10 Must-See Metro Vancouver Festive Lights Displays
The days are short and the nights are dark. Thankfully, twinkly lights are here to brighten our dark evenings as the holidays approach. Vancouver has everything from jaw-dropping spectacles to flashy neighbourhood displays. There’s no denying the magic of festive lights. And there’s no shortage around town!
Here are a few places sure to light up your night and put you in the festive spirit.
Get lit at these magical light displays
Glow Christmas
November 23, 2023 – December 30, Langley
This glittering festive light displays of Glow Langley has zillions of lights including Christmas-themed light gardens, LED swings and hopscotch, a glow-ca-motive, magic castle playground, a musical light tunnel. For food and libations, there are food vendors, real drinks and food trucks. PS: It’s all indoors so no need to pack an umbrella. Pro tip: Check their website for special deals.
6690 216 Street, Langley, BC
5pm-9pm
Cost: Varies from $15.99 to $19.99 (Family pass $69.99)
Van Dusen Gardens Festival of Lights
November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2023
This is a evening great adventure with kids. Huge parts of the gardens are lit up (1 million lights in fact) in a dazzling display. There are the “dancing lights” on the central pond, sweet treats, real food, and hot chocolate. It’s worth noting that tickets are on the expensive side, as are the drinks and snacks, and parking can be a bit of headache. However, it is a truly exceptional display. They are also offering a sensory-friendly night which welcomes neurodiverse individuals and their families to enjoy the lights in a comfortable and less crowded environment on November 28. Read more about Sensory-Friendly Night event details
5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC
4pm to 10pm daily (last entry 830pm-9pm)
Cost: $0 – $24 (Depending on age)
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
November 17 , 2023 – January 21, 2024
Wander across the suspension bridge all lit up with twinkling lights and wander across the various tree top bridges on the other side. Walk along the twinkling cliffside pathway of Cliffwalk. There’s also cookie decorating, hot drinks, live music and plenty of photo ops. NB: you can’t take strollers on the bridge or the Cliff Walk, so best be prepared with a carrier. The parking fills up fast, so aim for early evening on a weekday if you can.
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
November 30, 2023 – January 1, 2024
All aboard the Christmas train! A favourite adventure for Vancouver families, the Christmas train winds through holiday light displays and past live performers on a 14-minute ride. Wander around the train plaza before and after to see all the little Christmas displays and lights. Snacks, hot chocolate and more are available around the train plaza. Buy your tickets online, or drop by in the morning to get same-day tickets. Parking is free, but fills up fast. There are matinee trains for small people who fall asleep too early for the night train.
Bright Nights is located on Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance.
Cost: Varies from $11 to $15 (Children under 2 years old are Free)
Time: 4pm to 10pm
Harrison Lights by the Lake
November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Each winter this enchanting holiday displays transforms the Harrison lakefront into a magical world of lights highlighting local wildlife and the elusive Sasquatch. Be amazed at the wonderous weeping Christmas trees and old fashioned lamp standards gracing the village square Plaza. As you stroll along Harrison’s promenade delight in the custom built light displays. Look for the Sasquatch fishing for sturgeon, or keeping warm by the fire, a flock of geese under the canopy of a weeping willow or get in for a group shot with the fun painted selfie stands featuring delightful creatures. The promenade is fully paved making it wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
Lights are lit from dusk to 11pm.
>> Harrison Lights on the Lake
St Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope
November 23, 2023 – January 5, 2023
Annually, the towering wall of lights at St. Paul’s Hospital on Burrard are lit. This spectacular eye-catching scene never disappoints. There’s no fee (except for optional donations you can give to support the hospital) and it’s on all season long.
Time: 4pm-8pm
Cost: Free (Welcome to give donations)
Carol Ships: Parade of Light
December 4 – 23, 2023
There are several good viewing spots to see the Carol Ships glide past, including Granville Island and Olympic Village, which both have good hot chocolate near by! Listen to the choirs singing on the ships as the songs travel across the water. Check the sailing schedule to see where the ships will be when.
Lights at Lafarge
November 24, 2023 – Till Mid January 2024
A 1.2-kilometre trail loops this popular urban lake in Town Centre Park, offering views of both mountains and cityscape. Prepare to be dazzled by the Lights at Lafarge winter display. Walk the lakeside circuit after dusk to take in the hundreds of thousands of lights across multiple themed zones.
PNE Winter Fair
December 8-9, December 14-23, 2023
If you want a surreal, magical and extensive holiday experience, then head to the PNE Winter Fair. Part amusement park, part outdoor winter fun, also featuring the Nutcracker on Ice, it’s a sprawling ode to winter. Think roving elves and Yetis, glittering reindeer, a mystical adventure walk, an outdoor skating rink, a magical ride on their train new this year, live performances, an Insta-friendly kaleidoscopic light tunnel, holiday light show and ice bumper cars.
The light walk on Grouse Mountain
Dates to be determined (Check back)
Experience magic in the trees on this enchanting Light Walk up on top of Grouse Mountain. Start at the glowing light tunnel (and excellent photo op!), then walk among the fir and spruce around Blue Grouse Lake where stunning light installations bring radiance to the winter night. Twinkling lights set against a snowy mountain backdrop are definitely worth the trip.
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