12 Places to Enjoy Outdoor Lights Around Vancouver

November 16, 2020
TE
By Taryn Eyton
11 min read

Celebrate winter with thousands of twinkling lights. Vancouver has tons of options for illuminated experiences!

Until January 8, in line with the public health order issued on November 20, non-essential travel into and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents let’s do our part by continuing to stay local and support local, with your immediate household or bubble, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

Outdoor Lights Viewing Tips

Book in Advance Or Go at Non-Peak Times: Due to COVID-19, many holiday lights destinations have reduced capacity. Some locations require advance booking. (See below for details.)

Bring a Mask: Masks or face coverings may be required, especially where physical distancing is difficult. Check individual event websites (below) for details.

Dress for the Weather: Since you’ll be outdoors, layer up and include rain gear. Holiday weather can be cold and wet.

Warm Up with Hot Drinks: Some events have a concession stand where you can buy hot chocolate or hot apple cider. Or bring your own in a thermos.

PNE Winter Lights

Experience dazzling holiday lights from the warmth of your car. Winter Lights at the PNE is a fully drive-thru adventure. Travel through nine light-filled lands with themes like Merry & Bright Forest, Polar North, and Candy Cane Lane.

Location: PNE Gate 9, Bridgeway Street, Vancouver

Dates: Until Jan 3

Holiday lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Lights of Hope, St. Paul’s Hospital

Since 1998, St. Paul’s Hospital has lit up every holiday season with a gorgeous Christmas light display you can walk or drive past. This year they are launching Hope at Home, a live-streaming event where you can see the lights each night. You can also support the hospital by buying a limited edition Hope at Home star to decorate your home.

Location: 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver or online

Dates: Until January 4.

Tickets: Free admission

Watch Online and More Info: Lights of Hope

Holiday lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Granville Island Festive Lights

Wander through the streets of Granville Island to enjoy twinkling holiday lights. Buildings from the Public Market to the Granville Island Hotel will be decked out for the season. Head to the Public Market Courtyard to spot a giant star or explore hidden alleyways to discover canopies of lights overhead.

Location: 1661 Duranleau Street, Granville Island, Vancouver

Dates: Until January 3.

Tickets: Free admission and free parking

More Info: Granville Island

Holiday lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge

While the PHO means Canyon Lights can’t run in the evening, we can still experience holiday lights during the dark winter days. The entire experience from the forest, to the bridge, to the Cliffwalk will be glowing. Stroll through tunnels of light and keep the kids entertained with the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt.

Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver

Dates: Until February 15.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Canyon Lights

Holiday lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Light Walk at Grouse Mountain

Walk through a glowing light tunnel into the snowy forest, illuminated with sparkling lights. Listen to the crunch of snow underfoot as you stroll around Blue Grouse Lake. Glowing strings of lights brighten your path.

Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Dates: Until Early January

Tickets: The Light Walk is included in your Mountain Admission Ticket, which you need to reserve in advance.

More Info: Grouse Mountain

Holiday lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Cypress Mountain

Lights to the Lodge offers a safe and easy one-kilometre snowshoe trek to the historic Hollyburn Lodge along a self-guided trail through the enchanting Old Growth Forest. The trail is lit with LED lights strung sustainably through the forest boughs of ancient Cedar, Fir and Hemlock trees.

Holiday lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Georgia and Howe

If you’re in Downtown, be sure to stop by Georgia and Howe for three sets of Holiday Lights. At šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, a giant menorah will be on display to celebrate Channukah, alongside a huge Christmas tree. Across the road, the Hotel Georgia are lighting their windows in a creative display of festivity.

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Bentall Centre

Immersive yourself in Christmas with the Christmas tree arch at the Bentall Centre in Downtown Vancouver. This cute little attraction is sure to spread the festive cheer.

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CF Pacific Centre

The Pacific Light Dome is back for another year, making it a classic Vancouver light attraction for the holidays.

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Glow Gardens Drive-Through

The Glow Elves have created a brand new, COVID-friendly experience in Langley, back at the original home of Glow! The drive-through, touchless light journey will take you through dazzling landscapes created by nearly a million lights. Take a leisurely 15-minute cruise into an illuminated wonderland that brings Christmas dreams to life.

Location: 6690 216th Street, Langley, V2Y 2N9

Dates: Until January 9.

Tickets: Pre-book a time slot online

More Info: Glow Gardens

Glow Maple Ridge

Head to Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge to experience illuminated trees, a light tunnel, giant ornaments, a glowing bandstand, and more. Nearby businesses will also have lit up storefronts in an “Old Fashioned Christmas Village” theme.

Location: Memorial Peace Park, 22407 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge

Dates: Until January 8.

Tickets: Free admission

More Info: Glow Maple Ridge

Explore Your Neighbourhood

Take a walk or drive through your local neighbourhood this year to discover how your neighbours are celebrating. You’re sure to discover whimsical displays and plenty of bright lights.

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