It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. These are several seasonal displays you can visit in the next few weeks.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
Despite the best efforts of the Grinch, the annual Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park will continue full steam ahead for the 18th year.
On Nov. 11, thieves stole about $7,000 worth of extension cords, likely for the copper they contain. Despite that setback, the seasonal attraction will be up and running as scheduled Nov. 26. This year, the attraction includes a new train station to protect visitors from the elements. Architectural features in the station reflect the previous structure, which was destroyed in a fire in 2012. During Bright Nights, the train’s four engines and three sets of cars will travel more than 5,000 kilometres — the distance across Canada. Bright Nights runs until Jan. 2 and is closed Christmas Day. Visitors are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. All front gate donations and a portion of ticket sales go to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Search for Bright Nights 2015 at ticketleader.ca/events.
Festival of Lights
More than one million lights will once again transform VanDusen Botanical Garden into a winter wonderland from Dec. 1 to 31. The show has expanded this year with an added five acres, besides the always popular Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, the gnome performance and the Vancouver Public Library's Tales for a Winter's Night. All Festival of Lights tickets include free entry to Enchanted Nights at Bloedel Conservatory. Visit vandusengarden.org.
Christmas at Canada Place
From Dec. 12 to 30, excluding Dec. 24 and 25, Canada Place celebrates the holidays with Rudolph’s Theatre, a 15-foot snow globe ideal for family photos, avenue of Christmas trees, arts and crafts and more. This is the 28th anniversary of the event, which is sponsored by Port Metro Vancouver. Visit canadaplace.ca.
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