Free Surrey holiday festival has a 60-foot tree lighting and new outdoor ice skating

Holiday festivities are just around the corner, and one of our favourite events is helping to kick things off in a big way in the City of Surrey.

The 15th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, at Surrey Civic Plaza.

The outdoor event will offer plenty of free activities and entertainment for all ages, including live music and dance, food trucks, amusement rides, and more.

And new for this year is a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink where you can skate for free!

City of Surrey

“Every year, the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market brings our community together in a truly special way,” said Mayor Brenda Locke in a release. “This year, I’m especially excited that we’ll be launching free outdoor skating at Civic Plaza as part of the festivities.

“The rink will open during the Tree Lighting Festival and remain available for everyone to enjoy throughout the winter season. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends from across the city to connect, celebrate, and kick off the holidays together. I can’t wait to see everyone at the first tree lighting ceremony of the season.”

The giant outdoor ice rink is located on the Civic Plaza within the Holiday Market & Rink tent.

Festival-goers can skate for free when they bring their own skates and helmets, and rentals will also be available on site.

City of Surrey

Guests are invited to start off the holiday season by taking free photos with Santa, shopping in the holiday market, enjoying free amusement rides and lighting displays, and checking out the live entertainment across five stages.

The massive 60-foot tree is scheduled to be lit on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6:30 p.m.. It will remain illuminated and on display throughout the weekend and into January 2026.

Bring the family and enjoy a full day of live entertainment on the Snowflake Stage, North Pole Stage, the Candy Cane Dance Tent, Holiday Market Melodies, and the Grand Staircase in the City Centre library.

City of Surrey

The festive lineup of performers includes Dawn Pemberton and Jodi Proznick, Krystle Dos Santos, Karina Morin and D’Arcy Han. There will also be a Surrey Shines Bright Show and a fire show during the festival.

And make sure to save room for the enchanted treats, including B&B Burger, KYU Grill, Little oOtie’s Mini Donuts, and more.

City of Surrey

“Thank you to the City of Surrey for this wonderful initiative of free outdoor ice skating; it is a remarkable way to bring families together and celebrate the holiday season,” said Grant Murray, Senior Vice President of Sales of Concord Pacific, in a statement.

“In keeping with our long-standing commitment to the Surrey community, Concord Pacific is pleased to help kick off the festive season as the presenting sponsor of the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market.”

And for more fun events happening around Metro Vancouver, check out our Listed section.

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

When: Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free

Daily Hive is a proud media partner of Surrey’s Tree Lighting Festival