With so many reasons to indulge over the holidays, it’s always good to give your wallet a break when you can. To that end, if you’re looking to do a little less spending while still enjoying the season with your loved ones, here are 10 places to see holiday lights for free in and around Vancouver.
Lights of Hope St. Paul’s Hospital
St. Paul’s Lights of Hope is one of their biggest fundraising events of the year, attracting visitors from across the Lower Mainland with an array of bright lights and colourful displays. Since 1998, gifts to Lights of Hope Vancouver have amassed over $50 million in donations, which have gone towards hundreds of thousands of patients across BC.
When: November 23rd to January 5th, 2024
Where: 1081 Burrard Street
Festival of Trees Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Now in its 30th year, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s annual Festival of Trees features 30 stunning Christmas tree displays, located inside the hotel lobby. Each tree has been sponsored and decorated by a local business, organization, or individual to raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
When: November 23rd to January 1st
Where: 900 West Georgia Street
Winter in the Village
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From November 23rd to December 31st, Steveston Village is transforming into a festive winter celebration adorned with holiday lights. Visitors can visit with Santa, do some holiday shopping, and peruse the charming shops throughout the village.
When: November 23rd to December 31st
Where: Steveston, Richmond
Lighting of the House at Canuck Place
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice’s beloved annual Lighting of the House tradition is taking place on Tuesday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m. at Canuck Place Vancouver (AKA – Glen Brae Manor). Presented by CIBC, the festive event represents giving light and hope to over 871 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families across BC and the Yukon.
When: Tuesday, November 28th
Where: 1690 Matthews Avenue
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
If what you’re after is a giant Christmas tree lighting instead, we’ve got some good news. This year’s Vancouver Tree Lighting has been confirmed for Friday, December 1st, and will take place outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery ( šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square) at 6 pm.
When: Friday, December 1st
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Spirit of the Season Festival
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North Vancouver’s beloved Spirit of the Season festival attracts visitors from all over the region with free cocoa, a holiday market at The Pipe Shop, festive ice skating performances, and a 30-foot Christmas tree lighting.
The free holiday festival will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd at The Shipyards. The festivities will kick off with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving atop a City fire truck, followed by welcoming ceremonies from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
When: Saturday, December 2nd
Where: The Shipyards
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
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In addition to the holiday light displays mapped throughout the City of Burnaby, Burnaby Village Museum is offering free admission to their annual Heritage Christmas fest, which includes 10 acres of decorated museum grounds to explore.
Plus, on Saturday, December 2nd, you can celebrate the official launch of Heritage Christmas with a special tree lighting at 6 pm.
When: Until January 5th, 2024
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Park
Surrey Santa Parade of Lights
The 16th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is on this year, bringing a mix of decorated antique cars, trucks, and floats to the historic town centre of Cloverdale. The parade will start at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 3rd. Note that there will be several groups along the parade route selling food and novelties as well, with proceeds going to charity.
When: Sunday, December 3rd
Where: Cloverdale, BC
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Granville Island Festive Christmas and Holiday Lights
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Granville Island’s annual festive lights have returned for another season, so it’s the perfect time to take a stroll through the displays, which run until January 3rd. New this year is Off the Track Bistro’s extended hours and festive lights menu, offered from 5 to 9 pm daily.
When: Until January 3rd
Where: Granville Island
Dundarave Festival of Lights
While details are still a little scarce for this year’s event, the Dundarave Festival of Lights is currently putting together its “Forest of Miracles” and preparing for its festival of lights, which will take place from December 3rd to January 8th.
When: December 3rd to January 8th
Where: Dundarave Beach, Millennium Park, Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria
So there you have it, Vancouver! If you’re looking to enjoy some twinkling holiday lights at no cost to your wallet, you know where to look.
