Christmas Tree Lighting Events in Metro Vancouver 2025: A Complete Holiday Guide

By Vancouver Christmas — A Holiday Project by Vancouver Page

The arrival of the holiday season in Metro Vancouver is marked by one of the most cherished traditions of the year: the lighting of the Christmas tree. Across the region, communities gather for evenings filled with music, storytelling, warm treats, local vendors, cultural performances, and of course, the magical moment when the lights are switched on and the tree glows for the first time.

From lively downtown festivals with thousands in attendance, to intimate neighbourhood gatherings with hot cocoa and carol singers, these celebrations highlight the heart of the season — connection, joy, and shared winter warmth.

This guide features the most notable Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies across Metro Vancouver in 2025, with detailed event highlights to help you choose where to celebrate.

Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration 

Friday, November 28, 2025 · Vancouver Art Gallery
🔗 Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

This is the official city tree lighting ceremony — a downtown Vancouver holiday tradition. Thousands gather in the heart of the city to watch the massive Christmas tree shine for the first time, accompanied by seasonal music, community recognition moments, and joyful opening-night energy.

Why Visit

• Central location surrounded by shops, hotels, cafés, and late-night dining

• Electric atmosphere with city lights, crowds, and festive excitement

• A must-see if you enjoy classic big-city holiday celebrations

Perfect for those who love experiencing Vancouver’s downtown holiday sparkle.

Vancouver Christmas Market – Inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, November 14, 2025 · Jack Poole Plaza, Downtown Vancouver
🔗 Vancouver Christmas Market Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Vancouver Christmas Market begins each season with the illumination of its iconic 35-foot Walk-Through Christmas Tree, one of the most photographed holiday installations in the city. This ceremony invites visitors to gather for the countdown, sip warm cider, explore artisan stalls, and take in the early buzz of the holidays.

What Makes It Special

• The walk-through tree creates an immersive light experience

• Holiday scent of roasted nuts, gingerbread, glühwein, and pine fills the plaza

• Holly & Jolly holiday hosts welcome guests with cheerful interaction

• A great choice for festive photos and date nights

• Located beside the Olympic Cauldron with waterfront sunset views

This is a joyful and early-season celebration that signals the start of Vancouver’s Christmas festivities.

Christmas Wonderland on The Drive – Grandview Park Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 30, 2025 · Grandview Park, Commercial Drive
🔗 Christmas Wonderland On The Drive Christmas Tree Lighting

This long-standing East Vancouver tradition celebrates cultural diversity, community care, and artisan creativity. Grandview Park transforms into a neighbourhood gathering space, where families, artists, and long-time locals welcome the lighting of the community tree together.

Highlights

• Free and open to all ages

• Local choirs and indie musicians often perform

• Family crafts, story circles, and seasonal snacks

• Strong community atmosphere rooted in Commercial Drive’s artistic identity

This event is ideal for those who enjoy neighbourhood-based, welcoming, and community-forward holiday energy.

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival 2025

Saturday, November 22, 2025 · Surrey Civic Plaza
🔗 Surrey Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Surrey hosts one of the largest tree lighting festivals in British Columbia, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. The celebration extends across multiple entertainment zones, vendor markets, cultural performance stages, and family activity areas — all leading up to the lighting of Surrey’s towering holiday tree.

Expect

• Major stage performances and live shows

• Holiday market featuring local makers

• Food trucks and seasonal comfort meals

• Interactive lighting displays and installations

• Visits with Santa and winter characters

This is a full-day destination festival and one of the most spectacular public celebrations in the region.

Spirit of the Season Festival – The Shipyards, North Vancouver

Saturday, November 29, 2025 · The Shipyards Waterfront
🔗 Christmas Tree Lighting Festival in North Vancouver

The Shipyards offers one of the most scenic waterfront holiday environments in the region. As the tree is lit, the mountains, ocean air, and historic industrial architecture create a breathtaking winter scene.

Highlights

• Grand entrance of Santa & Mrs. Claus on a fire truck

• Indigenous welcome and drum/dance performance honouring the land

• Outdoor skating plaza surrounded by twinkling lights

• Shipyards Christmas Market with artisans and seasonal treats

This ceremony blends tradition, community, and contemporary coastal holiday style beautifully.

Ladner Village Tree Lighting Festival

Thursday, November 27, 2025 · Historic Ladner Village
🔗 Christmas Tree Lighting Festival in Ladner, Delta

This evening celebration captures the feeling of a small-town Christmas, where the pace slows and friendly conversation fills the streets. The village storefronts glow softly, families gather with warm drinks, and the community tree lighting celebrates togetherness.

Expect

• Cookies, cocoa, and warm hospitality

• Live choir or acoustic festive music

• A visit from Santa before the countdown

• A nostalgic and cozy holiday atmosphere

Ideal for those who appreciate low-key, heartwarming Christmas charm.

Chilliwack Christmas at District 1881 – Tree Lighting Experience

Saturday, November 15, 2025 · District 1881
🔗 Christmas Tree Lighting in Chilliwack

District 1881 blends historic architecture with boutique shops and illuminated laneways. During the tree lighting, the district comes alive with roaming street performers, festive window displays, and unexpected character appearances that add humour and delight.

A great fit for

• Holiday shoppers

• Photography lovers

• Couples enjoying a seasonal evening stroll

• Visitors wanting a historic-meets-modern festive vibe

Switch On at McArthurGlen – Christmas Tree Lighting 2025

Thursday, November 13, 2025 · McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver (Richmond, near YVR)
🔗 Christmas Tree Lighting Event 2025 at McArthurGlen in Richmond

The holiday season begins early at McArthurGlen Vancouver with Switch On — a sparkling evening of festive entertainment, family activities, and the lighting of a stunning 52-foot Christmas tree. The open-air, European village-style shopping centre creates a cozy and atmospheric setting, especially as twilight settles and the plaza begins to glow.

What to Expect

• Letters to Santa Workshop beginning at 3:00 PM, where children can write and decorate their holiday wishes

• Live festive performances beginning at 5:00 PM, filling the walkways with classic holiday melodies

• Stilt walkers and roaming holiday performers, adding a playful sense of wonder

• Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 PM, the highlight of the evening as the giant tree lights up for the season

• Holiday shopping with up to 70% savings on designer brands, making it both a celebration and a seasonal shopping opportunity

• Festive sweet treats from the Fairmont Vancouver Airport pop-up station

With its stylish holiday ambience, twinkling lights, and easy transit access from the Canada Line, Switch On is a favourite for families, couples, and holiday shoppers alike.

Bright in Burnaby – Tree Lighting at Burnaby Village Museum

Saturday, November 29, 2025 · Burnaby Village Museum
🔗 Christmas Tree Lighting in Burnaby

Burnaby Village Museum’s heritage setting provides a storybook backdrop for its tree lighting evening. Cobblestone streets, vintage storefronts, and soft lamplight create a timeless Christmas atmosphere.

This event is also meaningful because:

• Carousel rides are offered at a low cost

• All proceeds support the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, with matching donation support

• Attending helps local families during the holiday season

A truly heart-centred way to start the holidays.

Each of these Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies offers something unique — from dazzling large-scale festivals to intimate neighbourhood gatherings rooted in community tradition. Whichever celebration you choose, you’ll be welcomed into a space of warmth, shared joy, and the twinkling magic of the holiday season.