20 stunning Christmas lights events to see around Vancouver

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

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

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

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

What: PNE’s popular Winter Fair returns this December with holiday-themed food and drinks, light displays and live entertainment, and more.

BCAA presents the most unique winter fair in BC, which will run from December 6 to 8 and 12 to 23. It promises to delight guests of all ages once again with the return of familiar favourites like the WinterLights, the enchanting illuminated train, the 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.

Surrey Santa Parade of Lights

What: The 17th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is happening on Sunday, December 3 throughout Cloverdale Town Centre, with seasonal floats, stunning lights, and more.

Attendees of the free community event are also asked to bring donations to support important local causes, including the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, Surrey Food Bank, and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

When: December 1, 2024
Time: 5 pm start
Where: Throughout Cloverdale Town Centre. See the full route online
Admission: Free. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item or gift item for donation

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: The holiday season is upon us, and festive fans can get into the spirit with the return of Merry & Bright to Martini Town.

Langley-based Martini Film Studios will transform its massive backlot into the holiday extravaganza from Wednesday, December 4 until Sunday, January 5. Guests can live out their holiday movie fantasies at the unique outdoor film set while enjoying live entertainment, delicious treats, and more.

When: Wednesday to Sunday from December 4, 2024, to January 5, 2025 (Closed Christmas Day)
Time: 3 to 10 pm
Where: Merry & Bright at Martini Town — 1123 272nd Street, Langley
Cost: $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children and free for children aged 6 and under. Purchase online

Burrard Yacht Club Festival of Lights

What: Burrard Inlet between Vancouver and North Vancouver will be brightly lit in December with the return of a festive Holiday lights boat parade.

The Burrard Yacht Club (BYC)’s annual Festival of Lights is happening on Saturday, December 7, with dozens of boats decked out with hundreds of Christmas lights sailing between the two cities.

When: December 7, 2024
Time: Starts at 6 pm
Where: Sails from Burrard Yacht Club to Shipyards in North Vancouver. Then to Coal Harbour in Vancouver and back to the club.
Cost: Free

Bright Walk in White Rock

What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night from December 7 until January 12.  You’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.

When: December 7 to January 12, 2025
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront
Cost: Free

Lights by the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs

What: Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this season, thanks to the return of its annual holiday lights festival.

The village’s annual Lights by the Lake will happen until Sunday, January 7, 2024. Visitors will enjoy magical holiday displays that transform the Harrison lakefront into an enchanting world of lights celebrating the local wildlife as well as the elusive Sasquatch.

When: November 23, 2024 until January 12, 2025
Time: Dusk to 11 pm
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Admission: Free

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

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

CP Holiday Train

What: The CP Holiday Train rolls into BC this December, bringing lights, music, and holiday cheer to tons of communities across the province. It will be in Metro Vancouver on December 19 and 20.

The beloved holiday tradition’s 26th edition will travel across Canada and the US this season to raise money, food, and awareness for local food banks. Attendees at each CP Holiday Train stop will also enjoy a free and festive concert by Juno winners Magic! and fast-rising star Sofia Camara.

When: December 19 and 20, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free; donations for the local food bank to help those in need are encouraged

Vancouver Christmas Market 2024

What: Vancouver Christmas Market is transforming Jack Poole Plaza into a huge German-style holiday event from November 13 to December 24. There will be plenty of sparkling lights and photo ops to check out all season.

A popular holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike, the Vancouver Christmas Market features more than 90 huts of authentic German sweets, treats, and treasures. Plus, there are many festive activities, live entertainment, and more for the whole family to enjoy.

When: Now until December 24, 2024
Time: Various opening hours
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, season passes on sale now

Christmas at Canada Place

What: Vancouver may not have any reindeer, but visitors can enjoy the sight of a giant illuminated moose this holiday season at Christmas at Canada Place.

Free Christmas attractions, presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, will be taking over the Canadian Trail along the west promenade of Canada Place.

Visitors will get a historic peek into the past with Woodward’s Windows displays, the festive Avenue of Trees, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place illuminated with bright colours and designs throughout the holidays.

When: November 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025
 Time:  8 am to 10 pm daily
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.

At Heritage Christmas, there will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities, and delicious food. Look for the historic streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.

When: November 23, 2024 until January 3, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Admission: Free; Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax or a Baker’s Dozen (13 rides) for $31.45 plus tax

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

Whistler Winterlight

What: Whistler is getting a massive new attraction that will let you enjoy the views from 60 feet above the ground, but it will only be in operation for a limited time.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is hosting the Whistler Winterlight outdoor event on Friday, November 29, from 6 to 8 pm. The free holiday event features a live DJ, immersive activities, outdoor skating, and more.

Guests will also have a chance to ride Whistler’s first-ever Ferris wheel and see over 350,000 lights across the village.

When: November 29, 2024
Time: 6 to 8 pm (Ferris wheel will operate on Friday from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm and on Saturday from noon to 7 pm)
Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Cost: Free, Ferris Wheel rides $5 with proceeds going to benefit local charities