When to Order Christmas Flowers in Vancouver (and What Sells Out First)

Posted by

October 17, 2026

On November 2, 2026

December is the busiest month of the year for florists. Between office parties, family dinners, client gifts and last-minute thank-yous, demand for holiday flowers rises quickly, and the most popular designs and delivery times fill up first. If you have ever tried to order a fresh wreath or a red rose centrepiece on December 23, you know how fast choice can disappear.

This guide explains exactly when to order Christmas flowers in Vancouver, which holiday flowers and plants sell out first, and how to plan deliveries around the holidays so your gifts arrive fresh and on time.

The Short Answer: When Should You Order?

Large orders, corporate gifts and events: order by the end of November.
Centrepieces for a dinner or party: order one to two weeks ahead.
Personal gifts for friends and family: order in the first two weeks of December for the best choice.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day deliveries: order at least a few days ahead, as these are the most requested dates of the season.
Last-minute gifts: same-day delivery in Downtown Vancouver is still available for orders placed before 1 pm, while stock lasts.

Why Ordering Early Matters in December

Ordering early is not only about avoiding stress. It directly affects what you receive.

More choice. Signature holiday designs are made in limited numbers each day. The earlier you order, the more designs are available.
Your preferred delivery date. Delivery routes in the week before Christmas fill quickly, especially for December 23 and 24.
Better planning for the florist. Flowers for the holidays are ordered from growers in advance. Early orders help florists source the right quantities of the varieties you want.
Fresher timing. When you order ahead, you can choose the exact delivery date so flowers arrive at their best for your event.

Which Christmas Flowers and Plants Sell Out First

Across the flower industry, the same favourites disappear first every holiday season. If your heart is set on one of these, order early.

Red roses

Deep red roses are the classic Christmas flower for romantic gifts and festive centrepieces. Demand rises sharply in the second half of December.

Poinsettias

Poinsettias are one of the best-selling holiday plants in North America. Full, healthy plants in classic red go quickly, and white, marbled and pink varieties are often available in more limited quantities.

Fresh wreaths

Fresh evergreen wreaths are handmade and limited. Many people want them early in December so they can enjoy them all season, which means they can be hard to find by mid-month.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis produce dramatic, tall blooms that open over several days, which makes them a favourite gift. They are popular with people who want something that lasts into the new year.

Large holiday centrepieces

Table centrepieces with evergreens, candles, pine cones and seasonal flowers are time-intensive to create. Centrepieces for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners are among the first orders florists fill.

You can browse our full range of seasonal designs in our Christmas and New Year collection.

A Week-by-Week Christmas Flower Timeline

Early to mid November

Start planning. Make a list of who you are sending flowers to, set a budget and decide on dates. Companies should finalize client and staff gift lists now. Our guide to corporate holiday gift ideas in Vancouver can help.

Late November

Place orders for corporate gifts, holiday parties and events, and any order with several delivery addresses. This is also the best time to order fresh wreaths if you want them up for the whole season.

December 1 to 10

The ideal window for personal gifts and office deliveries. Offices are still fully staffed, and arrangements have plenty of time to be enjoyed before the holidays.

December 11 to 20

Order centrepieces for holiday dinners and parties, and gifts for family and friends. Choose your delivery date carefully and confirm the recipient will be home or in the office.

December 21 to 24

The peak of the season. Same-day delivery is still possible, but choice is more limited. If you want a specific design for Christmas Eve, order before this week.

December 25 to 31

Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve flowers are a lovely way to brighten the quieter days between the holidays. Order a few days ahead for New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations.

Missed the Early Window? How to Still Get Beautiful Flowers

Life gets busy in December, and not everyone can plan weeks ahead. If you are ordering close to Christmas, a few simple choices make a big difference.

Order before 1 pm. Same-day delivery in Downtown Vancouver depends on ordering before the daily cutoff.
Be flexible on design. If a specific design has sold out, a similar arrangement in the same colours is often still available and just as beautiful.
Consider a plant. Orchids, amaryllis and other potted plants are often still available when cut flower designs have sold out, and they last well into the new year.
Think about Boxing Day. A gift that arrives on December 26 is still a warm surprise, and it brightens the quieter days after Christmas.
Add a personal card message. A thoughtful note matters more than the exact flowers inside the vase.

Holiday Delivery Schedule in Vancouver

Our holiday schedule is designed so you can send flowers when they matter most:

December 24, Christmas Eve: open, same-day delivery for orders placed before 1 pm.
December 25, Christmas Day: open, same-day delivery for orders placed before 1 pm.
December 26, Boxing Day: open, same-day delivery for orders placed before 1 pm.
December 31, New Year’s Eve: open, same-day delivery for orders placed before 1 pm.
January 1, New Year’s Day: closed.

We deliver across Downtown Vancouver, including Yaletown, Coal Harbour, Gastown and the West End, as well as the rest of the City of Vancouver. Our minimum order is $40 per delivery.

Planning Deliveries Around the Holidays

A few details make holiday deliveries go smoothly.

Check if offices are open. Many Downtown offices close early or shut entirely between Christmas and New Year. For office gifts, aim for the first half of December.
Confirm the recipient will be home. People travel over the holidays. A quick check avoids flowers waiting in a lobby.
Include suite and buzzer details. For condo deliveries, include the suite number, buzzer code and a phone number. Concierge desks are busy in December with parcels.
Write the card message in advance. It is one less thing to think about during the busiest week of the year.

How to Keep Christmas Flowers Fresh Through the Holidays

Holiday homes are warm, especially with the heating on and the oven running for festive meals. To help your flowers last:

Keep arrangements away from fireplaces, heaters and sunny windows.
Top up water daily and change it every two days.
Keep poinsettias away from cold drafts near doors, and water only when the soil feels dry.
Mist fresh wreaths lightly every few days to keep the greenery fresh.
Keep arrangements away from fruit bowls and holiday treats, as ripening fruit shortens vase life.

For a full care routine, read our guide on how long fresh flowers last.

Christmas Flower Gift Ideas

For hosts: a festive centrepiece delivered the morning of the dinner, so it is ready for the table.
For family far away: a seasonal arrangement or plant sent across the city on Christmas Eve.
For neighbours and building staff: a poinsettia or compact arrangement is a warm thank-you.
For a partner: red roses with evergreen accents, a timeless romantic gift.
For clients and colleagues: a luxury arrangement delivered in early December.
For your own home: a fresh wreath for the door and a centrepiece for the table.

Card Message Ideas for Christmas Flowers

“Merry Christmas! Wishing you a season full of joy.”
“Thinking of you this holiday season. Sending love from across the city.”
“Thank you for everything this year. Happy holidays!”
“Wishing you warmth, peace and happiness this Christmas and in the new year.”
“Season’s greetings from all of us. We are so grateful for you.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I order Christmas flowers in Vancouver?

Order corporate gifts and event flowers by the end of November, and personal gifts in the first two weeks of December. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day deliveries, order at least a few days ahead.

Do you deliver flowers on Christmas Day in Vancouver?

Yes. We are open on December 24, 25 and 26 with same-day delivery for orders placed before 1 pm. We are also open on New Year’s Eve and closed on January 1.

What Christmas flowers sell out first?

Red roses, full red poinsettias, fresh wreaths, amaryllis and large holiday centrepieces are usually the first to sell out in December.

Can I order Christmas flowers in advance for a specific date?

Yes. You can place your order early and choose your delivery date at checkout, which is the best way to secure popular designs.

Is same-day Christmas flower delivery available?

Yes. Same-day delivery is available in Downtown Vancouver for orders placed before 1 pm, while stock lasts. Choice is more limited closer to Christmas, so earlier orders are recommended.

How long do poinsettias last?

With good care, poinsettias stay colourful for several weeks, often well past New Year. Keep them in bright, indirect light, away from cold drafts, and water when the soil feels dry.

VanCentral Florist is a women-owned flower studio in Downtown Vancouver, creating modern, luxury holiday arrangements, wreaths and plants with same-day delivery across the city throughout the season.