Ready to experience the magic of the holiday season? You don’t necessarily need your wallet to enjoy some festive Christmas lights. So grab your warmest layers and get ready to appreciate the season with your loved ones. Here’s where you can find dazzling Christmas lights that are free to enjoy in and around Vancouver.
Now in its second year, the Shipyards Christmas Market is a European-inspired holiday market that’s free to attend, and it’s transforming North Vancouver into a jolly winter wonderland.
When: Until Dec. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
According to organizers, this year’s Dundarave Festival of Lights will be its biggest and brightest yet, with a series of free festive celebrations on four consecutive Saturdays from noon to dusk, in addition to its illuminated “Forest of Miracles” along West Vancouver’s waterfront. This includes the World Christmas on Dec. 13, 2025, and the Christmas Wassail and Bonfire at Dundarave Beach on Dec. 20, 2025 (3 to 8 p.m.)
The lights will illuminate the waterfront until early January 2026.
When: Until early January 2026
Time: Nightly
Where: From Grosvenor Ambleside Galleria to Dundarave Beach, West Vancouver
Cost: Free
Western Canada’s tallest Christmas tree is in downtown Vancouver, in front of the Art Gallery (šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square), and it’s free to check it out. The 76-foot-tall tree is perhaps one of the most iconic annual holiday installations in the city.
When: Illuminated every night in December
Time: Nightly
Where: 750 Hornby St.
Cost: Free
The tiny former fishing village of Steveston has also transformed for the holidays, complete with its own Festival of Trees, twinkling lights, seasonal displays, visits with Santa, and delightful sips of all kinds.
When: Until Dec. 31, 2025
Time: Events at various times
Where: Locations throughout Steveston
Cost: Free admission
Burnaby Heritage Museum has opened its annual Festive Village, which is completely free to enjoy. Visitors can expect roving seasonal entertainment, festive bites, warm lights and light installations throughout the open-air museum, exhibits centred around the theme of sports and games for the whole family to enjoy.
When: Until Jan. 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, 1 to 9 p.m. on weekends (and daily starting Dec. 16, 2025)
Where: 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free admission
Lights of Hope is one of St. Paul’s Foundation’s largest community fundraising campaigns. This year’s lights will shine bright from Nov. 27, 2025, to Jan. 2, 2026.
Over 27 years, you’ve donated more than $57.4 million to support Lights of Hope, making a difference to hundreds of thousands of patients and residents from across B.C. Your gift to Lights of Hope helps close the gaps where exceptional care isn’t fully funded through traditional channels. And whether large or small, your gift adds up to a big impact.
When: Until Jan. 2, 2026
Time: Daily
Where: 1081 Burrard St.
Cost: Free
Destination Downtown Vancouver has brightened up the city centre this holiday season with festive, family-friendly and affordable activities. This includes free Ferris wheel rides, skating and free entertainment, sparkling lit words and animals tucked around every corner, contests, and more.
The Ferris wheel will operate from Tuesday to Sunday at the following hours:
- 3 to 9 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday
- Noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays
- Noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays
The skating rink will open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, with performances on select nights.
When: Dec. 2, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026 (ferris wheel), Dec. 1, 2025, to Feb. 28, 2026 (skating and free performances)
Time: Various times
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
Cost: Free admission
Recent Posts:
B.C.’s beach town will soon glow with thousands of floating Christmas lights
Where to catch the ‘strongest meteor shower of the year’ near Vancouver this week
