Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to 18 free light displays near Vancouver.
Two of the best free light displays we can highly recommend is the drive-thru event at Christmas in Williams Park, Langley and the Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village.
Christmas Lights at Williams Park in Langley is one of the best free light displays. Courtesy Photo. Williams Park
See our complete list of Christmas Lights in Vancouver.
Find out about the largest Gingerbread Village in the world.
Free Light Displays near Vancouver
Vancouver Free Christmas Light Displays
Lights of Hope St. Paul’s Hospital – Drive-by Christmas Lights
Don’t miss the spectacular Lights of Hope display in front of St. Paul’s Hospital. Enjoy it as you walk or drive by. The light display starts November 17, 2022.
Donations can be made onsite or online to support Providence Health Care hospitals.
Location: 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver.
Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Courtesy Photo
Festival of Trees Fairmont Vancouver Hotel – November 26 – January 2, 2022
Activities: The lobby of the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel is transformed into a beautiful Festival of Trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Location: Fairmont Vancouver Hotel, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Website: https://www.bcchf.ca/fundraiser/festival-of-trees-vancouver
Trinity Street Lights – Drive-by Christmas Lights
The Trinity Street Light Festival has been a tradition for more than 22 years.
The Trinity Street neighbourhood continues to make spirits bright along six blocks, from 2400 to 2900 Trinity Street, in East Vancouver.
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Granville Island Festive Christmas and Holiday Lights – Drive-by Christmas Lights
Activities: Wander through the fresh air of almost 40 acres of Granville Island to see the light displays. Takeout hot drinks and treats available and other food options with patios.
Admission: There is no admission.
Closed: All businesses including Granville Island Market are closed on December 25 and 26, 2022, but lights will be on.
Location: 1661 Duranleau St.
Website: Granville Island
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©
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Winter Solstice Light Festival – December 21, 2022
The 29th Winter Solstice Light Festival takes place in two Vancouver neighbourhoods, Granville Island and Yaletown.
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.
Learn more about the event here
Christmas at Canada Place – December 2 – January 3, 2023
Activities: New this year, don’t miss Canada’s biggest drone show at Canada Place. Stroll the outdoor promenade to see the beautiful historic Woodward’s Windows and Avenue of Christmas Trees, the holiday-themed Sails of Light display, Canada’s North light display, “Chrismoose,” the 15-foot tall moose light sculpture and more!
Admission: Free
Hours: Daily from 8 am-11 pm. Bright Skies Drone Show at 6 pm only on December 2 and 3.
Location: Canadian Trail (west promenade) 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Website: Canada Place
Hyatt Gingerbread Lane – December 2-28, 2022
This wonderful holiday tradition is back! It is not a light display but come down to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver to see the wonderful gingerbread creations. The aroma of gingerbread fills the lobby of the hotel. You won’t be disappointed.
Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver
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 represents 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 Avenue, Vancouver.
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Burnaby Free Christmas Light Displays
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – November 26 – January 2, 2023
Activities: Walk through the 1920s village adorned with dazzling lights and vintage-themed displays. Take part in an animal-themed scavenger hunt. The Ice Cream Parlour is open for treats or a meal.
The official launch of Heritage Christmas takes place December 3 from 5-9 pm with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm. There will be live entertainment. Buy a hot chocolate and Christmas cookies this day and proceeds will be donated to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
See a map of the village.
Admission: Gate admission is free. Check the official website for hours of operation.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby just off Canada Way.
Phone: 604-297-4565
Website: Burnaby Village Museum
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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©
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. There are lots of great shops, bakeries and restaurants along this strip.
Burnaby City Hall
The main building of Burnaby City Hall is magically lit for the holiday season with an array of draping icicle lights, decorated trees and banners. The Burnaby’s City Hall is located at 4949 Canada Way.
Free Light Display in White Rock
Bright Walk Festival of Lights White Rock
The beach front of White Rock at the famous pier will be beautifully lit up on Saturday December 10 starting at 5 pm.
West Vancouver Free Light Display
Dundarave Festival of Lights 2022
The Forest of Miracles illuminates the waterfront of West Vancouver, from Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria, moving west to Millennium Park and then to Dundarave Beach.
Stroll along the sea walk 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.
Other events include:
Dundarave Christmas Fair from noon to dusk on November 26, 2022.
Nativity and Paddle Songs from noon to dusk on December 3, 2022.
World Christmas from noon to dusk on December 10, 2022.
Christmas Wassail and Bonfire Night from 3-10 pm, December 17, 2022.
Website: Dundarave Festival of Lights
Richmond Free Christmas Light Displays
Winter in the Village in Steveston – 2022
Activities: Explore the decorated historic sites of Richmond’s charming waterfront village of Steveston. The Festival of Trees at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site will be free on December 8 and 15 on Farmers’ Market Days.
Dates: December 1 – 31, 2022
Location: Steveston Village
Website: Visit Richmond
Coquitlam Free Christmas Light Displays
Lights at Lafarge – November 27 – January 31, 2022
Activities: This year the winter Lights at Lafarge has been modified to 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 Lafare Lake – Douglas station.
Hours: November 27 – January 31, 2022 from 4 pm – 10 pm. Avoid the crowds for the best viewing experience. Come before 6 pm or after 8 pm. Try to stay away weekends and the week of December 20 – 26.
Location: Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Email: FestivalsandEvents@coquitlam.ca
Website: Lights at Lafarge
Maple Ridge Free Christmas Light Displays
Glow Maple Ridge- November 26 – January 7, 2022
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, decorated trees, hear festive music and more.
Admission: Free
Hours: November 26 2021 – January 7, 2022.
Website: Glow Maple Ridge
Free Surrey Light Displays
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
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Victorian Heritage Christmas at the Stewart Farm – Dec 3- Dec 18
Free Langley Christmas Lights
Christmas in Williams Park – Drive-thru Christmas Lights – November 26 – December 19, 2022
Activities: Christmas at Williams Park has been a holiday tradition since 1991. Drive through a magical light display in your own vehicle event only.
Admission: Free, but donations gratefully accepted to help with maintaining display costs and keep this event running.
Hours: Every day from November 26 – December 19, 2022
Location: 238 Street and 68 Avenue, Langley
Website: Christmas in Williams Park Society
Christmas in Williams Park is a great Metro Vancouver drive-thru Christmas lights event in Langley.
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