The Best Holiday Light Displays in Vancouver for Families

The colder Vancouver’s nights get, the brighter the city shines.

All holiday season long, Christmas lights blanket the city, from dazzling forested pathways to beaches lined with twinkling trees.

It’s the most sparkling time of the year, and the perfect excuse for families to bundle up, sip something warm and get into the spirit together. So grab the gang, get outside, and go explore the city’s most enchanting outdoor Christmas lights. Here are the ones guaranteed to wow the little ones (and delight the grown-ups, too).

VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights

Over one million twinkling lights take over one of Vancouver’s most beloved green spaces every winter, transforming the VanDusen Botanical Gardens into a magical, enchanted forest.

With dancing light displays, themed areas to explore, shows every 20 minutes and plenty of festive treats and hot drinks, this is the type of outing the whole family will ask to repeat year after year.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Canyon Lights

Oh so merry, oh so bright. At the annual Canyon Lights display, millions of Christmas lights and holiday-themed exhibits turn Capilano Suspension Bridge Park into a glowing rainforest wonderland.

It’s a playground for the whole family, with shimmering 360° displays from the famous suspension bridge, endless lit, treelined (and treetop) paths, and even a North Pole-themed Trading Post for postcard-perfect photos with Santa’s sleigh and reindeer. Neither you nor the kids will be bored for even a second, with festive entertainment around every corner.

Dundarave Beach Forest of Miracles

During the holidays, Dundarave Beach in West Vancouver lights up as night falls, thanks to over 100 uniquely decorated trees.

In the Dundarave Festival of Light’s Forest of Miracles, each tree is decorated by a local business, family community group, organization, church or sports team, each representing a donation that supports efforts to alleviate homelessness on the North Shore.

Set right by the seaside, it’s a low-key, local favourite and charmingly Vancouver tradition. Plus, with no ticket necessary, it’s an easy outdoor Christmas lights outing for any family.

Metrotown Mall Holiday Decor

There’s just something special about a mall during the holidays. The buzz of shoppers ticking things off their list, the festive music, the decadent decorations, the photo ops with Santa.

It’s nostalgic for the adults and magic for the kids. So this year, embrace it all at Metropolis at Metrotown, where the holiday scene is taken to the next level.

Marvel at dazzling displays throughout the shopping centre, visit the Charity Gift Wrap Station for beautifully wrapped presents, and of course, snap a picture on Santa’s lap.

Grouse Mountain Light Walk

While not a traditional Christmas lights display, the Grouse Mountain Light Walk is a dreamy, immersive winter experience for families. Take the gondola up and stroll through the softly lit snowy paths, soaking in the winter wonderland at the peak of Vancouver.

From gardens and beaches to mall and mountaintop magic, where are you taking the family to feel Vancouver’s holiday cheer first?