Last updated: October 21, 2026. Granville Island has not published dates for its 2026–2027 winter and holiday lighting. The details below come from earlier seasons, including the 2024–2025 dates (winter lighting from November 1, 2024 to March 2025, holiday lighting from November 12, 2024 to January 3, 2025), and are included as a guide to what the island has offered. We’ll update this page when the 2026 dates are announced.
Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s best-known places to walk around in the evening during the holiday season. Its Public Market, artisan studios, shops and restaurants sit under a display of lights that covers almost 40 acres, with festive lights strung between its narrow alleyways. Admission to the island is free.
The 2026 dates have not been announced. Here is what past seasons have included, how the lighting schedule has worked and what to check before you go.
Granville Island Christmas Lights: Quick Facts
| What it is | Winter and holiday lighting across Granville Island, with shops, dining and artisan studios |
| Where | Granville Island, Vancouver |
| 2026–2027 dates | Not announced yet |
| 2024–2025 schedule | Winter lighting from November 1, 2024 to March 2025. Holiday lighting from November 12, 2024 to January 3, 2025 |
| Admission | Free to the island and the lights, per Granville Island’s earlier seasons |
| Official page | granvilleisland.com |
When Are the Granville Island Christmas Lights in 2026?
The dates for the 2026–2027 season have not been announced. Granville Island’s winter and holiday lighting page, which dates from an earlier season, describes two layers of lighting:
- Winter lighting: turns on November 1 and stays on until March, when Daylight Saving Time returns.
- Holiday lighting: November 12 to January 3, turning on after Remembrance Day.
The page says the lights are on daily from sundown. These dates are from earlier seasons, and the 2024–2025 holiday lighting ran from November 12, 2024 to January 3, 2025, so confirm the 2026 dates before you plan.
What the Lights Have Looked Like
Earlier seasons’ displays have included:
- a star in the Public Market courtyard, described in a 2022 listing as an oversized star that changes colour
- a vintage crane near the Granville Island Hotel
- large musical notes overhead
- a canopy of lights in a hidden alleyway
The 2022 listing also mentioned jewel-toned festoon lights along the Railspur Artisan District, a star over Alder Bay in Ron Basford Park and glowing benches. Destination Vancouver also describes festive lights strung between the island’s narrow alleyways. Displays may change from year to year.
Shopping and Dining
Granville Island’s shops, studios and restaurants are part of the evening. Dining options named in past years include:
- Granville Island Brewery
- The Sandbar
- Bridges Restaurant
- Liberty Distillery
- Tony’s Fish & Oyster Café
- Vancouver Fish Co.
Granville Island’s 2022 festive season listing gave Public Market hours of 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Net Loft hours of 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours can differ by season and by business, so check the Granville Island website before you go.
Parking and Getting There
Earlier Granville Island pages mentioned free parking: “continued temporary free parking” in 2020 and complimentary parking after 6:00 PM in 2022. Those are not 2026 details, and the island has not announced parking for this season. Granville Island’s website has pages on transportation, directions and parking.
Tips for Visiting
- Check granvilleisland.com for the 2026 announcement. The dates have not been published.
- Go after sundown. The lights have been on daily from sundown.
- Check business hours. Shops and restaurants keep their own schedules.
- Confirm parking before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Granville Island Christmas lights in 2026?
The dates have not been announced. In 2024–2025, the holiday lighting ran from November 12, 2024 to January 3, 2025.
Is it free?
Granville Island’s earlier seasons described free admission to the island and the lights.
What time do the lights come on?
Granville Island’s lighting page said the lights are on daily from sundown.
What is the difference between winter lighting and holiday lighting?
Granville Island’s page describes winter lighting as running from November 1 until March, and holiday lighting as running from November 12 to January 3.
What are the main displays?
A star in the Public Market courtyard, a vintage crane near the hotel, large musical notes and a hidden canopy of lights have been highlights in past seasons.
Where can I eat on the island?
Granville Island Brewery, The Sandbar, Bridges, Liberty Distillery, Tony’s Fish & Oyster Café and Vancouver Fish Co. have been among the options.
