It’s almost that time of year again! Harrison’s beloved annual Lights by the Lake winter light festival is set to return this November with more displays lining the waterfront than ever before. The holiday tradition completely transforms the two-kilometre promenade into a festive spot for an illuminated stroll, and there are tons of special features to look forward to this year.

Now the largest free winter lights display in the Lower Mainland, Lights by the Lake runs daily from Nov. 21, 2026 to Jan. 10, 2027, from dusk to 11 p.m.

Custom displays will line the promenade, with the event’s signature show of the legendary Sasquatch to look out for. The show features Sasquatch enjoying a campfire, hiking, biking, paddling, skiing, fishing, camping, and windsurfing, making for the perfect photo opportunity with the family.

“Lights by the Lake is all about bringing people together,” says Stephanie Gallamore, executive director of Tourism Harrison River Valley. “The festival was originally created to welcome visitors and residents to celebrate our connection to the natural
beauty of our region and history of the Sasquatch. We are proud to continue to build on that vision with new displays that complement our signature ‘in the wild’ theme, while keeping the experience free and accessible to everyone.”

Harrison Lights by the Lake
Photo via Harrison Lights by the Lake

Opening night festivities

Starting at 5 p.m. on opening night (Nov. 21), visitors can snag a photo with Sasquatch Santa, enjoy holiday carols, watch a pet parade, enjoy fireworks over the lake, and sip on free hot cocoa (free for the first thousand attendees).

This year’s expansion includes new illuminated displays depicting traditional staples like an oversized holiday train, polar bears, an igloo, and towering candy canes.

Visitors can also lace up at the free ice skating Starlight Rink, with skate rentals available on select days of the winter festival.

Prefer to visit the area without a car? Parkbus has a special two-day trip to Harrison for the largest winter gathering of bald eagles in the world, among other local attractions.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the start of the most heartwarming season of the year.

Harrison Hot Springs

How to get there: Drive two hours from Vancouver via the Trans – Canada Highway/BC-1 E.

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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