20-stunning-christmas-lights-events-to-see-around-vancouver
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20 stunning Christmas lights events to see around Vancouver

ByDaniel Chai

The days are getting shorter, which means there’s so much more time to see all the bright and colourful Christmas lights around Vancouver! Pull on your warmest toque and grab the hot chocolate because there are a bunch of holiday light displays and stunning festivals that you won’t want to miss this year. The good news is that many are running throughout December, and some even last into January! So you’ll have plenty of time to catch as many of these magical events as possible. VanDusen Festival of Lights VanDusen Festival of Lights/Submitted What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays is officially returning for the season. VanDusen Festival of Lights will be delighting visitors at the botanical garden from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, January 5, 2025. Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages. When: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 (closed on Christmas Day) Time: 4 to 10 pm (last entry time 8:30 to 9 pm) Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver Admission : $11-$28, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market What: A new holiday festival is coming to Metro Vancouver, and it promises to be an enchanting time for the whole family. Noel Surrey will feature Santa’s castle, a Holly Jolly Hub with food trucks and beverages, bumper cars, and more. There will also be plenty of interactive light displays and photo ops, including a 1 km accessible outdoor holiday light walk filled with illuminated see-saws, a frosty forest, a 150-foot light tunnel, and more. When: November 28 to December 1, December 5 to 8, and December 12 to 23, 2024 Time: 4 to 10:30 pm Where: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for youth and seniors, and free for children ages 6 and under. Pre-sale online Bright Nights at Stanley Park What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund. When: November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance Admission: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park What: Cross the world-famous bridge, lit end-to-end with a changing multi-colour display, and sway high above the illuminated Capilano River. Journey into a glittering rainforest and walk high above the forest floor on a transformed Treetops Adventure. Finally, walk along the sparkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk.  Don’t forget to snap an Instagram-worthy photo, sip a decadent hot chocolate to the sound of live festive tunes, and get in on all the festive fun of the many kid’s activities around the Park. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased in advance online. There are limited tickets available during peak event times, and visits are scheduled in 30-minute arrival increments. When: November 22, 2024, until January 19, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily. Guests are allowed to stay in the park up to an hour after closing. Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents. Purchase online St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display. St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998. More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night. When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025) Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver Squamish at Dusk What: Explore a winter wonderland of lights, art, magic, and stories. Squamish at Dusk is a stunning light experience at Rose Park with immersive installations for all ages to enjoy this holiday season. Bring the whole family and enjoy the mesmerizing tunnel of lights, a sparkling grotto, an enchanted forest, and more. When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 28 until December 14, 2024 Time: 4:30 to 9:30 pm Where: Rose Park – 38550 Loggers Lane, Squamish Cost: $10-$15, plus fees; free for children four and under. Purchase online Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Amacon What: One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, the free outdoor celebration will take place at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on Friday, November 29. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, colourful photo opportunities, and free cocoa at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. Santa Claus is even rumoured to be making an appearance. When: November 29, 2024 Time: 6 pm Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver Cost: Free PNE Winter Fair

over-20-free-and-cheap-holiday-events-around-vancouver-this-season
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Over 20 FREE and cheap holiday events around Vancouver this season

ByDaniel Chai

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there are so many holly and jolly events to check out around the city. But there’s no need to blow your budget this holiday season! Get festive with our list of 23 FREE and cheap things to do around Metro Vancouver, including Christmas lights, ice skating, artisan markets, and more. Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town. And to stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, BC, and beyond, sign up for our newsletters! Lights at Lafarge Lights at Lafarge What: Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season. The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones. When: November 22, 2024 until February 2025 Time: Nightly from 4 to 11 pm Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam Cost: Free St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display. St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998. More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on Wednesday, November 27. And fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night. When: November 27, 2024 (lights will be on display until January 3, 2025) Time: 6 to 8 pm for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver Admission: Free The Christmas Store at Potters What: The Christmas Store at Potters is back for its 20th year of delighting shoppers with its opulent holiday displays and festive fun. The most magical place in Metro Vancouver to get inspired for the holidays is now open to the public in Surrey. It features a massive array of decor items, stocking stuffers, and one-of-a-kind gifts. When: November 1 until December 24, 2024 Where: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey Admission: Free Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market City of Surrey/Submitted What: Holiday festivities are just around the corner and one of our favourite events is helping to kick things off in a big way in the City of Surrey. The 14th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on November 23 and 24 at Surrey Civic Plaza. The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more. When: November 23 and 24, 2024 Time: Noon to 8 pm Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey Cost: Free Bright Nights at Stanley Park What: The Christmas Train tickets may be sold out for the season, but there is plenty of family fun and holiday cheer in Stanley Park throughout December. Guests will be treated to stunning light displays during their visit, including returning favourites like the giant red reindeer, a vintage fire truck, and the tunnel of lights in the plaza. The event is also in support of the Burn Fund. When: November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (closed on December 25) Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance Admission: Train tickets are sold out. Free to visit the holiday lights display and festive activities in the plaza Shipyards Christmas Market What: It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially when a new festive event is gearing up for its Metro Vancouver debut this fall. The Shipyards Christmas Market is launching in North Vancouver starting on November 29 and running through to December 24. With dozens of artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performers, as well as visits with Santa, and more, it is shaping up to be everything we’ve asked for on our wish list. When: November 29 to December 24, 2024 Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Monday to Thursday), 11 am to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday), 11 am to 5 pm (December 24) Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver Cost: Free PNE Winter Fair PNE Winter Fair What: PNE’s popular Winter Fair returns this December, with holiday-themed food and drinks, light displays and live entertainment, and more. The most unique winter fair in BC is presented by BCAA and will run from December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23. It promises to delight guests of all ages once again through the return of familiar favourites like the WinterLights, the enchanting illuminated train, Nutcracker on Ice, Ice Bumper Cars, and more. When: December 6 to 8, and 12 to 23, 2024 Time: 4 to 10 pm Where: Hastings Park – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver Cost: PNE Winter Fair tickets are $7.50-$20 in advance, purchase online. Group rates and BCAA discounted tickets are also available. Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery What: The festive season is just around the corner, and The Polygon Gallery is making sure that your holidays are ready to shine bright. The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop from November 13 to January 5. Visitors to The Polygon

harrison-hot-springs-transforms-into-magical-holiday-village-this-month
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Harrison Hot Springs transforms into magical holiday village this month

ByDaniel Chai

Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this season, thanks to the return of its annual holiday lights festival. The village has announced that the popular Lights by the Lake will be held from Saturday, November 23, 2024, to Sunday, January 12, 2024. Visitors will enjoy magical holiday displays that transform the Harrison lakefront into an enchanting world of lights, celebrating the local wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch. Tourism Harrison The free event will feel as if you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie, with decorated Christmas trees and old-fashioned lamps dotting the village square. Each business will decorate its storefront with cozy holiday cheer, including winter window paintings and colourful lights to make everything glow. Tourism Harrison Pop into one of the cafes or restaurants for your favourite seasonal beverage and treats, such as a peppermint mocha, to take with you as you enjoy the light display. Or pick up a guide to see all the Christmas tree displays in Harrison. As you stroll along Harrison’s wheelchair and stroller-friendly promenade to see all of the custom-built light displays, keep an eye out for the mysterious Sasquatch. The creature may be fishing for sturgeon or keeping warm by the fire. Lights by the Lake (Tourism Harrison/Facebook) The 2 km-long Lights by the Lake will be lit from dusk to 11 pm. The Starlight Skating Rink will also be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until January 5. Skating is free if you bring your own skates, though skates are available for rent and a concession. Lights by the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs When: November 23, 2024 to Sunday, January 12, 2025 Time: Dusk to 11 pm Where: Harrison Hot Springs Cost: Free

these-5-unexpected-christmas-ornament-styles-are-trending-this-year
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5 Unexpected Christmas Ornament Styles Are Trending This Year

ByClaire Hoppe Norgaard

Velvet bows, black trees, and minimalism have all dominated the holiday decor world in Christmases past. Whether they were one-season wonders or have stood the test of time, Christmas trends are a fun excuse to try something unexpected and experiment with your style. Take inspiration from this year’s Christmas ornament trends, whether you prefer a modern matte finish, a fresh spin on classic stripes, or craft your own custom felt ornaments, to upgrade your tree. 1. Velvet Ornaments Inspired by last year’s velvet bow trend, velvet ornaments are set to be one of the biggest Christmas ornament trends of 2024. With their matte, powdery finish, velvet ornaments put a unique twist on typical solid-color ornaments. Mix velvet ornaments with metallic ones to create a tree with tons of texture and visual interest. To make your own velvet ornaments, mix 1 Tbsp. plaster powder with 1 Tbsp. cold water. Once combined, add 2 ounces of matte finish craft paint. Paint clear plastic ornaments with the mixture, adding coats until the ornament is opaque. Carson Downing 2. Honeycomb Ornaments Another popular ornament style—spotted this year at West Elm, Anthropologie, and McGee & Co.—is honeycomb. Typically made from paper, honeycomb ornaments are made from intricate, accordion-style folds that create shapes like stars, bells, and trees. Plus, the ornaments are lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about weighing down the branches of your tree. Add honeycomb ornaments to your Christmas decor this year to put a fun twist on the typical round styles. Choose rich shades of burgundy, forest green, and powder blue, or stick to a neutral palette of beige, cream, and black ornaments for a modern farmhouse effect. When packing away your Christmas decorations for next year, carefully wrap each ornament in tissue paper to ensure paper ornaments don’t get bent. Store the ornaments in a container with dividers so they aren’t damaged throughout the year. 3. Circus Stripes Popular circus stripes are sticking around for the holidays. Expect to see ornaments with thick, bold stripes on trees this year. Home decor stores like H&M, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel offer ornaments with classic red and white candy cane stripes for a traditional. Or opt for funkier color schemes featuring pink, blue, and yellow. Lean into a maximalist aesthetic and pair circus-stripe ornaments with bold patterned bulbs. Incorporate ornaments with different shapes and colors, tinsel, and garland to achieve an over-the-top look. David Land 4. Unique Felt Ornaments Quirky felt ornaments of all shapes and sizes are all over social media and home decor sites alike. Made from colorful felt and stuffed with cotton, these plush ornaments are often embellished with sequins, beads, tassels, and decorative stitching. Letters, wreaths, bells, and other unique shapes can all be found in felt form. Felt ornaments depicting animals in silly scenes are also gaining popularity—think swans wearing tutus, fishing polar bears, and mice on ski lifts. Pair felt animals with brightly colored bulbs in different shapes and sizes. Lean into the whimsy with a homemade paper garland or a string of popcorn to complete your Christmas tree. 5. Photo Frames Show off your favorite photos from the year by using small photo frame ornaments. This Christmas is all about nostalgic traditions and adding personal touches to your holiday decor, so it’s no surprise photo ornaments are having a moment. You can purchase modern photo frame ornaments from stores like Target and Pottery Barn, or choose to craft your own by hand. In a TikTok video, Andrea Pierre shows how to create photo frame ornaments using miniature vintage frames from Amazon. All you need to do is hot glue your favorite photo to the back of a mini frame, then attach a ribbon loop to the back so you can hang it on your tree. Make it a tradition to add a new photo ornament every year, or add fun art prints to the frames that speak to your style.