There’s a little more than two weeks until Christmas. At this point, you’re either smugly looking at a closet full of gifts and patting yourself on the back, or realizing that the holidays are approaching at turbo speed and you haven’t yet caught the Christmas spirit. In our humble opinion, the best when to get in the mood is to bask in the sparkle of a gorgeous light display. Here are the 5 best displays of Christmas lights in Vancouver to make your season bright.
5 Best Displays of Christmas Lights in Vancouver
Capilano Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge, through January 3
Capilano Suspension Bridge and CliffWalk are stunning without lights. With lights, it’s sheer magic. Not only is the bridge all decked out and twinkling, the park also has the world’s tallest living Christmas tree (also bedazzled) and other festive activities such as caroling and gingerbread cookie decorating. To avoid the crowds, we recommend hitting it up on a weekday. Admission fee.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park, through January 5
This one is for the kiddos. They’re invited to hop aboard a mini train and watch Christmas, illustrated by bright light displays, unfold as they make their way through Stanley park forest. Admission fee.
Trinity Street Christmas Light Festival, through January 5
This is a homemade light display where residents go all out to outshine one another in order to earn money for local community programs. The perks? It should be less clogged up than the other light displays because the organizers are going car-free and asking folks to take public transport or bike. Also, Saturday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 20 from 6 to 9pm, the participating community programs sell hot chocolate and cookies and a choir performs. By paying $2, people can vote for the house with their favourite light display.
Festival of Lights at the VanDusen Botanical Garden, through January 4
Every year for the last 29 years, VanDusen transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of colourful lights. More than your average light display, Festival of Lights goes all out with creative light-themed entertainment. Some Christmas lights dance, some are integrated into shadow puppet shows, some are part of immersive themed areas such as candy cane trees, gingerbread walks, and Santa’s workshop. Beloved by young and old, this is one of the must-do Vancouver Christmas traditions. Admission fee.
50-Foot Christmas Tree Jack Poole Plaza, through January 1
If you’re looking for Christmas lights downtown, this is your best bet. Find the city’s bedecked evergreen at Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre. It’s free to view; we recommend splurging on a cup of coca to bring with you.
Last modified: December 8, 2014
