For almost 30 years, the giant stars on the front of St. Paul’s Hospital have been one of the first signs of Christmas on Burrard Street. Lights of Hope has raised close to $60 million in that time, and for many people the stars mean a gift in memory of someone, or thanks for care received.
This is the last year. St. Paul’s Foundation is holding its final Lights of Hope celebration on Burrard Street on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, before St. Paul’s moves to the new hospital on the Jim Pattison Medical Campus in early 2027. Here’s what we know about the night, how the stars work and how to give.
Lights of Hope 2026: Quick Facts
| Date | Thursday, November 12, 2026 |
| Time | 6:00 to 8:00 PM |
| Location | Outside St. Paul’s Hospital, Burrard Street, Vancouver |
| Why it’s special | The final Lights of Hope celebration night on Burrard Street, before the move to the new St. Paul’s Hospital on the Jim Pattison Medical Campus |
| Presented by | St. Paul’s Foundation |
| Contact | St. Paul’s Foundation, 604-682-8206 |
| Official page | helpstpauls.com |
The Final Celebration Night
The foundation is inviting the city to celebrate “one last time” on Burrard Street, with fireworks, fun and fundraising on November 12. It calls Lights of Hope its biggest community fundraising event: a night to celebrate generosity, honour loved ones and shine a light for patients, residents, families and caregivers. No program has been posted yet, and the foundation hasn’t said how long the display stays lit after the celebration.
If you’ve been meaning to go for years, this is the one to make. The same week, the free Lumière festival lights up downtown plazas (November 12 to 14), so you can see both in one evening.
What Lights of Hope Pays For
Money raised goes to St. Paul’s Foundation, which funds medical equipment, research and better care across its hospitals and long-term care homes. The foundation says these gifts fill gaps that aren’t fully covered by traditional funding and help hundreds of thousands of patients and residents across BC.
How the Stars Work
Every star on the building stands for a gift from a person, organization or community partner. They come in several sizes:
- Platinum: 15 feet
- Gold: 6 feet
- Silver: 4 feet
- Bronze: 3 feet
- Partner: a shared star in the archway
Ways to Give
- Name a star: give $1,000 or more and your name goes up in lights.
- Fundraise for a star: raise $1,000 or more with friends or a team, and your name or group’s name is featured.
- Corporate partnership: companies can provide equipment and resources.
- Any donation helps with equipment, research and care.
Lights of Hope is one of several Christmas events in Vancouver built around giving. The Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting raises money for children’s charities, Canyon Lights and Noël Surrey support the Burn Fund, and the CPKC Holiday Train collects for food banks.
Where It Is
The display is on Burrard Street outside St. Paul’s Hospital, in Vancouver’s West End. The foundation hasn’t posted parking, transit or accessibility details, so check a trip planner before you go. St. Paul’s Foundation is at #178 – 1081 Burrard Street, 604-682-8206.
More Lights Downtown
- Lumière: free light art in downtown plazas, November 12 to 14.
- The Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting at the Art Gallery, November 27.
- Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency on Burrard, December 3 to 28.
- The Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza, from November 16.
For every light display in the region, see Christmas lights in Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lights of Hope in 2026?
The final celebration night on Burrard Street is Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Is this really the last Lights of Hope on Burrard Street?
Yes. St. Paul’s Foundation calls it the final celebration on Burrard Street, before the move to the new St. Paul’s Hospital on the Jim Pattison Medical Campus, set to open in early 2027.
How do I get a star on the display?
Give $1,000 or more to name a star, or raise $1,000 or more as a person or group.
How much has Lights of Hope raised?
Nearly $60 million over almost 30 years, according to the foundation.
What does it fund?
Medical equipment, research and care across St. Paul’s Foundation’s hospitals and long-term care homes.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Lights in Vancouver 2026
