10 Best Christmas Lights in Vancouver this Winter
’Tis the season for sparkle and cheer! Across the region, light displays take over streets, parks, and attractions from downtown to the North Shore and beyond. From classic local traditions to immersive illuminated trails, there’s no shortage of magical, family-friendly displays to experience this holiday season.
If you're looking for festive things to do this season, these spots offer some of the brightest and most beloved displays, from iconic garden shows to mountaintop adventures.
VanDusen Festival of Lights: A Botanical Garden Glow-Up
Each year, VanDusen Botanical Garden becomes a glittering landscape of winding paths, themed zones, and their popular Dancing Lights show. Seasonal treats from on-site vendors, colourful installations, and peaceful forested corners make this one of the city’s favourite holiday traditions.
Admission: Tickets should be purchased in advance during peak evenings
When: November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Canyon Lights at Capilano: A Dazzling Suspension Bridge Experience
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park turns into a dramatic illuminated experience on the North Shore featuring Canyon Lights. The suspension bridge, Cliffwalk, and Treetops Adventure glow with millions of lights high above the canyon, while immersive displays throughout the rainforest add even more wonder. It’s one of the most striking nighttime strolls in the region.
Admission: All park attractions and seasonal events are included in the price of admission; make a reservation to avoid disappointment
When: November 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital: A Community-Focused Display
Lights of Hope transforms the exterior of St. Paul’s Hospital into a beautiful display of colour and reflection. The installation is a long-standing tradition that brings warmth and community spirit to the downtown core, offering a quieter but meaningful way to experience the season.
Admission: Free to visit, donations welcomed
When: November 27, 2025 to January 2, 2026
Destination Downtown: A Seasonal Festival in the Heart of the City
Downtown Vancouver comes alive with glowing installations, dazzling lights, and free performances during the winter season with Destination Downtown . You can expect a lit Ferris wheel, ice-skating, illuminated art along the Coal Harbour seawall, and a lively market-style atmosphere with trees, food trucks, and pop-up entertainment throughout the core.
Admission: Free to visit
When: December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting: Western Canada’s Tallest Holiday Tree
Get into the holiday spirit at the plaza in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, where you can see Western Canada’s tallest Christmas tree, a 76-foot fir that shines with more than 100,000 lights.
Admission: Free to visit
When: November 28, 2025 to December 31, 2025
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain: A Mountaintop Winter Experience
Grouse Mountain turns the North Shore into one of the most scenic winter light experiences in the region. Enjoy sparkling walks around Blue Grouse Lake, outdoor skating, sweeping views, and charming winter characters. Santa’s Workshop, a reindeer habitat, and classic snow activities make this a memorable seasonal outing.
Admission: Included with Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Pass, Winter Season Pass or Ski Lift Ticket
When: November 21 to December 24, 2025
Lights at Lafarge in Coquitlam: A Free Lakeside Light Walk
One of Metro Vancouver’s biggest holiday light traditions, Lights at Lafarge transforms the 1.6-km loop around Lafarge Lake into a glowing winter wonderland. Expect dazzling displays, re-imagined installations, and plenty of picture-perfect moments—all completely free. Grab a warm drink, wander the lakefront path, and take in one of the region’s most beloved seasonal light displays.
Admission: Free, no tickets required
When: Now through February 16, 2026 (lights on daily from 4–11 p.m.)
Bright Nights and Noël Surrey: A Reimagined Holiday Light Festival
Bright Nights was a cherished tradition, transforming forested paths with millions of lights, a holiday train ride, tunnels, and whimsical displays. In 2025, the event moved to Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey as part of the Noel Surrey Light Festival, marking the end of an era for many locals who loved the Stanley Park setting.
Admission: Tickets can be purchased with time reservations; walk-up sales may not be available at the box office during sold out time slots
When: November 28 to December 28, 2025
Granville Island Festive Lights: A Waterfront Walk Through Seasonal Glow
Granville Island shines under a canopy of glowing installations including oversized stars, musical-note decorations, and a festively decorated waterfront crane. The island’s nearly 40 acres offer a relaxed, family-friendly walk, perfect for shopping, dinner, and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Admission: Free to attend
When: November 12 to early January
Lights to the Lodge at Cypress Mountain: A Snowshoe Trail of Forest Lights
Snowshoe along a softly lit one-kilometre trail through old-growth forest to historic Hollyburn Lodge. Trees shimmer with LEDs, creating one of the coziest nighttime walks near the city. Warm up with a drink or snack by the fire before making your way back.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance
When: Winter seasonal
Which Neighbourhood has the best Christmas Lights?
Just about every neighbourhood in Vancouver has its own unique way of celebrating the season through Christmas light displays, but downtown Vancouver delivers the most polished and accessible displays with options to buy tickets or see dazzling displays for free. The areas around the Vancouver Art Gallery, Coal Harbour, Canada Place, and Robson Street feature large-scale installations and lively atmospheres that pair well with hot chocolate, family walks, or attending other seasonal events.
Meanwhile, North Vancouver has you covered for dramatic settings. Between Capliano Suspension Bridge Park, Grouse Mountain, and Cypress, you can experience forested backdrops, elevation and unique light experiences with fun for the whole family.
Residential neighbourhoods throughout Vancouver are known for their classic, house-by-house decorations that feel cozy and nostalgic. Areas like Kitsilano, the West End, Kerrisdale, Mount Pleasant often feature community-driven displays worth seeing. This is a perfect option for families looking for a quiet walk or folks who want fewer crowds and a “chill” experience without the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Discover the Many Ways Vancouver Lights Up the Season
Whether you’re planning a festive night, a family-friendly outing, or a quieter neighbourhood walk, Vancouver’s Christmas light displays offer something for everyone. You can hit the big, iconic displays downtown, chase dramatic views on the North Shore, or find the lesser-known, beautifully lit neighbourhood streets that feel like a local secret.
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