Why a free fireworks show is bursting over Vancouver next week

The holidays in Vancouver just wouldn’t be as bright without the Lights of Hope, and this year is kicking off with the return of the popular fireworks display.

St. Paul’s Foundation’s massive light display outside St. Paul’s Hospital has been an annual Christmastime tradition and fundraising campaign for nearly 30 years.

More than 100,000 lights and hundreds of shining stars recognizing the support of generous donors will be officially switched on as of Thursday, Nov. 12, and fireworks will commemorate the occasion on opening night.

There will also be a variety of popular food trucks and vendors on-site for attendees to enjoy.

Lights of Hope 2026 is a momentous occasion as St. Paul’s Hospital approaches its transition to the Jim Pattison Medical Campus next year.

St. Paul’s Foundation

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“Lights of Hope is our biggest community fundraiser of the year. Funds raised support ground-breaking research projects, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, and attract and retain the world’s top researchers and clinicians,” Sheila Biggers, CEO and president of St. Paul’s Foundation, previously said to Daily Hive.

“Every day, our care teams across Providence Health Care see patients and families at some of their darkest times. Lights of Hope raises funds that will help save lives and ensure British Columbians have access to world-class, compassionate care right here at home.”

According to St. Paul’s Foundation, donations to the campaign have totalled nearly $60 million throughout its history, with hundreds of thousands of patients and residents impacted by donors’ generosity.

St. Paul’s Foundation

The 29th annual Lights of Hope fundraiser will help support patients and frontline health care workers.

Visitors to the Lights of Hope kickoff event on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. will enjoy holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus for a suggested donation of $20.

There will be hot drinks from Beyond Coffee and Starbucks, mouthwatering food trucks like Gary’s Kettle Corn and The Great Canadian Cotton Candy Company, and a stunning fireworks display for all ages to enjoy.

St. Paul’s Foundation

There will also be live entertainment and holiday classics throughout the evening from Sarabande (Vancouver Bach Choir), Hot Tea A Capella Group, and the What’s Next Band.

Make sure to visit the Gift of Hope Tent to enter the prize draw for two tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia and a $200 Visa gift card.

Bring the little ones to participate in Paintillio’s community mural of a massive paint-by-number artwork of fireworks over St. Paul’s Hospital for a suggested donation of $5 (or pay what you can).

Learn about more great holiday events happening around Vancouver online.

St. Paul’s Hospital Lights of Hope kickoff and fireworks

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 (lights will be on display until early January)
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. for kickoff, nightly throughout the holiday season
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital – 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver
Admission: Free; donations can be made online

Daily Hive is a proud sponsor of St. Paul’s Hospital’s 2026 Lights of Hope