Head east from Vancouver at Christmas and the events get bigger and the crowds get smaller. Langley has two of the region’s major ticketed light shows. Abbotsford and Chilliwack have lit-up downtowns, evening parades and a shop that sells nothing but Christmas. Harrison lights its whole lakeshore. It’s an easy day trip, and a good excuse for a night away.
Langley
- Glow Gardens Langley, November 19 to January 2 (closed Sundays): more than a million lights with large indoor sections, markets and live entertainment.
- Merry & Bright at Martini Town, November 20 to December 31: a film backlot dressed as a snowy small town, with Santa in the gazebo and falling snow. Timed tickets only.
- Holiday Lights in Williams Park: a free drive-through that needs advance registration. 2026 dates not announced.
- Christmas tree farms: Langley has more cut-your-own farms than anywhere else in the region.
- Fort Langley village is lovely for a December stroll, with independent shops and cafés along Glover Road.
Aldergrove and Abbotsford
- Zoo Lights at the Greater Vancouver Zoo: lantern zones after dark. 2026 dates not announced.
- Winter Jubilee, Saturday, November 21, 3:00 to 7:30 PM in historic downtown Abbotsford, with a 60-foot tree lit at 7:00 PM.
- Glenda’s Christmas Cottage in Mt. Lehman: a family-run Christmas store, open October 27 to December 23. Santa in the Country is on November 21.
Chilliwack and Cultus Lake
- Chilliwack Christmas Parade, Saturday, November 28, 5:30 PM, downtown.
- Christmas at District 1881: a walk-through 40-foot tree and Santa’s Workshop. 2026 dates to come.
- Christmas at Greendale Acres: farm lights and a train ride. 2026 dates to come.
- Cultus Lake Christmas, Saturday, November 21, 4:00 to 8:00 PM: lights, Santa and fireworks at 7:45 PM, free.
Harrison Hot Springs
Lights by the Lake runs every night from November 21 to January 10, from dusk until 11:00 PM, along the beach promenade. The opening ceremony is on November 21, festive nights are on December 5 and 19, and there’s a free outdoor skating rink. Add a soak in the hot springs pool and stay the night.
Maple Ridge and the Holiday Train
The Maple Ridge Santa Claus Parade is on December 5, and the CPKC Holiday Train stops in Agassiz, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on December 19 and 20.
A Fraser Valley Christmas Day Trip
Start with breakfast in Fort Langley, browse Glenda’s Christmas Cottage, have lunch in historic downtown Abbotsford, and finish at Lights by the Lake in Harrison. More routes are in Christmas day trips from Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Langley light show is better, Glow or Merry & Bright?
Glow is bigger and has indoor sections, which helps on wet nights. Merry & Bright feels more like walking into a Christmas movie. Both need tickets.
Is Lights by the Lake free?
Yes, the promenade lights are free every night until January 10.
How far is Harrison Hot Springs from Vancouver?
About two hours by car.
Christmas in Other Areas
- City of Vancouver
- North Shore
- Burnaby and New Westminster
- Richmond and Delta
- Surrey and White Rock
- Tri-Cities
- Squamish and Whistler
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026
