10 great holiday lights displays and events around Vancouver to see until the new year

We could all use more cheer right now, so why not keep the spirit of the season going by checking out some holiday lights around Vancouver until the end of the year (and beyond)?

Don’t tuck away the tinsel just yet — there is still lots of festive fun to be had between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, including huge holiday light displays and outdoor ice skating.

Here are 10 festive Metro Vancouver events to enjoy between Boxing Day and the New Year.

And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to visit our Listed section.

Merry & Bright at Martini Town

What: Merry & Bright returns to Martini Town this holiday season, transforming the Langley outdoor film set into a festive wonderland.

Until Dec. 31, wander through movie-perfect streets twinkling with cheery lights, nostalgic window displays, and film-style “snow.” Meet Santa nightly, browse artisan gifts in the Market Lane, and enjoy cozy eats and treats from local vendors.

With live entertainment, roaming characters, and movie-magic décor, it’s the perfect place to make—and capture—holiday memories. A portion of all proceeds from Merry & Bright will be donated to the Langley Food Bank.

When: Now until Dec. 31, 2025 (closed select Mondays and Tuesdays)
Time: Various time slots from 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: Merry & Bright at Martini Town — 1123 272nd St., Langley
Cost: $24 for adults, $20 for seniors, $18 for youth ages 13 to 17, $12 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages five and under. Purchase online

Forbidden Vancouver’s Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour

What: Get festive and forbidden this season with the Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour. Acclaimed guided walking tours company Forbidden Vancouver invites you to step inside downtown’s iconic buildings and discover stories of intrigue, jealousy and murder.

Guests will also enjoy beautiful holiday displays in some of Vancouver’s finest hotel lobbies, get a private viewing inside the Marine Building, and stay warm with a delicious hot chocolate at the award-winning Mink Chocolates.

When: Daily until Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025 (no tour on Christmas and New Year’s Day)
Time: Various start times
Where: Starts at the corner of Robson Street and Granville Street
Cost: $44.90-$49. Purchase online

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters of all ages to glide on the approximately 12,000 sq. ft. surface daily from 12 to 8 p.m. Fun can be had no matter the weather, as the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.

When: Now until end of season
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)

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 covered in holiday lights 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

VanDusen Festival of Lights

What: Get ready for a walk in a winter wonderland, because one of Vancouver’s largest holiday light displays has returned for the season.

VanDusen Festival of Lights delights visitors at the botanical garden until Jan. 4, 2026

Discover over one million lights across 15 acres, with new displays and returning favourites for all ages.

When: Now until Jan. 4, 2026 (closed on Christmas Day)
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. (last entry time 8:30 to 9 p.m.)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Admission: $12-$29, free for children four years and under (must reserve a ticket). Purchase online

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

Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink

What: This is the first-ever activation of the public plaza in Surrey City Centre with an outdoor ice rink, and the City of Surrey is aiming to potentially turn this into a new annual civic tradition.

The ice rink spans an area of 4,000 sq. ft., with 5,000 gallons of water used to create the slick surface. Moreover, it is fully covered under a large tent, protecting it from inclement weather.

When: Open daily until Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (holiday hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. apply on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza — 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free for all ages. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.

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

Soar with Santa at Flyover

What: Christmastime is here in Vancouver, and a visit to Flyover should be at the top of everyone’s wish list. Experience the magic of Christmas this holiday season as you fly across Canada and up to the North Pole in Soar with Santa.

When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Friday to Sunday)
Where: Canada Place Pier – 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: Various, purchase online

Lights by the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs

What: Harrison Hot Springs will be overflowing with Christmas spirit this season, thanks to the return of its annual holiday lights festival.

The village’s annual Lights by the Lake will continue until Sunday, Jan. 11. Visitors will enjoy magical holiday displays that transform the Harrison lakefront into an enchanting world of lights celebrating the local wildlife as well as the elusive Sasquatch.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, to Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
Time: Dusk to 11 p.m.
Where: Harrison Hot Springs
Cost: Free