want to impress the in-laws.
Be warned: The log cakes are only available for pickup right before Christmas, so clear some fridge space.
Address: Burnaby and White Rock locations
Dates: Tree Croissant (Dec 19–24) | Log Cakes (Dec 23–24 only)
Price: Tree Croissant ($6.95) | Log Cakes ($49.95)
Order: chez-christophe.ca
3. Thierry
If there is one box that instantly wins you the “best guest” award at a holiday party, it is the one from Thierry.
The team is back with their legendary Bûche de Noël lineup.
You can choose from four distinct flavours depending on your vibe: Chestnut, Hazelnut Praline, Passion Fruit, or Cassis.
Go for the Chestnut or Hazelnut Praline if you want those deep, comforting winter notes.
For something brighter to cut through a heavy dinner, the Passion Fruit or Cassis are the move.
These always sell out fast, so do not wait until Christmas Eve to secure one.
Address: Alberni, Mount Pleasant, and Ambleside locations
Dates: Pre-order now for pickup Dec 23 – Dec 24
Price: $59.95 (Small) – $94.95 (Large)
Order: thierrychocolates.com
4. Daan Go Cake Lab
If you eat with your camera first, this is the only stop you need to make.
The “MasterChef Canada” winner Christopher Siu is back with a holiday lineup that looks almost too good to cut into.
The Pig in a Blanket is a cheeky individual cake featuring dark chocolate mousse and cherry confit that looks exactly like a sleeping piglet.
For the main event, the Hokkaido Noël brings a sophisticated twist with houjicha crèmeux (roasted tea), caramelized pears, and hazelnut chocolate mousse.
If you want a crowd-pleaser that screams “classic Christmas,” the Strawberry Swirl is a light vanilla sponge with strawberry compote that looks like a candy cane dream.
They also have a stunning Holiday Wreath cake that works perfect as a table centerpiece.
Address: Richmond and Vancouver locations
Dates: Available now for pre-order
Price: Pig ($9.50) | Whole Cakes ($45–$50)
Order: van.daango.com
5. BETA5 Chocolates
Yes, their legendary cream puffs aren’t coming back.
But do not delete them from your contact list yet, because their holiday chocolate collection is arguably the most stunning and cute in the city.
The “Santa’s Workshop Collection”, which is inspired by Santa’s magical workshop in the North Pole.
It is crafted from caramelized white chocolate and dark chocolate, featuring festive characters like a reindeer and snowman.
This is part of their weekly drop system, so you have a very short window to secure it.
Address: 413 Industrial Ave, Vancouver
Dates: Weekly drops (Dec 9–13, Dec 16–20, Dec 22–24)
Price: Santa’s Workshop Collection ($26+)
Order: shop.beta5chocolates.com
6. Beaucoup Bakery
If you grew up watching Kevin McCallister outsmart burglars, this collection is going to hit you right in the childhood.
They have officially launched a “Home Alone” themed lineup that includes a Sticky Bandit Kugelhof and Booby Trap Bonbons with hidden fillings.
For the main event, they are offering a “McCallister Christmas” Bûche de Noël in two flavours: Chestnut Caramel or White Forest.
The Home Sweet Home Cookie Trio (Oolong toffee snowballs and roasted corn shortbread) is also the perfect “bring along” gift for a host who has everything.
Address: Fir Street, St. Regis, and Britannia Beach locations
Dates: Pre-orders open now
Price: Log Cakes ($38–$78) | Bonbons ($19–$38)
Order: beaucoupbakery.com
7. La Saison de Patisserie
This sleeper hit on Rupert Street is bringing back some heavy hitters for the winter lineup.
The Rudolph is a returning favourite that features a wild mix of banana white sesame mousse, hojicha anglaise, and banana bread.
If you want something more traditional, the Mont Blanc Cream Cake is loaded with layers of roasted chestnut and chestnut chantilly.
For those who prefer a brighter profile, the Matcha Yuzu pairs Uji matcha mousse with a black sesame crunch and yuzu cremuxe.
Address: 3868 Rupert Street, Vancouver
Dates: Available now for the holiday season
Price: $43+ depending on size and flavour
Order: lasaison.square.site
8. Gary Patisserie
If you are tired of modern, conceptual desserts and just want a cake that looks like a literal log, Gary has you covered.
This Kingsway hidden gem is serving a classic Christmas Log Cake that feels incredibly nostalgic.
The insider secret here is the filling: he uses fresh whipping cream inside the roll instead of heavy buttercream, so it is surprisingly light.
The outside is frosted with chocolate buttercream and textured to look like tree bark, making it a perfect centerpiece for a traditional holiday dinner.
Address: 1022 Kingsway Unit 7, Vancouver
Dates: Pre-orders open now for pickup
Price: From $65.00
Order: garypatisserie.com
9. Buttercrumbs
This is the cookie tin you buy as a “gift” and then accidentally eat entirely by yourself.
The team has dropped a Holiday Cookie Collection that replaces boring shortbread with serious flavour bombs like Jasmine & Wild Strawberry and Citrine Yuzu.
There are 32 pieces in the box, and the best part is they are individually sealed, so they actually stay fresh until you finish them (which won’t take long).
Address: Pickups at 8811 Laurel St (South Van) or Nami Vietnamese (Downtown)
Dates: Pre-order now for December pickup
Price: $65.00 (32 pieces)
Order: buttercrumbs.ca
10. Trafiq
If you want to look like the main character at the holiday potluck, you bring a box from Trafiq.
Their holiday cake lineup is famous for being as beautiful as it is technical.
The Cranberry Nog is a sophisticated upgrade on the classic drink, layering eggnog mousse with a tart cranberry namelaka cream.
For a warmer profile, the Gingerbread Mandarin stacks spiced cake with gingerbread mousse and a bright mandarin curd that cuts right through the richness.
Address: 4216 Main Street, Vancouver
Dates: Pre-order 48 hours in advance
Price: Slices ($9.80) | Whole Cakes ($58–$116)
Order: trafiq.ca
11. Passione Gelato & Antise
This is the crossover episode your holiday table deserves.
Passione has teamed up with Antise, led by the chef who actually represented Canada at the Panettone World Cup in Milan.
They are releasing a limited-edition loaf featuring candied mandarin from Agrimontana, chocolate, and hazelnuts.
It takes over 30 hours to make using a 70-year-old mother yeast, resulting in that impossible cloud-like texture.
Since this is small-batch, you need to reserve one via the link in their bio before they vanish.
Address: 55 Smithe Street (Parq Vancouver)
Dates: Pickup Dec 9 – Dec 24 (11am – 11:30pm)
Order: Here
12. Level V Bakery
This is the Mount Pleasant spot that proves you do not need butter or eggs to make a killer holiday pastry.
They have a Holiday Cookie Set that solves the “what do I bring to the office” dilemma for just $25.
The box comes with 12 cookies, including Chocolate Crinkle, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Matcha Danish Butter options.
Address: 39 Kingsway, Vancouver
Dates: Pre-order now (Weekend in-store availability is limited)
Price: Cookie Set ($25.00)
Order: levelvbakery.com
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