Bright Nights in Stanley Park {Holiday Tradition}

If you’ve followed my blog for over the past couple Christmas seasons you’d know that one of our favourite holiday traditions is to go to Bright Nights in Stanley Park. We’ve gone for years, and this was Evie’s 3rd year in a row of going. We also brought Addie with us this year, her first time going! My husband stayed behind the camera while we were there, but my sister makes an appearance in photos.

We made sure to bundle up warm, and put extra layers on Evie and Addie when we got there. Addie ended up in a polar fleece snow suit, and then in my Ergo so she was nice and toasty. She was so comfy, cozy in there she fell asleep, and actually slept through our whole time there. I thought that she might wake from the music, or train whistles but nothing made her wake up. If you are going in the evening it is very likely that you will want gloves, and toques, and very warm socks on! 

The lineups for the trains are done by time slots. Simply join the line when you see the sign for your time frame. Everyone makes their way through the line and to the train. The staff are great about making sure each train is full, and will start asking for single and double riders if needed to fill a train. They are also good about making sure families are kept together for train rides. We lucked out and were at the very front of the line to go on the next train so we were able to pick wherever we wanted to sit. Right to the back we went. We love this spot because we love seeing the train curve around the tracks as it goes across the pond. It’s gorgeous, and an incredible photo opportunity. 

All of us really enjoyed the theme this year, as the music and decorations went back to classic Christmas with a little bit of Nutcracker and Blue Christmas tossed in. We actually all agreed this was our favourite year yet! If you are heading out to Bright Nights, be sure to pack your camera as there are many photo opportunities, and you’ll want to capture some of the moments. 

If you’ve never been to Bright Nights in Stanly Park before, here are some details for you:

Over the past 18 years the Burn Fund has partnered with the Vancouver Park Board to bring over three million twinkling lights to Stanley Park. Along with displays, live entertainment, Santa, and of course rides on the mini train. Bright Nights in Stanley Park is one of the largest fund raisers of the Burn Fund thanks to partial proceeds of train ticket sales, and donations at the front gate. 

Tickets sell out quickly every year, so be sure to buy soon. You may already be looking at prime times only available for Monday to Friday. Some tickets are held to be sold at will-call as well, but those also sell promptly, especially on the weekend. 

Event Dates:
November 26, 2015 – January 2, 2016

Event Times:
Nov 26 – Dec 17:   Mon-Thurs:  3pm – 10pm  /   Fri-Sun:  10am – 11pm
Dec 18 – Dec 27:   Everyday:  10am – 11pm
Dec 28 – Jan 2:   Everyday: 10am – 10pm

Matinee Trains run 10am – 2:30pm Fri-Sun and daily from Dec 18-27.

Closed Christmas Day, December 25, 2015

Donations accepted at the front gate benefit the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund . Suggested donation is $4 per person

Ticket Prices
*include taxes, but subject to fees*
Adult (18 – 64 years) $11.00
Child and youth (3 – 17 years)  $8.00
Small child (2 years and under) Free
Senior (65 years and over)  $8.00
Matinee (All ages) $6.00