In terms of holiday lights, Metro Vancouver always delivers. From twinkling patio light displays to winter festivals with a million lights, here are 14 dazzling holiday experiences to check out in and around the city this fall & winter.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
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We’re starting off this list with one of the most celebrated holiday events of the year. The Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into an illuminated winter wonderland every year, complete with multi-colour displays, a ‘Snow Owl Prowl’ scavenger hunt, and cocoa & live music at the Trading Post Gift Store.
When: Saturday, November 19th to Sunday, January 22nd
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $62.95 GA for a day pass
Glow Gardens Langley
ICYMI, Glow Langley is a beloved annual event that brings over one million cascading lights to Langley. This year’s theme? “The Jolly Jumble,” which features a scavenger hunt, a holiday train ride, pictures with Santa, and much more.
When: Wednesday, November 23rd to December 31st
Where: 6690 216 Street, Langley
Cost: $20-$70+
PNE Winter Fair
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For 10 nights in December, the PNE Winter Fair will feature Christmas-themed concerts, an indoor skating rink, family-friendly holiday theatre shows, and of course, a quintessential winter light display. Oh, and plenty of tasty doughnuts and holiday treats to go around, of course.
When: Wednesday, December 14th to Friday, December 23rd
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $15 for Fair admission, concerts additional (require fair admission)
Lumière Festival
For holiday lights with an artistic twist, you should definitely check out Lumière’s free art festival downtown this year. This year’s event will feature over 55 artists and performers, illuminated Dream beacons, pop-up performances, workshops, and neighbourhood parades. Each night of the festival will take place in a different location and feature different artists, and will commence on Thursday, November 17th.
When: Thursday, November 17th to Sunday, November 27th
Where: Locations throughout downtown Vancouver
Festival of Lights at VanDusen
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The holiday season at VanDusen Botanical Garden is marked by festive light displays and scenic walks through the illuminated lakeside path, surrounded by over one million Dancing Lights across the garden’s 15 acres.
With several themed areas to peruse, festive treats to feast on, and holiday music to enjoy – this event is a great date pick as well as a spot for the whole family to enjoy.
When: November 25th to January 2nd
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $21
Decorated Forest Walk at Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is hosting a ton of festive events & activities this year, including a Decorated Forest Walk decked out with festive lights and Scandinavian-style decor. For a unique wintertime experience that combines the best of the holiday season with BC’s breathtaking natural landscape, head on over to Squamish.
When: Saturday, December 3rd to Saturday, December 31st
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
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Vancouver Christmas Market
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Believe it or not, this year’s annual Vancouver Christmas Market is opening for the season on Saturday, November 12th – which means we’re just days away from gorging on delicious bratwurst, freshly-baked pretzels, and sipping mulled wine while perusing the ultimate collection of specialty gifts.
When: Opens Saturday, November 12th
Where: 1055 Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza
Cost: $18 for GA
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 their “Forest of Miracles” and preparing for their festival of lights, which will take place from Saturday, December 3rd to Sunday, January 8th.
When: Saturday, December 3rd to Sunday, January 8th
Where: Dundarave Beach, Millennium Park, Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria
Reflections: The Winter Terrace
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This one’s more dining oriented, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some stunning lights and holiday decor in the process. Check out Reflections: The Winter Terrace at Rosewood Hotel Georgia for some tasty mules, Baileys drinks, and more under cozy lights.
When: Open starting Saturday, November 12th
Where: 801 West Georgia Street
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
While Stanley Park’s beloved Bright Nights festival will look a little different without their iconic vintage trains, the organizers are making up for it with an antique fire truck, a giant red reindeer, and a sparkling tunnel of holiday lights in the plaza. And in terms of food & drink, there will be plenty of churros, pretzels, popcorn, and chimney cakes from the Praguery to munch on. And hot chocolate & specialty coffee to wash it all down.
When: Thursday, December 1st to January 1st
Where: Stanley Park
Cost: By donation
Vancouver 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 2nd, and will take place outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery ( šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square). And if previous years are any indication, visitors can expect to grab a complimentary cup of cocoa at the free event, and enjoy live musical entertainment.
When: Friday, December 2nd
Where: 750 Hornby Street
McArthurGlen Tree Lighting
Speaking of tree lightings, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets are bringing back their much-anticipated Sparkle Brighter event on Wednesday, November 16th, with a lineup of events from 5 to 8 pm. The 52 feet Christmas tree will be lit, along with 1,500 ornaments and 12,000 twinkling lights.
Other event highlights this year include the children’s Winter Wonderland play area, light tunnel, and individually decorated trees from local schools along The Walk of Trees display.
When: Wednesday, November 16th
Where: 1000-7899 Templeton Station Road Richmond
Christmas Lights Walk – Downtown Vancouver
This light walk connects several holiday light installations for the ultimate winter adventure. Available after the first week in December, the Christmas Lights Walk in downtown Vancouver follows the signs leading to “Christmas at Canada Place” – AKA, the Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza. Participants can walk along the seawall to the marina in Coal Harbour, passing the Westin Bayshore Hotel. From there, folks can head to Bright Nights in Stanley Park, and return via Beach Avenue all the way to the “Lights of Hope” at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Note that the total distance of the walk is 10 km, but participants can easily pick and choose which parts of the walk they take part in.
When: Starting Sunday, December 11th
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Check out a Santa Parade
Last but not least – we’ve got a couple of Santa Parades to toss your way in lieu of the return of Vancouver’s parade. After all, what better way to enjoy some lights and snag some memorable holiday photos of the fam than with Santa and his sleigh? From Surrey to Squamish, here are 5 options happening this year to consider.
Where: Multiple locations
And that’s a wrap on holiday lights for now, Vancouver. We hope you’re just as excited to get out there and take some Christmas card photos as we are.
