Time to slide into holiday mode with twinkling bright lights. This was one of our most popular articles last year, so we’re back with our 2018 edition of the best Christmas lights in Vancouver (we will keep this updated so check back often.)
Christmas Lights – Free to See
Vancouver Christmas Tree
800 Robson Square, Vancouver
Tree lighting on November 30, 2018, 6-7pm
Vancouver’s iconic Christmas tree will be lit on Robson Street – a 76-ft tall tree covered with thousands of lights. Don’t miss the family-friendly tree lighting ceremony; festivities that evening include live music, free cookies and hot chocolate, and activities for kids. To decorate the tree, you can buy a bulb for $5 or 15 bulbs for $10 (proceeds help send kids to the Children’s Festival).
Christmas at Canada Place
Canada Place, Vancouver
December 7, 2018 – January 3, 2019
It’s the 31st annual Christmas at Canada Place this year. Check out the nostalgic Woodward’s Windows, an impressive light display, the Sails of Light, and the festive Avenue of Christmas Trees.
Lights of Hope
St Paul’s Hospital, 178 – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Starts November 16, 2018
The annual Lights of Hope display takes 150+ volunteers to build. The beautifully lit wall features over 10km of lights, 100,000 bulbs and hundreds of sponsored stars. Donations are gratefully accepted for St. Paul’s Hospital.
Vancouver Parade of Carol Ships
Coal Harbour and False Creek, Vancouver
December 2 – 17, 2018
This unique display of lights along the water in and around downtown Vancouver is a nightly procession of nearly 50 decked-out boats, which you can enjoy from the shore.
Granville Island
Granville Island, Vancouver
Starting November 18, 2018
Stroll around the Island at night and head down this dreamy little alley for that Insta-moment. The annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is Thursday, December 21, 2018.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
1690 Matthews Avenue, Vancouver
Starting mid-November 2018
Canuck Place gets lit up every holiday season with over 60,000 lights. This pediatric palliative care home does so much for children and their families. You’ll feel the love and hope when you visit. It’s free to see. If you wish to make a donation, you can support their Light a Life campaign and celebrate anyone who has touched your life.
Chalet Lights
4967 Chalet Place, North Vancouver
December 2, 2018 – January 6, 2019
The Ribalkin/Viau family is back at it for 2018. This family home deserves a shout out as they put up thousands of lights and collect donations for charity, which have surpassed $96K to date. Head over to North Van to check it out! (Donations can be made online as well).
Lafarge Winter Lights
Lafarge Lake, Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
November 24, 2018 – January 20, 2019
This is the biggest free outdoors lights display in the Lower Mainland. Two entertainment hubs and dazzling light displays that encircle the 1.2km loop around the lake.
Light Up Dome Experience
West Georgia & Granville Street (Vancouver City Centre Station), Vancouver
Big, beautiful glowing ball of light. Insta-worthy scene that you have to check out (like this one from @pintheglobe). PS. This is also the best place to steal a kiss – there’s a pretty mistletoe at the centre of the installation.
Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival
December 2018 – early January 2019
2400-2900 Trinity Street, Vancouver
Walk down this festive residential block where neighbours try to out-do each other year after year. Keep an eye out for special events on some nights. Donations gratefully accepted for local organizations.
Self-Guided Tour of Residential Homes
There are lots of private residences that go all out with their light displays. Vancouver Sun has a comprehensive interactive map for the best decorations and displays this winter.
Christmas Lights – Ticketed Experiences
Aurora Winter Festival
November 23 – December 30, 2018
Concord Pacific Place, 811 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $19.99/general, $14.99/kids 4-12 & seniors
Brand new this year is a sparkly, lit up winter festival with market huts, food gardens, amusement rides, live entertainment, and plenty of other joyful activities. Impressive features include an outdoor skating rink, a 200 foot long slide, and a 60-foot ferris wheel!
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
November 22, 2018 – January 27, 2019
Capilano Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver
Tickets: $47/adult, $43/senior, $35/student, $28/youth, $15/child, free/0-6
This is the most jaw-dropping display of lights. Here, you will find the world’s tallest living Christmas tree – a Douglas Fir standing at 152 feet, decorated with thousands of sparking lights. The dazzling sight of the 140-metre bridge and the rainforest will not disappoint. For the kidlets: children’s scavenger hunt, gingerbread cookie decorating, sing-a-long carols, and more. Pro-tips: BC residents can get a free unlimited annual pass with the purchase of admission. To avoid lineups, go before December 15 or after January 7.
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
December 1, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Tickets: $18.50/adult, $14.50/senior, $14.25/youth, $11/child, free/0-3
Experience the Festival of Lights, a frozen winter wonderland with over one million lights decorating the garden. Enjoy the Dancing Lights show on the lake, sing classics at the Festival Stage, take a selfie with Santa, and light a candle with Make-A-Wish Foundation. Lots of photo ops along the way. Pro-tip: Go before December 21 to save a few dollars on admission.
Bright Lights Train at Stanley Park
Stanley Park, Vancouver
November 29, 2018 – January 5, 2019
Tickets: $12/adult, $9/senior, $8/child, free/0-2
During the holidays, the Bright Nights Christmas Train and Stanley Park Train Plaza sparkle with three million twinkling lights. Enjoy the breathtaking displays and live performers along the train route. This is a must-do with the kids! Your donation and a portion of ticket sales go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Glow Christmas
November 22, 2018 – January 19, 2019
6690 216 Street, Langley (Milner Village Garden Centre)
Tickets: $23/adult, $17/seniors and children, free/0-3
Four Christmas-themed gardens, a musical light tunnel, and a Christmas market. They have over 500,000 lights up across 103,000 square feet of space. Take a peek over on their IG. Get your tickets online to save $2.