Last updated: October 20, 2026. Date, time, location, host and donation details below come from the official Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting website. The full schedule, performers, live stream link, road closures, parking and transit details have not been published there, so check the website closer to the date.
For two decades, the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting has been the city’s favourite way to kick off the holiday season. A 76-foot tree lights up downtown in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, and once it is lit, it stays lit for the entire holiday season. The celebration is free, it is open to all ages, and it raises money for local charities.
The 2026 celebration is on Friday, November 27, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. Here is what to expect, how the tree compares, how to watch from home and how to give back.
Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting 2026: Quick Facts
| Date | Friday, November 27, 2026 |
| Time | The ceremony starts at 6:00 PM and ends with the tree lighting |
| Location | In front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, downtown Vancouver |
| Cost | Free |
| Host | Fred Lee, CBC contributor and personality |
| The tree | 76 feet tall with more than 100,000 light bulbs |
| Live stream | Available for people who can’t attend in person |
| Presenting sponsor | Amacon |
| Official website | treelightingvancouver.com |
What to Expect
- The ceremony: it starts at 6:00 PM, with the tree lighting at the end.
- Entertainment: live entertainers, dancers and Santa Claus, with City Council members as guests. No specific acts have been named.
- Free hot chocolate, with other vendors selling items for a fee.
- A family-friendly crowd, open to all ages.
- The live stream if you’d rather watch from home. The website does not yet give a link or start time.
The Tree
The 76-foot Christmas tree is the star of the show, a full holiday spectacle that the organizers compare to 11 average Christmas trees stacked. It has more than 100,000 light bulbs. For scale, the organizers say New York’s Rockefeller Center tree shines with about 50,000 lights. Once it lights up, it stays lit for the entire holiday season, and the organizers cite 3 million visitors to downtown Vancouver during the holidays.
Giving Back
The celebration shines a light on local charities, and the organizers say 100% of proceeds go back into the community. Funds support causes such as BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and Honour House. Over the past five years, the event has raised more than $2 million, and last year was a record-breaking year for donations.
- Buy a Bulb: $5 for one virtual bulb or $10 for three.
- Larger gifts: gifts over $500 go through a form on the website, and the organizers follow up.
Where It Is
The event is in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery in downtown Vancouver. The website does not give road closures, parking or transit details, so check a trip planner for your route.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive before 6:00 PM. The ceremony starts at 6:00 and ends with the tree lighting.
- Dress warmly. It is an outdoor evening in late November.
- Take transit or plan your route. Road closures have not been announced.
- Can’t go? The live stream is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting in 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM.
Where is it?
In front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, downtown Vancouver.
Is it free?
Yes. It is a free public celebration, with free hot chocolate.
How tall is the tree?
76 feet, with more than 100,000 light bulbs.
Can I watch online?
Yes. A live stream is available for people who can’t attend. The website does not yet give a link.
How long does the tree stay lit?
For the entire holiday season.
Where do donations go?
The organizers say 100% of proceeds go back into the community, supporting causes such as BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival and Honour House.
Sources: Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting.
