Where to See the Best Holiday and Christmas Lights in Vancouver

A favourite holiday tradition for many families is a drive around to see the best holiday and Christmas lights in Vancouver (and around the lower mainland). It’s a lowkey, inexpensive (and even possibly relaxing) way to decompress with the kids, singing along to some holiday favourites. If your kids doze off in the car? Even better.

Your neighbourhood probably has some tried-and-true favourite streets, and if you’re willing to trek a little out of your zone, this roundup of the best holiday displays and Christmas lights in Vancouver will give you some ideas to make an evening of it.

Where to See the Best Holiday and Christmas Lights in Vancouver

The Downtown Christmas Tree

In front of the Vancouver Art Gallery in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, it’s hard to miss the 76-foot tall tree covered in lights. It is Western Canada’s tallest tree and the lighting event at the beginning of December is the unofficial kickoff the city’s festive season.

Bright Nights

This Vancouver holiday tradition in Stanley Park has been extended this year until Saturday January 6th. Unfortunately the Bright Nights Christmas train sold out a while ago but holiday lights display and activities in the plaza are still open and are free. Open daily (except on Christmas Day) and each evening runs until 10 p.m.

Christmas at Canada Place

Nightly until Tuesday January 2nd, take in the tradition of the Woodward’s Windows, the North Point light display including “Chrismoose,” the 15-foot tall moose light sculpture, the Sails of Light, and the always-festive Avenue of Trees at this free, family-friendly event. You can even drop by until 10pm on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Granville Island

As if Granville Island isn’t picturesque enough, holiday lights add that little something extra to this Vancouver landmark. Highlights of these Christmas lights in Vancouver include the beautiful star in the Public Market courtyard, and the lit-up vintage crane, over by the Granville Island Hotel.

Lights of Hope

St. Paul’s Hospital located downtown (1081 Burrard St.) is aglow once again for the season. Until Friday, January 5th, enjoy the seasonal display for free but donate what you can, if you can, as this is a festive fundraiser. Since its start in 1998, Lights of Hope has raised over $50 million. The goal this year is $3.6 million for urgently needed hospital and long-term programs.

Liven UP – Coal Harbour

Enjoy a lovely walk along the seawall illuminated by this festive new event at Coal Harbour on Friday and Saturday evenings until Saturday, December 30. This family-friendly event features lighting installations, artists, musicians, and storytellers animating this “spectacular walk from Canada Place to Cardero Park. Liven UP – Coal Harbour is not only about entertaining and creating a sense of wonder, it is about bringing people together, sharing experiences, and connecting with cultural groups that have helped shape our city.”

PNE Winterfest

The Winterfest is back for the second time this year, with Saturday, December 23 being the last night to enjoy the WinterLights display, Sparkle in the Night light show, live performances like the Nutcracker on Ice and Magic of Santa musical, plus the chance for a holiday ride on the PNE Express Train. For an additional fee there is also ice bumper cars and ice skating (not at the same time).

Entrance fees for adults (19-64) is $25, children (4-12) are $12, and youth (13-18) and Seniors (65+) are $19.

VanDusen Festival of Lights

There’s still lots of time to take in the over 1 million lights twinkling throughout the 15 acres of sparkling displays; Vancouver’s VanDusen Gardens’ Festival of Lights runs until Sunday, January 7.

Entrance fees for adults (19-64) is $27, children (5-12) are $13, and Garden members, youth (13-18), and seniors (65+) are $19.

Where to See Holiday & Christmas Lights in Vancouver and Around the Lower Mainland

Canyon Lights

Every year, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and surrounding forest area is lit. Literally. The spectacular display runs until Sunday, January 21 and is an absolutely essential Vancouver winter experience.

Open daily (except for Christmas Day) from 11am to 9pm, the bridge, forest, and cliff walk are all included, it’s a unique Vancouver experience.

The entrance fee for adults (18-64) is $67, children (6-12) are $27, youth (13-17) are $37, students (18+ with ID) are $54, and seniors (65+) are $62. The free shuttle from downtown Vancouver eases the stress of limited parking.

Lights at Lafarge

Located in Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake, the Lights at Lafarge is the biggest free Christmas light display in the region and runs until the end of February. Families can enjoy a 1.2km walk through the light tunnel and along new and old displays of dazzling holiday lights featuring flora, fauna, and fairytales. Parking is limited at at Town Centre Park. Visitors are encouraged to walk or take public transit.

Heritage Christmas Village

It’s another Christmas lights in Vancouver tradition at Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum. Enjoy the special atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations spread out over the museum’s 10 acres, along with holiday entertainment.

Admission is free. Carousel rides are $2.52 or 13 rides for $30.24.

Forest of Miracles

The waterfront of West Vancouver from Ambleside to Dundarve beach, is lit up 24/7 until January 7 with over 150 trees decorated by local residents.

Light Up the Holiday/Hi-Light Festival

North Vancouver’s annual event in Park and Tilford Gardens features 50,000 lights aglow into New Year’s Eve.

Bright Walk in White Rock

Until Sunday January 7, the picturesque seaside town of White Rock invites residents and visitors to walk around Memorial Park and take in the festive winter light display. Take in the over 50,000 lights, a 20-foot tree, the LED light tunnel, and don’t miss out on photo ops with the eight-foot-tall selfie frame and snowflakes. The lights are on from dush ’til dawn.

Glow Langley

This annual event features a carnival theme this year. Highlights include new spectacular lights throughout the showgrounds as well as a new (free) craft corner, a tent of imagination and creativity, scavenger hunt with prizes, a maker’s market, live performances featuring holiday music, gourmet food trucks, outdoor spaces with heat and overhead cover, interactive play zones with carnival-themed games. This year also marks the return of the beloved Glow-comotive train ride.

Entrance fees vary depending on time of day. Children aged three and under are free.

The Peak of Christmas

Most Vancouver families know that Grouse Mountain is a great quick trip for fun in the snow. And this time of year “The Peak” is all decked out for the holidays. The Peak of Christmas features Christmas lights, a skating pond, Santa in his workshop , and much, more.

Entrance fees vary depending on date and time but access to all the festivities is included with a Mountain Admission Ticket. For a limited time, Grouse Mountain’s Family Day Ticket, lets you bring your family of four for $139.