'Tis the season to get lit up! (With festive cheer that is.) And what better way to get in the spirit of the holidays than by watching one, or all, of Metro Vancouver's giant Christmas trees light up.
Vancouver’s 76-foot-tall Christmas tree starts to twinkle later this month. File image
All the tree-lighting events offer magical photo opportunities and live entertainment, that'll have you feeling merry in no time. If you want to see the biggest Christmas tree, you'll find it in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The giant 76-foot-tall coniferous will start to twinkle on Friday, Nov. 29 at Robson Square, adding festive cheer to the city.
Here's a round up of eight Christmas tree-lighting events happening this month.
The Big Switch On at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
The big man in red will be on hand for The Big Switch On, Nov. 14. Photo: McArthurGlen Vancouver/Facebook
‘Tis the season for merriment, and the most festive time of year gets underway on November 14 at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Richmond.
As evening falls, the venue will be set aglow with 275,000 glittering lights, including on their show-stopping 52-foot Christmas tree. Find out more.
When: Thursday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. (tree lighting is at 7 p.m.)
Where: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet – 1000-7899 Templeton Station Rd, Richmond
Cost: FREE
CF Pacific Centre Tree Lighting
Vancouverites are invited to come together to watch the magical tree light up at CF Pacific Centre on Thursday, Nov. 14. Photo: CF Pacific Centre
One of Vancouver’s much-loved shopping malls will soon twinkle with festive cheer as a stunning 42-feet-tall Christmas tree is lit up to mark the start of the holiday season.
Vancouverites are invited to come together to watch the magical tree light up at CF Pacific Centre on Thursday, Nov. 14. KiSS RADiO personality Tara Jean will lead the interactive tree lighting that’s set to “delight the senses and warm the heart.” Find our more.
When: Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30 p.m. – Arrival and 6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Official tree lighting
Where: CF Pacific Centre, 701 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5 – Rotunda Plaza (outside)
Highstreet Christmas Tree Lighting
Highstreet
One of Canada’s tallest trees, standing at 65 feet high, will be lit at the 6th annual Highstreet Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Show in the Fraser Valley on Saturday, Nov. 16.
While the tree is one of the main attractions, guests will also be privy to a dazzling 30 minute live show that includes a spectacular multi-media light display that showcases 6,000 tri-colour LED bulbs that dance to festive musical favourites. Find out more.
When: Friday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. and every Saturday until Dec. 14
Where: Highstreet Shopping Centre | 3122 Mt Lehman Road in Abbotsford
Cost: Free to attend
Edmonds Festival of Lights
Burnaby will come alive with festive cheer next week when the city’s official Christmas tree is lit up for the holiday season. Photo: City of Burnaby
Burnaby will come alive with festive cheer next week when the city’s official Christmas tree is lit up for the holiday season.
The community is invited to watch the magic happen Saturday Nov. 23 at the Edmonds Community Centre Festival of Lights event from 2:30p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley will do the honours of lighting the tree along with one lucky child whose name will be selected from a draw. Find out more.
When: November 23 at 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds Street, Burnaby
Cost: Free
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market
Photo: City of Surrey
Surrey will glow a little brighter later this month, when a magical 60-foot Christmas tree is lit up to mark the start of the holiday season.
While many visit to be in awe of the huge glowing tree, there’s plenty more to see and do at the festival, which promises to be bigger and brighter than ever this year with a light tunnel, enchanted forest and interactive light displays to explore. Find out more.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23. Noon to 8 p.m. with the Tree lighting at 6.30 p.m.
Where: City Hall Plaza at the Tree Stage (outside Take 5 Cafe)
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting
Vancouver’s beautiful 76-foot tall Christmas Tree will be lit on Nov. 30, 2018 (@meghanthomas28/Instagram)
It will officially be the holiday season when Vancouver’s stunning 76-foot-tall Christmas tree starts to twinkle later this month. The giant coniferous will be lit up in all its glory on Friday, Nov. 29 at Robson Square, adding festive cheer to the heart of downtown.
The family friendly tree-lighting event also features live entertainment and music, plus free cookies and hot chocolate. And of course, Santa and his elves will be on hand for photo ops. Find out more.
When: Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Tree Lighting 6.30 p.m. to 6.45 p.m.)
Where: Robson Square
Cost: Free
Shipyards Christmas Festival
The Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival. Photo: @gwenfarley / Instagram
The Shipyards will be transformed into a winter wonderland later this month for the City of North Vancouver’s annual Christmas Festival.
As per tradition, Metro Vancouverites are invited to watch Mayor Linda Buchanan light the city’s official Christmas tree at the foot of Lonsdale at 6:50 p.m. There’s plenty to look forward to, including browsing through the winter artisan market at the Pipe Shop, visiting Santa’s workshop and taking a photo with the jolly elf himself, as well as holiday craft making stations and pony rides for the kids. Find out more.
When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards, 15 Wallace Mews
Cost: Free
Holiday Cheer at the Pier
Holiday Cheer at the Pier is the kick-off to the festive season at the picturesque Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. Photo via City of Port Moody/portmoody.ca
Make your way to the waterfront at Port Moody’s charming Rocky Point Park to enjoy holiday merriment and the big light switch-on to kick off the festive season.
The third annual Holiday Cheer at the Pier celebration is a free event for all ages at Rocky Point pier and boat launch, with festive lights switched on at 6:30 p.m. You can join friends and neighbours at the gazebo at the pier for hot chocolate and a sugar cookie, listen to carol singers, ride the Candy Cane mini train, and have your photo taken with Santa or Frosty the Snowman. Find out more.
When: Sat. Nov. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Rocky Point Park, 2800 Murray St, Port Moody
