Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to 19 free light displays near Vancouver.
Two of the best free light displays we can highly recommend is the Lights at Lafarge, Coquitlam and the Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village.
See our complete list of Christmas Lights in Vancouver.
Find out about the largest Gingerbread Village in the world.
Free Light Displays near Vancouver
1. Lights of Hope St. Paul’s Hospital – November 23 – January 5, 2024
Don’t miss the spectacular 26th 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 23, 2022.
Come enjoy the first night lighting event on November 23 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
2. Festival of Trees Fairmont Vancouver Hotel – November 23 – January 1, 2024
Activities: The Festival of Trees is celebrating it 30th 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. Trinity Street Lights – Drive-by Christmas Lights
The Trinity Street Light Festival has been a tradition for more than 24 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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4. Granville Island Festive Christmas and Holiday Lights – November 12, 2023 – January 3, 2024
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, 2023, 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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5. Winter Solstice Light Festival – December 21, 2023
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 – December 1 – January 2, 2024
Activities: 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.
Location: Canadian Trail (west promenade) 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Website: Canada Place
7. Hyatt Gingerbread Lane – December 1-29, 2023
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
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 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
The City of Burnaby has an impressive collection of 26 holiday displays. The largest of the displays are listed below. Most of the lights will be up from November 24 until January 20, 2024
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.
9. Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – November 25 – January 3, 2024
Activities: Walk through the 1920s village adorned with dazzling lights and vintage-themed displays. Take a ride on the vintage carousel. Mai’s Cafe is open for treats or a meal. See a map of the village.
Admission: Gate admission is free. Carousel rides are $2.52. Check the official website for hours of operation.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby just off Canada Way.
Bright in Burnaby
The official launch of Heritage Christmas takes place December 2 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.
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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©
Free Light Display in White Rock
10. White Rock Bright Walk – starts December 2, 2023
White Rock’s waterfront is transformed into a twinkling wonderland. Drive along Marine Drive or walk along the waterfront, pier and promenade area. December 2 at 4:30 p.m., white Rock’s Mayor turns on the lights. There will be live entertainment on stage, photos with Santa, Festive Holiday Market in the White Rock Museum, light up robot and juggler performances, kid’s crafts and games, and more.
Website: White Rock Bright Walk
West Vancouver Free Light Display
11. Dundarave Festival of Lights – December 3 – January 8, 2024
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.
Website: Dundarave Festival of Lights
Richmond Free Christmas Light Displays
12. Winter in the Village in Steveston – November 23 – December 31, 2023
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 24 – January 31, 2024
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 Lafarge Lake – Douglas station.
Hours: November 24 – January 31, 2024 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. Glow Maple Ridge – November 26 – January 5, 2024
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 2023- January 5, 2024.
Website: Glow Maple Ridge
Free Surrey Light Displays
15. Bear Creek Park Lights – November 3-17, 2023
Bear Creek Park Lights offers a safe, fun family-friendly evening event.
Journey through half-kilometre trails of the park gardens to be dazzled by a series of illuminated natural landscapes and whimsical light displays.
The display runs from November 3 – 17, from 4:30 – 9:30 pm. The event is closed on November 11 for Remembrance Day.
Tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets are free for this event. There are 80 tickets for each booking time. Entry times are available every 30 minutes. Sales will open October 12, 2023 for purchase online or by phone 604-501-5100.
Location: 13750 – 88 Avenue, Surrey
16. Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market – November 25 and 26, 2023
Activities: Santa and Mrs. Claus host the event, which includes the lighting of Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree, followed by entertainment from a variety of local performers, dance groups, choirs and more. 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
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Free Langley Christmas Lights
18. Christmas in Williams Park – Drive-thru Christmas Lights
Activities: Christmas at Williams Park has been a holiday tradition since 1991. It is a drive-thru event.
Admission: Free, but donations gratefully accepted to help with maintaining display costs and keep this event running.
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.
Harrison Hot Springs Free Christmas Lights
19. Harrison Lights on the Lake – November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
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.
November 18, 2023 – until January 7, 2024.
Website: Harrison Lights on the Lake
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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, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National PD Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW & NATJA.
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