Where to see Christmas Lights in Vancouver

Vancouver attractions and neighborhoods light up the holidays with incredible displays that are wonderful fun for all ages. There are so many places to see Christmas lights in Vancouver, with the most popular being the Festival of Lights and the Stanley Park Christmas Train. There are also a few drive thru Christmas lights in Vancouver for those who have young children or enjoy seeing the holiday displays from inside their car!

Best Christmas Light Displays Vancouver

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

Welcoming over 200,000 visitors annually, the Stanley Park Railway is one of the popular Christmas activities in Vancouver with locals and tourists alike. Bright Nights and Stanley Park Holiday train is back for the 2022 holiday season in Vancouver

The 20 gauge, 2 km track winds through the forest over ground cleared by Typhoon Freda, the most devastating storm in Vancouver history which blew through in 1962.  

Passengers can get a close-up look at a vintage engine and a quick photo before boarding for the 15-minute ride. 

The jewel of the Stanley Park Railway’s collection of old locomotives is a locally-built replica of Canadian Pacific Railway Engine #374, famous for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s.  

Stanley Park Railway is adjacent to other popular destinations such as Lumberman’s Arch, Malkin Bowl, and the Rose Garden.

Tickets: $13 for adults (19-65) Children (3-12) $9, Youth (12-17) $10, Seniors (54+) $10  (under 2 is free). They must be bought online in advance. There are also matinee tickets that are cheaper.

Location: Stanley Park

Dates: 2022 dates TBD

More Info: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bright-nights-train.aspx

Canada Place Christmas Lights

Enjoy a free outdoor holiday experience at Canada Place. The iconic sails will be lit up in a holiday light display. Stroll down the Avenue of Christmas Trees and enjoy the light displays at North Point including the 15-foot-tall Chrismoose. The historic Woodward’s Windows holiday scenes will also be on display. 8am – 10pm daily (including December 24-26, December 31, January 1). While the experience is open both day and evening, the light displays and Sails of Light can best be viewed after 5:00 p.m.

Location: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Dates: Until January 2

More Info: https://www.canadaplace.ca/events/christmas/

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

 Named one of the most spectacular holiday lights displays in the world, Canyon Lights is set to dazzle and amaze, high above the forest floor. The suspension bridge, rainforest and Capilano River are ablaze with lights, Treetops Adventure (the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world) is lit from top to bottom, the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel mesmerizes on Cliffwalk, while the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt entertains the whole family.

A tradition for many Vancouver families, Canyon Lights looks forward to welcoming back guests with a few operational changes to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff in a COVID world. Tickets and annual passes will only be available for pre-purchase online for a specific date and time to limit contact upon entry and reduce capacity.

Dates for Canyon Lights: Canyon Lights runs during the winter months of November to January.

Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver

Robson Square

Robson square is decked out full of Christmas lights each holiday season.

Dates: 2022 Tree Lighting dates TBD

VanDusen Botanical Garden Festival of Lights Vancouver

One of the best well known and one of the best Vancouver Christmas lights, is the elaborate Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Thousands of lights transform the gardens into a winter wonderland.

Location: 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver

Dates: 2022 TBD

Lights at Lafarge Lake

Lights at Lafarge Lake is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver, featuring more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The outdoor display will be a popular Vancouver Christmas event as it offers an outdoor activity for the whole family!

Dates: TBD for 2022

Beyond Vancouver Xmas Lights

Glow Gardens Langley

Glow Gardens changes up their event each year. The 2021 season had a drive thru Christmas Light event. Will see what comes for 2022!

Dates: TBD for 2022

Location: 6690 216 St, Langley

Christmas in Willams Park

Williams Park is a popular drive thru Christmas Lights attraction.

Location: Williams Park, 238 Street & 68 Avenue, Langley

Surrey Civic Centre Holiday Lights

Location: 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey

Dates: 2022 dates TBD

Vallea Lumina Whistler

Legends speak of a long-lost trail that leads to a secret valley. Join a twilight expedition to explore its mysterious beauty. Just 10 minutes drive north of Whistler village, experience a range of activities from TAG Whistler. Vallea Lumina is a sound and light experience that takes you through the forest, telling a story along the way.

The winter experience runs from November to April and is much more kid friendly than the summer experience because the show times are much earlier (since it gets dark much earlier in the winter months).

What to Wear: Full snow gear is recommended for kids. Dress in layers with warm coats, gloves and hats. Snow boots are recommended for walking on snow. Masks are required.

Things to note: Strollers and sleds are not permitted. There are stairs to walk down at the beginning and a bridge to cross. Those with young children should wear them in a carrier. The walk is about 30 minutes but you can go as fast or as slow as you want. Pets are not permitted.

Pricing: Adult $29.99 Child $24.99 (5 and under are free)

Related Winter Activities

If you haven’t been snowshoeing lately, now is the time to change that with these great Vancouver snowshoeing locations!

There are also plenty of places to go ice skating in Vancouver to get some more of that winter magic!