Free Christmas Light Displays Around Metro Vancouver
Two things changed this year. St. Paul’s Foundation says November 12, 2026 is its final Lights of Hope celebration on Burrard Street before the new hospital opens in early 2027. Bright Nights is no longer a by-donation walk in Stanley Park. It has moved to the ticketed Noël Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, from C$24.
The good news is that plenty of holiday lights still cost nothing to see. Coquitlam lights up Lafarge Lake. Burnaby Village Museum opens its gate for free. Surrey hands out free skates. Steveston, Ladner, North Delta and Port Moody all light up their own patches. If you’re willing to drive the Sea to Sky, Whistler Village strings its trees too.
Below you’ll find the 2026 dates confirmed so far, how to get there without circling for parking, and the old favourites that now charge or aren’t happening. Where a date isn’t posted yet, we say so.
8. Whistler Village lights, Winterlight and Wintersphere (Whistler)
Where: Whistler Village: Village Stroll, Whistler Olympic Plaza, Whistler Conference Centre
When: Village lights through the season; Winterlight Nov 27 to 29, 2026; Wintersphere Dec 19, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Dec 25
Cost: Free to walk; Winterlight and Wintersphere free; skating and Ferris wheel extra
Getting there: Sea to Sky (Highway 99) to Whistler Village
Every fall the Resort Municipality of Whistler strings about 5,000 strands of lights through the Village Stroll, Olympic Plaza, Town Plaza, Village Square and the roads into the village. Tourism Whistler’s 2018 count was about 350,000 LED bulbs on nearly 300 trees. The lights stay up until late February or early March, so this isn’t only a December trip.
Whistler Winterlight runs November 27 to 29, 2026. Tourism Whistler calls it a free event open to all, with some paid activities. Skating and the Ferris wheel cost extra. The 2026 Ferris wheel dates, times and price are still listed as TBA on the Winterlight page, though the FAQ lists C$5 a ride with proceeds to local charities. Riders need to be at least 107 cm (42 in) tall with an adult, or 122 cm (48 in) to ride alone.
Wintersphere is a free indoor holiday pop-up at the Whistler Conference Centre, December 19, 2026 to January 2, 2027, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed December 25. It’s a daytime option, so you can see Wintersphere and then stay for the lights after dark. Details are on Tourism Whistler’s Christmas page.
Get there on the Sea to Sky (Highway 99). Check conditions and go prepared for winter driving. Once you’re in the village, everything is on foot. Local transit is free all day December 31 until end of service January 1. Tourism Whistler’s free Go Whistler Tours app has self-guided routes to the best lights. Start at the Village Square trees outside Araxi, which carry 100 light strings each, about 7,000 lights per tree.
7. Ladner Village and North Delta tree lightings (Delta)
Where: Delta Street and 48th Avenue, Ladner Village; North Delta Recreation Centre
When: Ladner Thu Nov 26, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.; North Delta Sat Nov 28, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.
Cost: No admission fee listed
Getting there: Ladner at Delta St and 48th Ave; North Delta at North Delta Recreation Centre
The City of Delta holds two community tree lightings with holiday markets. Ladner Village goes first, on Thursday, November 26, at Delta Street and 48th Avenue. North Delta Recreation Centre follows on Saturday, November 28. Both run 5 to 8 p.m.
Expect the lighting of the tree, a holiday market, seasonal activities and entertainment for all ages. These are one-night events, not displays that run all season. If you miss the night, you’ve missed it.
The City’s tree lighting page lists no admission fee, though it doesn’t use the word free. Ladner’s is the smaller, village-street version. Pair it with dinner in the village.
6. Holiday Cheer at the Pier (Port Moody)
Where: Rocky Point Park pier, 2800 block of Murray Street, Port Moody
When: Saturday, November 28, 2026 (time TBA; 2025 ran 5 to 7 p.m.)
Cost: Free in 2025; 2026 details TBA
Getting there: Walk or take transit; parking was extremely limited in 2025
Port Moody kicks off the season at the Rocky Point Park pier on Saturday, November 28, 2026. The City promises lights, carolers and festive games. The full 2026 program isn’t out yet, so treat the rest of this as a guide to what last year looked like.
In 2025 it was a free, all-ages event from 5 to 7 p.m. Port Moody Fire Rescue ran a bonfire. There were Santa photos, hot chocolate by donation and food trucks you paid for. Santa’s Christmas Ships arrived in Burrard Inlet around 6 p.m.
The City called it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and leashed dogs were welcome. It also collected non-perishable food and new toys, with every donation staying in the Tri-Cities through SHARE Family and Community Services. Bring something to drop off.
The pier is in Rocky Point Park, 2800 block of Murray Street. In 2025 the City warned parking would be extremely limited and asked people to walk or take transit. Pay parking was C$1.50 an hour until 7 p.m. Check the City’s events page for 2026 times.
| Display | City | 2026 dates | Cost | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lights of Hope (final year on Burrard) | Vancouver | Launch Nov 12; run end TBA | No tickets; donations welcome | Launch night for fireworks; weeknights after for photos |
| Winter in the Village | Richmond (Steveston) | Nov 19–Dec 31 | Free events | Afternoon (tram) into evening |
| Surrey Tree Lighting Festival | Surrey | Nov 21–22, noon–8 p.m. | Free (incl. skating) | Sat 6:30 p.m. tree lighting |
| Festive Village, Burnaby Village Museum | Burnaby | Nov 25–Jan 3 (closed Mon/Tue to Dec 13; Dec 24–25) | Free gate; carousel C$2.86 + tax | Weekdays, arrive early |
| Ladner Village tree lighting | Delta | Nov 26, 5–8 p.m. | No fee listed | One night only |
| Lights at Lafarge | Coquitlam | Kick-off Nov 27, 5–8 p.m.; season end TBA | Free | Kick-off night or any evening |
| Whistler Winterlight | Whistler | Nov 27–29 | Free (rides/skating extra) | Evenings |
| Holiday Cheer at the Pier | Port Moody | Nov 28 (2025: 5–7 p.m.) | Free (2025) | ~6 p.m. Christmas Ships (2025) |
| North Delta tree lighting | Delta | Nov 28, 5–8 p.m. | No fee listed | One night only |
| Wintersphere (indoor) | Whistler | Dec 19–Jan 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Free | Daytime |
| Display | Figure | Source year |
|---|---|---|
| Whistler Village | ~5,000 light strings, 24 ft long, 70 LEDs each | 2018 |
| Whistler Village | Nearly 300 trees lit; ~7,000 lights per Village Square tree | 2018 |
| Lights of Hope | 10+ km of lights, 100,000 bulbs, 200 donor stars | 2019 |
| Lights of Hope | 150 volunteers, almost 6 weeks to install | 2019 |
| Lights of Hope | 28th campaign raised C$2.2M+ | 2025 |
| Surrey Tree Lighting | 60-ft tree; 16th year | 2026 |
| Burnaby Village Museum | 10-acre open-air site | 2026 |
| Lights at Lafarge | Lake dug out as part of a former gravel pit; donated mid-1980s | history |
5. Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market (Surrey)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
When: Sat Nov 21 and Sun Nov 22, 2026, noon to 8 p.m.; tree lit 6:30 p.m. Saturday, stays lit to early January 2027
Cost: Free admission, skating, rentals and Santa photos
Getting there: Surrey Central Station (Expo Line) next door; limited free parking on P1 and P2 of the City Hall parkade
The City of Surrey’s two-day festival is in its 16th year. Mayor and Council light an 18 m (60 ft) Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. The tree stays lit until early January 2027, so you can see it long after the festival packs up.
A lot here is free. Admission is free. Outdoor skating is free, and so are skate and helmet rentals. Photos with Santa are free both days from noon to 8 p.m. You pay for food at the Enchanted Eats food-truck strip and anything you buy at the holiday market.
Skating runs in 40-minute sessions that start every hour from noon to 7 p.m. Spots go by first-come wristband, and they only hand out wristbands for the next three sessions. Get yours as soon as you arrive. You can bring your own skates and helmet if you prefer.
Surrey Central Station on the Expo Line is right next door, and the bus loop is beside the plaza. Free parking on P1 and P2 of the City Hall parkade is limited. University Drive between Central Avenue and 104 Avenue, and the westbound lane of Central Avenue between Civic Plaza Lane and University Drive, are closed from 3 p.m. Friday, November 20 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, November 22. No pets. The site is fully paved, with ramps, accessible washrooms in City Hall and a sensory-friendly space hosted by the Canucks Autism Network. The festival FAQ has the rest.
4. Winter in the Village (Steveston, Richmond)
Where: Steveston Village, Richmond
When: November 19 to December 31, 2026; individual event dates not posted yet
Cost: Free events and displays; food and drink extra
Getting there: Tourism Richmond kiosk on Bayview St between First Ave and No. 1 Rd
Tourism Richmond’s Winter in the Village runs November 19 to December 31, 2026. The waterfront fishing village puts up lights, holiday displays and selfie stations. It also runs a series of free family events, including visits with Santa. Tourism Richmond says the event calendar is still being filled in, and the 2026 tree lighting date isn’t posted yet.
Ongoing features include Heritage Holidays at the Shipyards, Steveston Sips and the Winter Tram. Steveston Sips is seasonal drinks and treats at village spots, which you pay for.
The Winter Tram is the free Steveston Tram pavilion at 4011 Moncton St, decorated for the season around restored interurban tramcar 1220. In past years you could climb aboard. In 2023 it opened Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., closed on statutory holidays. Go before dark for the tram, then stay for the lights.
The Tourism Richmond kiosk is on Bayview Street between First Avenue and No. 1 Road. Watch the Winter in the Village page for event dates as they’re added.
3. Lights of Hope at St. Paul’s Hospital (Downtown Vancouver)
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street
When: Launch and celebration night Thursday, November 12, 2026. End of run not posted yet
Cost: No tickets mentioned; donations welcome
Getting there: On Burrard Street downtown at the hospital
Every year St. Paul’s Foundation turns the front of St. Paul’s Hospital into a wall of lights and donor stars. It’s a fundraiser for medical equipment, research and patient care. This is the last year it happens on Burrard. The Foundation calls November 12 its final celebration night on Burrard Street before the new hospital opens in early 2027.
Launch night has fireworks. In 2019 the Foundation said the display used more than 10 km of lights, 100,000 bulbs and 200 donor stars. It took 150 volunteers almost six weeks to put up. Stars range from Bronze, about 0.9 m (3 ft), to Platinum, about 4.6 m (15 ft). The 28th campaign raised more than C$2.2 million.
You see it from the street, and the Foundation doesn’t mention tickets anywhere. Donations are the point. A gift of C$1,000 or more puts a name on a star, through the Lights of Hope page. Nobody is charged to look.
The Foundation hasn’t posted how long the 2026 display stays lit. In 2019 it ran to January 6. Since this is the final year in this spot, expect a big crowd on November 12. For photos, a weeknight later in the season should be easier.
2. Festive Village at Burnaby Village Museum (Burnaby)
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
When: Nov 25 to Dec 13, 2026, Wed to Sun 2 to 9 p.m.; Dec 16, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, daily 2 to 9 p.m.; closed Dec 24 and 25
Cost: Free gate admission; carousel C$2.86 plus tax per ride
Getting there: Lot on Deer Lake Ave near Canada Way and Sperling; limited, carpool or transit advised
This used to be called Heritage Christmas. The City of Burnaby now runs it as Festive Village, on the museum’s 10-acre open-air heritage site near Deer Lake. You walk old streets and buildings under festive lights and traditional decorations. There’s seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities like a scavenger hunt.
Gate admission is free. The only charge is the carousel, at C$2.86 plus tax per ride. A Baker’s Dozen of 13 rides is C$34.32 plus tax. Food comes from Mai’s Cafe and food trucks. The Bright in Burnaby tree lighting happens here on November 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Hours change partway through the season. From November 25 to December 13 it’s open Wednesday to Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m., and closed Monday and Tuesday. From December 16 to January 3 it’s open daily, 2 to 9 p.m. It’s closed December 24 and 25. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Full details are on the museum’s Festive Village page.
The main entrance and lot are on Deer Lake Avenue near Canada Way and Sperling. Parking is limited, and the museum strongly suggests carpooling or transit. Staff can limit entry when the site gets too full, so the museum suggests arriving early or coming on a weekday. Leave the dog at home: only service dogs are allowed. Nearly every building is wheelchair accessible, linked by a paved path.
1. Lights at Lafarge (Coquitlam)
Where: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
When: Kick-off Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m. Season end date and nightly hours not posted yet
Cost: Free
Getting there: Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station
The lights wrap the loop trail around Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park. That makes this a walk, not a drive-through. The City of Coquitlam produces it and calls it Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display. The lights reflect off the lake, which is the shot most people come for.
The 2026 season opens Friday, November 27, from 5 to 8 p.m., with light displays, local food trucks and live entertainment. Last year’s kick-off also had giveaways, crafts, card-writing with the library and food vendors that stayed open until 9 p.m. Coquitlam hasn’t posted the 2026 closing date or nightly hours yet. Check the City’s Lights at Lafarge page before you go.
The lake has an industrial back story. The City describes it as a man-made, excavated lake. The Lafarge company donated it to the City in the mid-1980s.
Take the Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, which the City says is steps from the park. Town Centre Park normally has ample free parking. At the 2025 kick-off, though, there was no event parking at Town Centre Park Community Centre or Evergreen Cultural Centre. Go on kick-off night for food trucks and music. Pick any other evening for a calmer loop. One warning from the City: emails asking performers for a C$300 registration fee for the kick-off are not from Coquitlam.
When to go
The season starts early downtown, with Lights of Hope on November 12. Most of the rest lands in the last two weeks of November, and the busiest stretch is November 26 to 28. That’s when Ladner, Lafarge, Whistler Winterlight, North Delta, Port Moody and the Bright in Burnaby tree lighting all happen within three days.
If you want a display you can visit any night into December, look at Burnaby Village Museum, Steveston, the Surrey tree and Whistler Village (Lights at Lafarge usually runs for weeks too, but Coquitlam hasn’t posted 2026 end dates or nightly hours yet). Remember that Burnaby Village Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays until December 13, and closed December 24 and 25. The timeline below shows how each run lines up.
Getting there without the parking hunt
- Lights at Lafarge: Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station on the Millennium Line is steps from the park.
- Surrey Tree Lighting: Surrey Central Station on the Expo Line is next door. Festival parking is limited and first come, first served.
- Burnaby Village Museum: parking is limited. The museum strongly suggests carpooling or transit.
- Port Moody: parking at Rocky Point Park was extremely limited in 2025.
- Whistler: once you’ve driven the Sea to Sky, the village is all on foot. Local transit is free all day December 31 until end of service January 1.
Dogs, strollers and accessibility
- Burnaby Village Museum: no pets except service dogs. Nearly every building is wheelchair accessible via a paved path.
- Surrey Tree Lighting: no pets. Fully paved site with ramps, accessible washrooms in City Hall and a Canucks Autism Network sensory space.
- Port Moody pier (2025): leashed dogs welcome, and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
What’s not free, or not happening, this year
- Bright Nights is no longer a by-donation walk in Stanley Park. For 2026 it’s part of ticketed Noël Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, November 27 to December 29, with adult tickets from C$24 (youth/senior from C$18, kids 6 and under free) including parking. The Burn Fund still takes donations at the entrance.
- Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park runs November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027, but it’s included with paid park admission.
- Christmas at Canada Place: the Canada Place Christmas page currently says the event won’t take place this year because of construction on the west promenade.
- VanDusen Festival of Lights, Glow and the Peak of Christmas are ticketed and aren’t covered here.
Free regulars still waiting on 2026 dates
- Spirit of the Season at The Shipyards, on the Shore: 2025 was free, with the tree lit at the foot of Lonsdale between 4:20 and 4:45 p.m. The 2026 date isn’t posted yet.
- Bright in the Park, New Westminster (Tipperary Park beside City Hall): 2025 was free, on paved paths. The lights twinkle slowly or stay constantly lit, with no flashing, which matters if anyone in your group is light-sensitive. The 2026 dates aren’t posted yet.
- Christmas in the Park, Maple Ridge (Memorial Peace Park): 2025 was December 6, 4 to 8 p.m., with a tree lighting and the 224th Street bells. The 2026 date isn’t posted yet.
What to bring
- A non-perishable food item or new toy for Port Moody’s pier night. In 2025 donations went to SHARE Family and Community Services.
- Cash or card for extras: the Burnaby Village Museum carousel (C$2.86 plus tax), Whistler’s Ferris wheel and skating, and food trucks.
- Your own skates for Surrey if you like them, though free rentals and helmets are on site.
- Warm layers. Most of these are outdoor evening walks, and you’ll be standing around after dark.
| Display | Transit | Parking | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lights at Lafarge | Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station (Millennium Line), steps away | Park normally has ample free parking; no event parking at the community centre or Evergreen at the 2025 kick-off | Not stated |
| Festive Village, Burnaby Village Museum | Transit or carpool recommended by the museum | Free but limited lot on Deer Lake Ave | Service dogs only |
| Surrey Tree Lighting Festival | Surrey Central Station (Expo Line), next door; bus loop beside the plaza | Limited free parking, P1 and P2 of the City Hall parkade | No pets |
| Holiday Cheer at the Pier (2025 details) | Walk or take transit, per the City | Extremely limited; pay parking C$1.50 an hour until 7 p.m. | Leashed dogs welcome |
Free lights are still easy to find around Metro Vancouver. You just have to look a little farther from Stanley Park this year. If you only make one trip downtown, make it Burrard Street before the Lights of Hope move with the hospital. For everything else, ride the SkyTrain where you can, check the organizer pages for the dates still missing, and dress for an evening outside.
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Photo credits
- Christmas on the Village Stroll (6566067621).jpg by Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0 (combined into a montage, cropped). Via Wikimedia Commons.
