When the Sun Goes Down the Christmas Lights Come Up

Image: by waferboard on Flickr

There is no better way to get into the holiday mood than to get out and tour some of the most spectacular Christmas lights. We’ve picked a few favourites from Vancouver’s North Shore so you can get out, experience and enjoy that sparkle.

Canyon Lights
Capilano Suspension Bridge’s annual holiday celebration is all about light.  In fact, this display incorporates hundreds of thousands of individual bulbs. The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed – an undertaking that starts months in advance. Canyon Lights is a locals’ favourite, and can be busy on key dates. The celebration runs from November 22 – Jan 27 (closed Christmas Day).
 
Chalet Lights Charity
Since 2010, Ethan Ribalkin, with his siblings and parents, have decked out their family home in lights – as a key charitable fundraiser. This Christmas, though, marks the final time the family will create this annual attraction titled Chalet Lights. The family is currently just shy of hitting $100,000 in funds raised for local charities. Located at 4967 Chalet Place in North Vancouver, this display opens on December 2 and ends January 6^th. Should you go, please plan to make a donation to help them pass the $100K fundraising milestone.
 
Dundarave Festival of Lights
At the Dundarave Festival of Lights, lights are just part of the festivities. Kicking off on December 1 with a Christmas tree decorating beach party the Festival culminates with a Christmas Wassail and Bonfire on December 22^nd. This wonderful Festival, with its Christmas Tree Forest, is sure to spark your Christmas Spirit.
 
The Village at Park Royal
The lights go on at The Village at Park Royal shopping centre on November 16^th, with a special celebratory kick-off that benefits the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Truly magical, this light installation runs throughout the retail stroll. We suggest you park, grab a hot chocolate and wander through. You can do some Christmas shopping as you go!
 
The Light Walk at Grouse Mountain
Finally, if you’re looking for one of the most Instagrammed places in Vancouver, you need to visit the light tunnel, which marks the entry into the Light Walk at Grouse Mountain. This light experience takes you into the forest on the mountaintop, and winds around Blue Grouse Lake. While best known for the light tunnel, our favourite installation is a 20 foot golden deer.
 

The Holiday Inn & Suites North Vancouver is perfectly located for your Vancouver visit. Providing easy access to everything Vancouver, it’s equally on the edge of nature, sitting in the shadow of the Coast Mountains. Whether as your base for holiday light viewing, business endeavours, or visiting friends and family, The Holiday Inn & Suites offers convenient access and great amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.