The annual Christmas at Canada Place runs nearly the entire month of December and features the lighting of Canada Places five sails known as the Sails of Light. The sails will be lit up with colors of the holiday season and patterns, including snowflakes and ornaments. Also among the festivities is Breakfast with Santa. The event benefits Strathcona Community Center's Food Security for Children program, which provides food items to low-income children and families.
Christmas at Canada Place
c/o Canada Place Corporation
504 - 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3E1
604-775-7200
christmas.canadaplace.ca
Carol Ships Parade of Lights occurs from the beginning of December to just before Christmas. This annual event features more than 50 boats each year decked out in more than 100,000 lights that parade around Coal Harbour. The boats are usually teeming with nearly 30,000 people over the 20 nights of the event. The parade can be viewed from nearly anywhere on the dock, and on-shore events, including bonfires, a visit by Santa and caroling, often accompany the parade. Donations of non-perishable foods and toys are requested.
Carol Ships Parade of Lights Society
P.O.Box 4122
VMPO, Vancouver B.C., V6B 3Z6
604-878-8999
carolships.org
Bright Nights is located in Stanley Park and features more than a million lights throughout the forested area. A train ride will take visitors throughout the lighted scenes and around the park itself. Highlights include the Children's Farmyard, which has more than 100 animals and birds, Santa's Workshop, an international village and animated displays. Refreshments can be bought, including hot chocolate, roasted nuts and popcorn. In the train station, children can meet Santa in his personal Living Room.
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
2099 Beach Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6G 1Z4
604-873-7000
vancouver.ca/parks/events/brightnights/index.htm
