10 magical places in Vancouver to see Christmas lights this holiday season

November 20, 2017

1) Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
2) St. Paul’s Hospital
3) Vancouver Christmas Market
4) Canada Place
5) Grouse Mountain
6) Robson Square
7) VanDusen Botanical Garden
8) Winter Solstice Lantern Festival
9) Stanley Park
10) Jack Poole Plaza

by Jennifer Foden

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate the holiday season by checking out these magical light displays across Vancouver. [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Capilano Suspension Bridge Park]

1) Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The ever-popular Canyon Lights display at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is back from November 23rd to January 28th. The suspension bridge, Cliffwalk, Treetops Adventure, rainforest and canyon will all be decked out in twinkly lights. [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Rishad Daroowala]

2) St. Paul’s Hospital

St. Paul’s Hospital’s annual Lights of Hope display – featuring over 10 kilometres of lights – takes six weeks and over 150 volunteers to build using all donated materials. It is also St. Paul’s Hospital biggest fundraiser of the year. [Photo credit: Flickr/GoToVan]

3) Vancouver Christmas Market

There will be plenty of lights – and a variety of festive decor – at this year’s Vancouver Christmas Market. Taking place in Jack Poole Plaza from November 22nd to December 24th, there will be lots of holiday food, vendors and entertainment. [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Rishad Daroowala]

4) Canada Place

During the holiday season, Canada Place is decorated with plenty of Christmas decor and lights. However, the piece de resistance are the festive colours illuminating the five white sails atop one of Canada’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. [Photo credit: iStock/LeonU]

5) Grouse Mountain

Another holiday tradition for Vancouverites is the Light Walk at Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas. Enjoy the mountaintop activities (ski, skate or snowshoe!) and then stroll through this year’s light display – they will be twinkling from November 24th to January 7th. [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Rishad Daroowala]

6) Robson Square

Checking out the Robson Square Christmas tree is a great place to start – or end – your holiday shopping downtown. Want to take part in the festivities? This year’s tree lighting is happening December 1st. [Photo credit: Flickr/GoToVan]

7) VanDusen Botanical Garden

Take a walk through a winter wonderland at VanDusen Botanical Garden’s annual Festival of Lights, open from December 1st to January 7th. Buy tickets online and skip the line! [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Coast Mountain Photography]

8) Winter Solstice Lantern Festival

Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival is back for its 24th year on December 21st in three neighbourhoods across the city. The festival illuminates the longest night of the year with fire, lanterns, singing, drumming, music and dancing! [Photo credit: Flickr/ItzaFineDay]

9) Stanley Park

One of the best spots to spot lights this holiday season is in Vancouver’s pride and joy – Stanley Park. Ride the Bright Lights Christmas Train, stroll through the park yourself or take the Karaoke Christmas Lights tour. [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Rishad Daroowala]

10) Jack Poole Plaza

Each year, at the entrance to Jack Poole Plaza, next to the 2010 Olympic Cauldron, is a large 50-foot Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights. Bundle up, check out the tree and then head over to the Vancouver Christmas Market. [Photo credit: iStock/laughingmango]

Happy holidays!