3 million twinkling lights at Bright Nights in Stanley Park

One of Metro Vancouver’s largest and most spectacular Christmas light displays is located in the heart of Stanley Park – and it is now open for the 2014 Christmas season.

Over three million dazzling lights decorate acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy. The attraction is also accompanied by musics, snacks, entertainment and even visits with Santa and his elves.

The annual tradition, now in its 17th year, is operated and installed by 800 firefighters – it is a task that requires 8,000 hours of set-up over three months. Bright Nights attracts 200,000 visitors every year and it is expected that this year’s event will attract significantly more thanks to extended hours and the earlier opening date.

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“It’s a monumental undertaking of combined efforts to make this event so successful,” says Ray Boucher, Burn Fund Director and Chair of the Bright Nights Committee. “The funds raised will make a huge difference to burn survivors and their families in our province.”

Admission into Bright Nights is by donation (suggested amount is $4.00) with all proceeds benefiting the Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life supporting and life enriching services to people in B.C. To date, Bright Nights has raised more than $1.6-million for burn survivors.

For those looking for an enhanced lights viewing experienced, the Bright Nights Train is also open daily with additional admission fees.

Bright Nights 2014 at Stanley Park

• Dates and Times:
  • November 27 to December 18: 3 to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • December 19 to 24 and December 26: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (closed on December 25 – Christmas Day)
  • December 27 to January 4: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Location: Miniature railway area at Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Cost: Admission by donation at the gate (suggested minimum donation of $4). All gate admission proceeds go towards the B.C. Burn Fund.

Bright Nights Train 2014 at Stanley Park

• Dates and Times:
  • November 27 to December 18
    • Matinee Train: 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. from Friday to Sunday
    • Night Train: 3 to 10 p.m. daily
  • December 19 to 24 and 26
    • Matinee Train: 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily
    • Night Train: 3 to 11 p.m. daily
  • December 25: closed
  • December 27 to January 4:
    • Matinee Train: 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
    • Night Train: 3 to 10 p.m.
• Location: Miniature railway area at Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Cost:
  • Matinee Train: $6 all ages (no live actors)
  • Night Train: Adult (18 to 64 years) – $11; Child (3 to 17 years) – $8; Small child (2 years and under) – Free; Senior (65 years and over) – $8
  • Purchase train tickets online at: ticketleader.ca/events/bright-nights. Please note that Night Train tickets are in high demand.

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Feature Image: Jack via Flickr