Vancouver’s most amazing and affordable Christmas lights are the Bright Nights displays at Stanley Park which feature millions of sparkling festive lights.
Stanley Park Christmas Lights
Arguably the best place to take children in December to see holiday decorations and illuminations in the Lower Mainland, Bright Nights is an annual event running from the end of November until the beginning of January each year.
Open most days during the holiday season from 3 until 10 pm, Bright Nights probably features the most lights of any attraction in Metro Vancouver, as well as wonderful Christmas character displays and festive cheer.
Admission to Bright Nights
In 2017 Bright Nights is open every day from November 28th until January 1st, except for Christmas Day on December 25th.
Admission to Bright Nights is by donation, with all proceeds going toward the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. It’s a great cause, so please give generously!
Bright Nights takes place in Stanley Park just off Pipeline Road in the middle of the park. If using GPS to get there, type in 690 Pipeline Road and it’ll get you close enough to see signs directing you where to go.
Bright Nights Miniature Train
The miniature train at Stanley Park during Bright Nights is incredibly popular and takes about 14 minutes. If planning to go on the train, buy your tickets in advance and still expect to stand in line, but not for unreasonably long.
During the Bright Nights season there are matinee trains during the day, which are cheaper but don’t include live actors. There are also evening train rides when it’s dark, the lights are spectacular and there’s a live performer. The night time trips cost more, but are guaranteed to put you in a festive mood (unless you’re the Grinch) and are highly recommended.
Stanley Park Train Hours
Tickets for the Stanley Park miniature train during the Christmas season are sold in half-hour time slots, with several trains departing during each 30-minute period. The hours of operation for the Bright Nights train rides in 2016 are as follows:
November 28 – December 15
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm matinees
- Monday to Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 pm night trains
- Friday to Sunday: 3:00 – 11:00 pm night trains
December 16-24 and 26
- Daily: 10:00 – 2:30 pm matinees
- Nightly: 3:00 – 11:00 pm night trains
December 27 – January 1
- Daily: 10:00 – 2:30 pm matinees
- Nightly: 3:00 – 10:00 pm night trains
Bright Nights Miniature Train Cost
Matinee trains cost about $6 per person and night train tickets cost $12 for adults and $9 for both seniors and children ages 3 to 18.
Parking at Bright Nights
Stanley Park has pay parking throughout the year, but during Bright Nights all parking in the immediate area and specific overflow lots is free. This includes parking at the Stanley Park Info Booth, the Yacht Club, by the Totem Poles, at lots along North Pipeline Road, and even as far as the Beaver Lake lots and Brockton Point.
A free trolley shuttle service is provided from the above listed overflow parking lots to the Bright Nights venue, which is convenient and adds to the festive fun.
For more information please visit: www.brightnights.ca
