10 free holiday lights and Christmas displays to see in Metro Vancouver
The days are getting shorter, which means there’s so much more time to see all the bright and colourful holiday lights around Vancouver!
Pull on your warmest toque and grab the hot chocolate because there are a bunch of free holiday light displays and stunning festivals that you won’t want to miss this year.
The good news is that many are running throughout December, and some even go into January! So you’ll have plenty of time to catch as many of these magical events as possible.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Vancouver Christmas tree and Ferris wheel
Christmas 2025 season Ferris wheel at the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. (Kenneth Chan)
What: As part of the wintertime Destination Downtown Vancouver activations and programming, the temporary Ferris wheel has once again returned to the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The Ferris wheel is closed on Mondays, but operates on all other weekdays and weekends from the afternoon into late evening, with hours varying by day. It will not run on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. Admission is $7 per person, with tickets available onsite.
However, every Tuesday in December 2025 (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30), rides are free, courtesy of Downtown Van, the local business improvement association.
When: Dec. 2, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026
Time: Mondays, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day — closed; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — 3 to 9 p.m.; Fridays — 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays — noon to 10 p.m.; Sundays — noon to 8 p.m.; Boxing Day — 3 to 10 p.m.; New Year’s Eve — 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: North Plaza (West Georgia Street) of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: $7 ride per person; tickets available on site. Free rides on Tuesdays in December 2025 (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30).
Lights at Lafarge
What: Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back again for another holiday season.
The annual tradition illuminates Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones.
When: Friday, Nov. 28, until February 2026
Time: Nightly from 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope
What: The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope.
St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside of St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign since 1998.
More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognize the support of generous donors this year.
When: Lights will be on display until early January
Time: Nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free; donations can be made online
Dundarave Festival’s Forest of Miracles
Dundarave Festival’s Forest of Miracles
What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is the largest outdoor display of Christmas trees in British Columbia. Discover over 150 uniquely decorated trees and vote for your favourites in several categories, including Most Sustainable, Glitz & Glam, and Most Creative.
The Forest of Miracles is open to the public 24 hours a day until Jan. 7, 2026.
When: Now until Jan. 7, 2026
Time: 24 hours a day
Where: West Vancouver Waterfront from the Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach
Admission: Free
Shipyards Christmas Market
What: It’s never too early to think about Christmas, especially when a festive event is gearing up for its Metro Vancouver return this fall.
The Shipyards Christmas Market is back in North Vancouver starting on Friday, Nov. 28 and running through to Christmas Eve. Check out dozens of artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performers, as well as visits with Santa, and more. There are also several holiday photo ops to check out.
When: Friday, Nov. 28 to Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (opening day), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday to Sunday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Dec. 22 and 23), 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Dec. 24)
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
What: Heritage Christmas and the Burnaby Village Museum are truly where history comes alive. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of festive lights and traditional decorations in this 1920s-era village.
There will also be seasonal entertainment, demonstrations, activities, and delicious food served up at Heritage Christmas. Keep an eye out for the historic streetcar on your way to the old-timey ice cream parlour.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, until Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 (closed Dec. 24 and 25)
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum — 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Free, Carousel rides $2.62 plus tax
Bright Walk in White Rock
Bright Walk in White Rock
What: The City of White Rock’s Bright Walk event at Memorial Park on Marine Drive is happening every night throughout the holidays and into the new year. You’ll find a ton of illuminated installations, including a sparkling Instagram-worthy light tunnel, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and over 50,000 twinkling lights.
When: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, until Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
Time: Lights are on all day on weekends, and from dusk to dawn on weekdays
Where: White Rock Waterfront and Memorial Park
Cost: Free
CP Holiday Train
What: The CPKC Holiday Train rolls back into B.C. this December, bringing lights, holiday cheer, and one of Canada’s favourite music acts to a bunch of communities across the province and Metro Vancouver.
The 27th edition of the beloved holiday tradition will travel across Canada and the U.S. this season to raise money, food, and awareness for local food banks. Attendees at each CPKC Holiday Train stop in B.C. will also enjoy a free and festive concert by eight-time Juno winners, the Barenaked Ladies.
When: Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free; donations for the local food bank to help those in need are encouraged
Holiday Light & Music Shows at CF Richmond Centre
What: CF Richmond Centre will host daily lighting celebrations in the outdoor plaza for the holidays.
Guests can enjoy the music and light shows, presented by PayPal Pay in 4, showcased on the brand-new, 78-foot holiday tree, billed as the tallest Christmas tree in the region.
There will also be visits with Santa, live performances by local musicians, two displays that are part of Fleurs de Villes NOËL, and more for the whole family to enjoy.
When: Now until Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Time: Mall hours
Where: CF Richmond Centre – 6551 Number 3 Rd., Richmond
Miracle on Rae Street
What: There’s one house in Port Coquitlam that draws visitors from all around to its driveway every December – the “Miracle on Rae Street.”
When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 5 to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
Where: 3313 Rae St., Port Coquitlam
Cost: By donation to Share Society