Festivals and Events

New Westminster's Remembrance Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The parade assembles at 10:15 am at Queens Avenue and Sixth Street, and the outdoor service begins at 10:25 am at the City Hall Cenotaph, with the event running until about 12:30 pm. It is a public outdoor ceremony open to everyone; dress for the weather.

Richmond's Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at the cenotaph on the east side of Richmond City Hall. The parade begins at 10:20 am and the official ceremony starts at 10:40 am. It is a public outdoor ceremony open to everyone; dress for the weather.

The lit up CPKC Holiday Train stops in Port Moody on Sunday, December 20, 2026, from 5:15 to 5:45 pm at 300 Ioco Road, with a free show by Sam Roberts Band and Owen Riegling. The City of Port Moody lists it among its signature holiday events; the train raises food and money for local food banks, so bring a donation if you can.

A free community Diwali celebration on Sunday, November 15, 2026, 2 to 5 pm at Surrey City Hall, with classical and contemporary music, traditional and modern dance and artistic performances showcasing South Asian culture, inspired by Diwali Fest's Mehfil celebrations.

The City of North Vancouver's holiday festival at The Shipyards on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 4 to 9 pm, with free admission for everyone. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck at 5 pm, and the City's giant holiday tree is lit between 5:45 and 6 pm. Live music and dance, outdoor ice skating, local vendors and a free outdoor European style Christmas market.

Metro Vancouver's largest free outdoor winter lights display, around Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park. The season opens with a kick off event on Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 8 pm, and the lights are on daily from 4 to 10 pm until the end of February 2027. Free.

A free two day holiday festival on November 21 and 22, 2026, noon to 8 pm, with the official tree lighting at 6:30 pm on November 21. Enjoy a free outdoor rink with complimentary skates and helmets, live performances on four stages, crafts, letters to Santa and a holiday market with more than 30 vendors in the City Hall atrium. Santa photo reservations open online in early November.

Burnaby's holiday tree lighting at the Festive Village on Saturday, November 28, 2026. The site is open 2 to 9 pm, speeches are at 6:30 pm at the Bandstand and the tree lights up at about 6:50 pm. Gate admission is free; carousel rides cost extra.

Holiday lights, traditional decorations and seasonal entertainment, demonstrations and activities across the museum's 10 acre open air village. Open November 25 to December 13, 2026, Wednesday to Sunday 2 to 9 pm, then daily December 16, 2026 to January 3, 2027, 2 to 9 pm (closed December 24 and 25). Gate admission is free; carousel rides cost extra, and entry may be limited when it is busy.

Important: free, but you need to register online for free first. Celebrate Hindu culture at Central Library with art, music and dance, traditions and customs, sari draping demonstrations, samosas and free mehndi, in partnership with the Hindu Heritage Society. Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 12 p.m.

Cochrane's annual Light Up fills Historic Downtown and The Station at Cochrane Crossing on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The official lighting ceremony is at about 5:15 p.m. and fireworks at about 7:45 p.m., with holiday music, fire pits and hot chocolate. It is a public street event with no tickets listed.

The Town of Okotoks kicks off the holiday season with a festive evening throughout downtown on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are no tickets listed for this street celebration, and a free shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 5 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. between the Okotoks Recreation Centre, the Viking Rentals Centre and the event zone.