Best Vancouver Christmas Lights and Holiday Light Displays 2026

The best Vancouver Christmas lights in 2026 are back, making this one of the most magical times of the year to get out, explore and soak up the atmosphere of the season.

I have visited and photographed many of these festive favourites over the years, from VanDusen Festival of Lights and Canyon Lights to the spectacular free experience at Lafarge Lake. This year also brings some exciting new experiences and a few big changes to longtime traditions. Whether you are planning a family outing, a date night or a winter day trip, there is plenty to discover across Metro Vancouver and beyond.

Here are the places worth adding to your holiday plans, with everything you need to know before you go.
2026 update: We’ll add new dates and experiences as they are announced.

What’s new for Vancouver Christmas lights in 2026

There are some significant changes this year.

Bright Nights has left Stanley Park and returned to Surrey, where it is now part of the Noël Holiday Light Festival at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

Meanwhile, Stanley Park has something entirely new. Astra Lumina makes its Canadian debut at the Stanley Park Train site in October, creating an immersive nighttime journey through light, sound and projections.

Canyon Lights is introducing WILDLIGHT, bringing West Coast wildlife to life through 3D projections in the rainforest.

And 2026 marks a poignant milestone for Lights of Hope, with the final celebration at St. Paul’s Hospital on Burrard Street before the hospital’s move.

Good to know: Always dress for the weather to make your experience warm and cozy. It can be chilly, icy and wet. Good waterproof footwear, such as boots, should be worn along with winter gloves, hats, scarves and coats.

Please leave your pets at home, as most attractions do not allow animals.

If we have left off one of your favourite spots, let us know in the comments below.=

Best Christmas lights in Vancouver

Take a drive or walk through the streets of downtown Vancouver to find all the beautiful Christmas light displays.

Best Vancouver Christmas lights on display in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Melanie Lomond

VanDusen Festival of Lights – November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027

VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of Vancouver’s classic Christmas traditions and a personal favourite. More than a million lights have traditionally filled the botanical garden, with colourful installations appearing around its pathways, trees and lakes.

Allow time to wander rather than rushing through. Some of the prettiest views are found away from the busiest areas, where the reflections on the water add another dimension to the experience.

Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
 Admission: Ticketed
Good to know: The City of Vancouver is introducing special event parking of $25 for up to three hours at VanDusen during Festival of Lights in 2026.

Lights of Hope St. Paul’s Hospital – November 12 – January 3, 2027

The stars covering St. Paul’s Hospital have been part of Vancouver’s holiday landscape for decades, but 2026 will be particularly significant. This will be the final Lights of Hope celebration at the hospital’s familiar Burrard Street location before the new St. Paul’s Hospital opens.

The annual display is also a major fundraiser for the St. Paul’s Foundation, supporting health care, medical equipment and research.
Location: St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver

NEW Astra Lumina in Stanley Park Opens October 22, 2026

Stanley Park gets an entirely new nighttime experience this year with the Canadian debut of Astra Lumina.
Created by Montreal-based Moment Factory, the self-guided journey takes about 45 to 60 minutes and moves through nine themed zones combining large-scale installations, projections, soundscapes and 360-degree effects.

The story follows stars as they descend to Earth before returning to the night sky.

Astra Lumina is not a Christmas attraction, but its arrival makes it one of the most interesting new additions to Vancouver’s winter light season.
Location: Stanley Park Train site
 Admission: Ticketed

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

Trinity Street Lights – Drive-by Christmas Lights

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

The Trinity Street neighbourhood continues to make spirits bright along six blocks, from 2400 to 2900 Trinity Street, in East Vancouver.

Winter Solstice Light Festival – December 21, 2026

The 32nd 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.

VanDusen Festival of Lights has more than one million dazzling holiday lights on display. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Vandusen Festival of Lights is one of the best holiday light displays in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Granville Island free light displays in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Hyatt Gingerbread Lane – December 3-28, 2026

This wonderful holiday tradition celebrates 34 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 $30,000 to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Burnaby Christmas Lights

The City of Burnaby has an impressive collection of 20 holiday displays. The largest of the displays are listed below. Most of the lights will be up from around November 24 until January 20, 2026

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

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.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum – November 25, 2026–January 3, 2027

The Festive Heritage Village is one of the best free holiday outings in Metro Vancouver.
The 10-acre open-air museum takes on an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere as its heritage buildings and streets are decorated for the season. There’s entertainment and seasonal programming, and you can take a ride on the restored 1912 C.W. Parker Carousel.

Hours: November 25–December 13, Wednesday to Sunday, 2–9 pm; December 16–January 3, daily, 2–9 pm. Closed December 24 and 25.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
 Admission: Free
 Carousel: $2.86 per ride

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

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

North Vancouver Christmas Lights

 Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge – November 20, 2026–January 10, 2027

Canyon Lights transforms Capilano Suspension Bridge Park after dark, with millions of lights throughout the rainforest.

Crossing the famous suspension bridge above the canyon is impressive at any time of year, but seeing it glowing against the dark forest is an entirely different experience.

There’s something new to look for in 2026. WILDLIGHT uses 3D projection to bring West Coast animals such as black bears, coyotes and great horned owls to life in the landscape.

Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk are also part of the experience.

Hours: 11 am–9 pm; closed December 25
 Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
 Admission: Included with park admission or Annual Pass

Tip: Parking is limited. A free shuttle operates from downtown Vancouver, and timed entry should be booked ahead during busy periods.

A spectacular light display at Canyon Lights at Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

There are plenty of photo opportunities at Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

One of the many Metro Vancouver Christmas Events – Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, the Arc de Lumina on the Cliffwalk. Courtesy photo.

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Take a walk on the u-shaped bridge one of the best Vancouver holiday events. Courtesy photo.

Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain – TBA

Activities: Visit Santa’s Workshop and his reindeer. Write letters to Santa. Go to Elf Headquarters. Make Christmas crafts. Marvel at the magical winter wonderland of brilliant light installations. Ice skate on a mountaintop pond. Take a sparkling Light Walk through the snow surrounded by firs around Blue Grouse Lake. Go through a tunnel of light. Watch a Christmas movie at the Theatre in the Sky.

Santa’s Workshop at the Peak of Christmas Grouse Mountain. Courtesy photo.

Snow pathways can be slippery. Dress appropriately for winter weather. Snowshoes or snow cleats/YakTrax are recommended. Snowshoes can we rented at the Outpost.

Admission: The Light Walk is free with the purchase of the mountain admission ticket. The ticket includes round trip access on the Skyride, all open attractions and spectacular views.
Hours: The best time to see the lights starts from dusk. Breakfast with Santa on select dates. Check on weather conditions before heading to the mountain.

West Vancouver Christmas Light

Dundarave Festival of Lights 2026 dates to come

The waterfront at Dundarave is especially inviting during the holiday season when decorated trees create a forest of Christmas colour near the beach. The annual Festival of Lights is free and supports charitable work on the North Shore.
Location: Dundarave Beach Park, West Vancouver
 Admission: Free

Lights to the Lodge at Cypress Mountain

Activities: This is a family-friendly snowshoe outing along a 2.5 km return easy loop trail trek to historic Hollyburn Lodge. The forest path is strung with festive lights. Food and drink is available for purchase at the lodge. Dress appropriately for winter weather in warm, waterproof clothing, including gloves and hats. Snowshoes are available in all sizes. Check weather conditions before heading up to the mountain.
Tickets: Buy tickets in advance. Hours: Open throughout the winter season. The best time to see the lights starts from dusk from 4 – 9:30 pm.
Location: Cypress Mountain
Website: Cypress Mountain

Richmond Christmas Lights

Winter in the Village in Steveston – To be announced

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

Vancouver Christmas Lights in Richmond at Steveston Village. Photo: Tourism Richmond

Steveston Festival of Trees, Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – To be announced

Activities: Stroll through a forest of decorated trees inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.
Location: 12138 Fourth Avenue in Steveston Village.
Phone: 604-664-9009
Website: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

Metro Vancouver Christmas Events – Richmond’s Festival of Trees Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Photo: Tourism Richmond

Coquitlam Christmas Lights and Events

Lights at Lafarge – November 27 – End of February 2027

Lights at Lafarge is one of my favourite free options and the City of Coquitlam calls it Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display.

More than 100,000 lights and installations surround the approximately 1.2-kilometre pathway around Lafarge Lake.
Opening night on November 27 brings food trucks and live entertainment from 5 to 8 pm.

It’s also exceptionally easy to reach without a car. Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain Station is beside Town Centre Park.

Location: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Maple Ridge Christmas Lights

Timberline Country Christmas – December 5-18, 2026

The Timberline Country Christmas is a 73-acre horse ranch that has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Come enjoy a number of activities centred around Christmas with music, interactive scenes and beautiful trees.

Illuminate Maple Ridge –  dates to come

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

Surrey Christmas Lights and Events

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market – November 21-22, 2026

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, and 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

Noel Lighting Festival and Bright Lights – November 27–December 29, 2026

Nearly three million lights are expected across the site, including the Bright Nights walk around the pond at Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, light tunnels, an LED forest and interactive installations.

There is also an indoor Noël Village, holiday characters and a 50-foot Ferris wheel.
Bright Nights continues to support the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17905 62 Avenue, Surrey
Hours: 3–9:30 pm
 Closed: November 30 and December 7, 24 and 25
 Admission: Ticketed; children six and under free
 Parking: Free

Potters Christmas Store – November 4- December 24, 2026

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 

Winterfest and Christmas Train at Bear Creek Park – December 1-31, 2026

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.
Santa Express Day Train, 7 days a week – 10 am – 4 pm.
Christmas Night Train through the light display, Wednesday through Sunday, 6 – 9 pm. 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

White Rock Christmas Lights

White Rock Bright Walk – Details to come

White Rock’s waterfront is transformed into a twinkling wonderland. Drive along Marine Drive or walk along the waterfront, pier and promenade area. November 30 at 4:30 p.m., White Rock’s Mayor turns on the lights. 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

Langley Christmas Lights

Martini Town Merry and Bright – November 20-December 31, 2026

If you love the picture-perfect towns seen in Christmas movies, this is the chance to walk through one.
Martini Town is a working film backlot with streets, storefronts and building facades that have appeared in numerous productions. It opens to the public only once a year for Merry and Bright.
Film-industry creatives decorate the sets for the season, creating plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

The event is capacity controlled and the purchase of advance tickets is highly recommended. Open Wednesday through Sunday every week throughout December and December 26th (Boxing Day)

Glow Langley at Milner Village Garden Centre Christmas Lights – November 19, 2026–January 2, 2027

Langley’s Christmas Glow is a walk-around adventure. Find Santa’s elves in a scavenger hunt as you wander through the sea of giant ornaments, a forest of dancing magical trees and a dazzling display of almost one million lights. Visit the animated musical tunnel, Elf Castle, swings, hopscotch, playpark, bouncy farm and take a ride on the Glow Comotive. Meet special characters and the Glow princesses. Plan a visit with Santa, who will be there nightly until December 24.

There will be featured food trucks and entertainment.
Tickets: Buy tickets online.
Location: Milner Village Garden Centre, 6690 216th Street, Langley.

Christmas in Williams Park – Dates to come

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 Tree Farms

Enjoy a farm-fresh outing while making cherished family memories with a visit to one of the many Christmas tree farms in the Langley area. The farms offer a selection of U-Cut, fresh cut and live Christmas trees. There will be lots of great photo opportunities.

If you plan to U-Cut, you are encouraged to bring your own handsaw. If you don’t have one, one will be supplied. Axes and power saws are not allowed. Try to avoid peak hours on weekends between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Find the best Christmas Tree Farms near Vancouver

Mission Christmas Lights

Mission Candlelight Parade – December 5, 2026

Activities: This is the 40th annual Candlelight Parade put on by the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce. Past parades have attracted 10,000 spectators. The parade will feature themed floats and a visit from Santa.
Admission: free
Hours: Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Location: The parade route goes along First Avenue, starting at Railway Avenue and finishing between Park and Haig Streets in Mission, BC. Website: Mission Chamber of Commerce

Chilliwack Christmas Lights

Holiday Wonderland in Chilliwack District 1881 – Dates to come

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will begin on November 13 in Downtown Chilliwack’s historic District 1881. There will be light displays and Santa.

Christmas at Glendale Acres Farm – Dates to come

Experience a classic Christmas at Glendale Acres Farm. Ride the holiday express train and walk through the festive Murray’s lights. Enjoy the Christmas Market, scavenger hunt, holiday wishing tree, Santa’s Workshop, fire pits with warm drinks and more.

Murray donated the lights so Glendale Acres could carry on the legacy of Murray and his family, whose Christmas display on Old Yale Road was enjoyed by generations.

Harrison Hot Springs Christmas Lights

Harrison Lights on the Lake – November 21, 2026–January 10, 2027

If you’re looking for an excuse for a winter road trip, head east to Harrison Hot Springs.
Lights by the Lake stretches along the waterfront promenade, with the lake and mountains providing the backdrop.
The opening celebration on November 21 runs from 5 to 8 pm with Santa and Sasquatch, Christmas carols, a pet parade, hot chocolate and fireworks.
Additional Festive Nights are planned for December 5 and 19.
Hours: Daily from dusk–11 pm 
Location: Harrison Hot Springs waterfront
 Admission: Free

Website: Harrison Lights on the Lake

Christmas Lights Whistler

Whistler is particularly beautiful at this time of year, making it easy to turn an evening of lights into an overnight winter getaway.

Whistler Winterlight – November 27–29, 2026

Whistler Olympic Plaza welcomes winter with large-scale installations, music and interactive activities.
The illuminated Ferris wheel also returns for 2026.
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza
 Admission: Free; some activities have an additional charge

Vallea Lumina

Vallea Lumina isn’t specifically a Christmas attraction, but it is one of the region’s most memorable winter night experiences.

The multimedia walk through the forest at Cougar Mountain combines lighting, sound, storytelling and special effects.
The winter course operates from December through April.

Location: Cougar Mountain, Whistler 
Admission: Ticketed

Whistler Christmas Lights in the Village near the Olympic Plaza. Whistler is one of the best places to enjoy the festive holidays near Metro Vancouver. Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Fairmont Chateau Whistler – December 18-January 3, 2027

For that extra special holiday experience, Christmas at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a decadent storybook getaway featuring thousands of twinkling lights. The hotel offers guests lots of great family festivities, including a virtual outdoor reindeer rally, carolling, and the iconic Chef’s Parade of Holiday Fare—all set against the glow of thousands of twinkling lights, including the new Chateau Light Walk. View the Christmas Activity Guide HERE

Over the years, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is one of our favourite places to stay when we visit Whistler Blackcomb.

One of the best places to celebrate the holiday season is at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Photo: Eva Mariia©

Best free Christmas lights near Vancouver

You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy the season. Some of the region’s best experiences are completely free.
Lights at Lafarge is the standout if you want a substantial walking route, while Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum combines decorations with heritage buildings and family activities.

Other free choices include Bear Creek Lights, Bright Walk in White Rock, Dundarave Festival of Lights, Lights by the Lake and Whistler Winterlight.

Bear Creek Lights requires a free advance ticket. There are also free seasonal decorations and community displays in cities throughout Metro Vancouver.

Which Vancouver Christmas lights are best for families?

For younger children, Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum combines decorations with the carousel and costs nothing to enter.

Glow Langley offers a much bigger immersive experience with its train and themed installations, while Noël with Bright Nights combines its light walk with rides and indoor activities.

For a free family outing, Lights at Lafarge is one of the easiest choices, particularly because it can be reached by SkyTrain.

When do Vancouver Christmas lights start in 2026?

You don’t have to wait until December. Bear Creek Lights opens November 6, followed by Glow Langley on November 19 and Canyon Lights and Merry and Bright on November 20.

By the final weekend of November, most of the major attractions are underway. Several continue into January, including VanDusen Festival of Lights, Canyon Lights, Glow Langley and Lights by the Lake.

Tips for seeing Vancouver Christmas lights

Vancouver winter weather can mean rain, wind and cold temperatures, so dress for the conditions and wear waterproof footwear for outdoor attractions.

Buy tickets ahead for the most popular experiences, particularly on weekends and during the week before Christmas.
If your schedule is flexible, weeknights are generally less hectic.

For mountain attractions, check weather, snow and operating conditions before leaving home.

And don’t assume pets are permitted. Policies vary considerably between attractions.

Make a winter day trip from Vancouver

Some of these experiences are worth building into a full day away. Travel east through the Fraser Valley before seeing Lights by the Lake in Harrison Hot Springs, spend the afternoon in Fort Langley before visiting one of Langley’s evening attractions, or head north along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and stay for the night in Whistler.

Closer to home, it’s easy to pair the lights with dinner in another part of Metro Vancouver and make an evening of it.

Dates, hours and programmes can change during the season, so check directly with the attraction before heading out.

Have a favourite Christmas light display we should know about? Let us know in the comments. We’ll continue updating this guide as new 2026 details are announced.

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