Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to 19 free light displays near Vancouver.

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Two of the best free light displays we highly recommend are the Lights at Lafarge, Coquitlam, and the Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village.

See our complete list of Christmas Lights in Vancouver and 25+ Festive Holiday Dining Ideas in Vancouver: Christmas Brunch, Dinners and NYE

Find out about the largest Gingerbread Village in the world.

Free Light Displays near Vancouver

1. Lights of Hope St. Paul’s Hospital – November 27 – January 3, 2026

Don’t miss the spectacular 27th annual Lights of Hope display in front of St. Paul’s Hospital.  Enjoy it as you walk or drive by. The light display starts November 27, 2025.

Come enjoy the first night lighting event on November 27 from 6-8 p.m. There will be free hot chocolate, a choir, fireworks and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Donations can be made onsite or online to support Providence Health Care hospitals. You can even buy your own star to display at home.

Location: 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver.

Lights of Hope at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. Courtesy Photo

Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Courtesy Photo

2. Festival of Trees Fairmont Vancouver Hotel – Not available this year

Activities: The Festival of Trees is celebrating its 32nd year. The lobby of the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is transformed into a beautiful Festival of Trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. This year, there are 30 stunning tree displays, each sponsored by a local organization, business or individual. Make a donation and vote for your favourite.
Location: Fairmont Vancouver Hotel, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

3. Lumière – Returning November 13-16, 2025

Lumière is an incredible series of interactive light displays at several locations in Vancouver’s West End, Downtown and Granville Island. This is the 11th year the event has provided Vancouver an exceptional visual experience.

Activities: There are numerous stunning art and interactive light displays in Vancouver.
Admission: Free for all to enjoy.

4. Granville Island Festive Christmas and Holiday Lights – November 12, 2025 – January 3, 2026

Activities: Wander through the fresh air of almost 40 acres of Granville Island to see the light displays. Takeout hot drinks and treats are available, and other food options with patios.Admission: There is no admission.
Closed: All businesses, including Granville Island Market, will be closed on December 25 and 26, but the lights will be on.
Location: 1661 Duranleau St.
Website: Granville Island

Holiday lights at Granville Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Holiday lights at Granville Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Granville Island free Christmas light display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Granville Island free Christmas light display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Granville Island free Christmas light display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Granville Island free Christmas light display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Granville Island free Christmas light display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Granville Island free Christmas light display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

5. Winter Solstice Light Festival – December 21, 2025

The 30th Winter Solstice Light Festival takes place in four Vancouver neighbourhoods, Granville Island, Strathcona, Yaletown and East Van.

Experience the Labyrinth of Light on the darkest night of the year. A self-guided ceremony with over 600 pure beeswax candles. The ritual is intended to help release old attachments and envision new possibilities.

6. Christmas at Canada Place – Sadly not available this year

7. Hyatt Gingerbread Lane – November 27-December 28, 2025

This wonderful holiday tradition celebrates 33 years! Come to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver and see around 33 wonderful gingerbread creations made by talented professionals, amateurs and secondary schools. The aroma of gingerbread fills the hotel lobby.

You won’t be disappointed. Gingerbread Lane is a free event, however, donations are encouraged to support Make-A-Wish Canada. Last year the event raised $25,000 to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

This free holiday display at Gingerbread Lane is at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver

8. Canuck Place

More than 60,000 festive lights glow on the grounds at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Lighting of the house has been a tradition since the first free-standing children’s hospice opened in 1995. The lights represent hope for the children and their families who have been comforted by the Canuck Place program.

Canuck Place is located just off Granville Street at 1690 Matthews Ave, Vancouver.

Burnaby Free Christmas Light Displays

The City of Burnaby has an impressive collection of 21 holiday displays. The largest of the displays are listed below. Most of the lights will be up from around November 24 until January 20, 2025

Willingdon Linear Park

Take a stroll in Willingdon Linear Park, one of Burnaby’s newest parks to see shimmering festive lights. The park is located between Brentwood Town Centre and Hastings Street.

Hastings Street Trees

Travel along Hastings Street to see more than 200 trees adorned with an impressive display of gleaming lights from Boundary Road to Gamma. This strip has lots of great shops, bakeries, and restaurants.

Burnaby City Hall

Burnaby City Hall’s main building, 4949 Canada Way, is magically lit for the holiday season with an array of draping icicle lights, decorated trees, and banners.

9. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – November 22 – January 2, 2026

Activities:  Walk through the 1920s village with dazzling lights and vintage-themed displays. Take a ride on the vintage carousel. Mai’s Cafe is open for treats or a meal.  Carousel rides are available for a fee. See a map of the village.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby, just off Canada Way.

Bright in Burnaby

The official launch of Heritage Christmas takes place November 30 from 5-9 pm, with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm. Proceeds from carousel rides on this night will go to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau with Concord Pacific matching the donations.

One of the best free lights displays near Vancouver is Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

One of the best free lights displays near Vancouver is Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum is one of the best free Christmas lights displays. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum is one of the best free Christmas lights displays. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Free Light Display in White Rock

10. White Rock Bright Walk – December 7-January 18, 2026

White Rock’s waterfront is transformed into a sparkling wonderland. Drive along Marine Drive or walk along the waterfront, pier and promenade area. There will be live entertainment on stage, photos with Santa, a Festive Holiday Market in the White Rock Museum, light-up robot and juggler performances, kids’ crafts and games, and more.

Website: White Rock Bright Walk

West Vancouver Free Light Display

11. Dundarave Festival of Lights 2025 – Starts November 29, 2025

The Forest of Miracles illuminates the waterfront of West Vancouver, starting at Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria and moving west to Millennium Park and then to Dundarave Beach.

Stroll along the seawalk to see the beautiful light displays. Be sure to stop at the Dundarave Nativity scene created by two master carvers, Bill Seminoff and Frank Carius.
The forest, planted by West Vancouver firefighters, is sponsored and decorated by families, community groups and businesses to raise funds for the Lookout Society‘s North Shore Shelter.

Make a donation or sponsor a tree to help support the needs of homeless people.

Location: Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria, Millennium Park and Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver waterfront.

Website: Dundarave Festival of Lights

Richmond Free Christmas Light Displays

12. Winter in the Village in Steveston – November 20 – December 31, 2025

Activities: Explore the decorated historic sites of Richmond’s charming waterfront village of Steveston.

“Light Up the Village” self-guided tour.
Location: Steveston Village
Website: Visit Richmond

Coquitlam Free Christmas Light Displays

13. Lights at Lafarge – November 28 – End of February 2026

Activities: This year, the Winter Lights at Lafarge display lights on two walking loops to help disperse crowding. The new loop will go through Inspiration Garden and the new concession plaza in Town Centre Park.
Admission: Free. Parking is limited. Consider walking or taking the SkyTrain to  Lafarge Lake – Douglas station.
Hours: November 28 – End of February 2026 from 4 pm – 10 pm. Avoid the crowds for the best viewing experience. Come before 6 pm or after 8 pm. Try to avoid the crowds on weekends and the week of December 16 – 26.
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Email: FestivalsandEvents@coquitlam.ca
Website: Lights at Lafarge

Maple Ridge Free Christmas Light Displays

14. Christmas Festival – December 6, 2025

Activities: Downtown Maple Ridge turns into a magical wonderland of lights and outdoor activities with a feel of an old-fashioned Christmas Village. Take a walk through Memorial Peace Park to see the light tunnel and decorated trees, hear festive music and more. Admission: Free
Website: Christmas Festival

Free Surrey Light Displays

15. Winterfest at Bear Creek Park – December 1-31, 2025

Activities: During the day enjoy arts and crafts, Santa, a train ride and lots of photo opportunities. At night enjoy a train journey through a magical light display. Santa leaves on December 24. Note: the train is not free.
Santa Express Day Train, 7 days a week – 10 am – 4 pm.
Christmas Night Train through the light display, Wednesday through Sunday, 6 – 9 p.m. It is closed on December 25 and 26.
Location: Bear Creek Park – 13750 88th Avenue at King George Blvd., Surrey
Email: contact@bctrains.com
Phone: 604-501-1232
Website: Bear Creek Christmas Train

16. Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market – November 22 and 23, 2025

Activities: Santa and Mrs. Claus host the event, which includes the lighting of Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree. Entertainment from a variety of local performers, dance groups, choirs, and more follows. Be sure to visit the Holiday Market.

Children can enjoy free pictures with Santa, free hot chocolate, free holiday cookie kits, Kids Crafts, magical light and holiday displays, as well as illuminated swings and teeter totters.

The Enchanted Eats zone offers delicious treats for purchase from food trucks and free hot chocolate while it lasts.
Admission: Free
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza, 1340 104 Avenue, Surrey
Website: Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

17. Potters Christmas Store

Activities: Come browse western Canada’s largest Christmas store offering 60,000 themed ornaments and intricate whimsical displays covering 28,000 square feet. Explore the Enchanted Fairy Garden, marvel at the 30 decorated trees, upside-down Bee Tree, Ice Cream Tree, Whoville, the Dark Room.
Admission: Free
Hours: Open November through Christmas Eve. Monday and Tuesday 9 am-6 pm, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 am- 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm.
Location: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
Email: 192general@potters.ca
Phone: 604-576-5011
Website: Potters Christmas Store 

Free Langley Christmas Lights

18. Christmas in Williams Park – Drive-thru Christmas Lights – December 13-28, 2025 – closed Dec. 24, 25, 26

Activities: Christmas at Williams Park has been a holiday tradition since 1991. It is a drive-thru event now taken over by the City of Langley. Advanced registration is required.
Location: 238 Street and 68 Avenue, Langley
Website: Christmas in Williams Park Society

Christmas in Williams Park is a great Best Vancouver Drive-thru Christmas lights event.

Christmas in Williams Park is a great Metro Vancouver drive-thru Christmas lights event in Langley.

Harrison Hot Springs Free Christmas Lights

19. Harrison Lights on the Lake – November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026

Harrison Hot Springs lakefront will be lit up from dusk until 11 pm. Stroll along the 1 km waterfront promenade to see the sparkling light display. The holiday lights focus on the natural environment, wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch.

Website: Harrison Lights on the Lake

Bonus Residential Light Displays Shine Bright

Langley Santa Claus Lane Paired with William Park

Take a stroll down Santa Claus Lane between 209A St. & 84th Avenue in Langley, where more than 12 houses are fully decorated. Then head to a free drive-through light display at Williams Park, but check the dates here first and register.

Coquitlam Dangville Miniature Christmas Village

The Dangville Miniature Christmas Village is made with so much love for the community. Joe Dang and Julie Brassington set up this massive miniature village in a two-car garage. at 2638 Brewster Drive. It has grown over the years and now extends into their home.
They invite people to visit their home and walk through the Miniature Christmas Village. They are requesting that people schedule a time to stop by. They accept visitors daily from 9 am to 9 pm. All you need to do is email Joe at JoeDang2638@gmail.com or Julie at Juliebis@icloud.com or call Joe at 778-229-4181 to arrange for your private tour.
Charity donations are accepted but not required.

Burnaby DuPlessis Family Christmas Display

A long-running Burnaby favourite, the DuPlessis family faithfully create a music-synced Christmas light display that has become a December tradition for many families. Donations support the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.
 8222 Burnlake Drive.

Vancouver Displays

Discover a free 35-minute daily light show at East 45 Avenue and 6080 Ross Street. Shows are at 6 and 8 pm.

Trinity Street Lights – Drive-by Christmas Lights

The Trinity Street Light Festival has been a tradition for more than 20 years.

Have we missed your favourite? Leave a comment below and remember to subscribe now to get the latest updates.

Discover more – Where to find the best Christmas tree farms near VancouverDiscover the largest gingerbread village in the worldTop 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe, Unforgettable adventures at Lake Powell and Top things to do Sea to Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in North America.

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About the Author:

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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.

Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.

She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.