Surrey has one of the strongest Christmas lineups in the Lower Mainland in 2026, and it starts early. Bear Creek Lights runs in the first half of November, the Civic Plaza tree lighting festival follows on November 21 and 22, and the Cloverdale Santa parade and the Cloverdale light festival close out November. Book Bear Creek tickets in advance, since entry is ticketed even though it is free.

At a glance

Bear Creek Lights, Bear Creek Park: November 6 to 20, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m., closed November 11, free with advance ticket
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, Surrey Civic Plaza: November 21 to 22, 2026, noon to 8 p.m., tree lit 6:30 p.m. Saturday, free
Christmas on the Peninsula: November 21, 2026, free
Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights, Cloverdale Fairgrounds: November 27 to December 29, 2026, closed November 30, December 7, 24, and 25
Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, Cloverdale: Sunday, November 29, 2026. Note: the start time is listed as 6:00 p.m. by the organizers and 5:30 p.m. in some listings, so arrive early and check the Cloverdale BIA listing before you go.
The Nutcracker, Surrey Arts Centre: December 12, 2026

Christmas markets

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival Holiday Market

The holiday market runs as part of the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival at Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey, on November 21 and 22, 2026, from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Food is sold at the Enchanted Eats food truck strip, and market purchases are extra.

Noel Surrey Christmas Market

Noel Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds includes a Christmas market inside the heated Snow Barn and Noel Village, along with Santa photos. It runs November 27 to December 29, 2026, closed November 30, December 7, 24, and 25. Listed prices are: kids 6 and under free, youth and teens age 7 to 18 at $15, adults age 19 to 65 at $20, and seniors age 65 and over at $15, plus service charges and tax. Note: please check the organizer site before you go to confirm prices.

Indigenous Christmas Market, Surrey

An Indigenous Christmas Market in Surrey is listed for November 28, 2026. The venue and hours are to be announced.

Light displays and tours

Bear Creek Lights

Bear Creek Lights turns the gardens at Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey, into a one kilometre evening walk of light displays. It runs November 6 to 20, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly, closed November 11 for Remembrance Day. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved online in advance, with a limited number per entry time slot. Community groups set up activity tents on select nights.

Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights

Noel Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds runs November 27 to December 29, 2026, closed November 30, December 7, 24, and 25. It includes the Bright Nights walking loop with light tunnels and interactive displays, plus rides and a Santa Snow Barn. Prices are listed in the market section above.

Tree lightings

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

The Surrey Tree Lighting Festival at Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey, runs Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026, from noon to 8 p.m. The Mayor and Council light an 18 metre (60 foot) Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. The tree stays lit until early January 2027.

Admission is free. Outdoor skating is free, with free skate and helmet rentals, in 40 minute sessions starting every hour from noon to 7 p.m., on a first come wristband basis. Photos with Santa are free both days from noon to 8 p.m. Surrey Central Station is next door, and free parking on P1 and P2 of the City Hall parkade is limited. University Drive between Central Avenue and 104 Avenue, and the westbound lane of Central Avenue between Civic Plaza Lane and University Drive, are closed from 3 p.m. Friday, November 20 to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, November 22. No pets are allowed at the festival site.

Santa photos and parades

Santa photos at the Tree Lighting Festival

Photos with Santa are free at Surrey Civic Plaza on November 21 and 22, 2026, from noon to 8 p.m., as part of the Tree Lighting Festival.

Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, Cloverdale

The Surrey Santa Parade of Lights is in Cloverdale Town Centre, Surrey, on Sunday, November 29, 2026. The route starts and ends at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. It is the 20th annual parade, with lit floats and vehicles, and it is listed as free.

Note on start time: the organizers list 6:00 p.m., while some listings show 5:30 p.m. Arrive early and check the Cloverdale BIA page before you go. Bring a non perishable food item or a gift for the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, Surrey Food Bank, and Surrey Christmas Bureau. For specific questions, the Cloverdale BIA phone listed is 604-576-3155.

Shows and other events

The Nutcracker, Surrey Arts Centre

The Nutcracker is listed for Surrey Arts Centre on December 12, 2026. The time and ticket price are to be announced.

Christmas on the Peninsula

Christmas on the Peninsula is listed for November 21, 2026, and listed as free. It is described as a one day festival with a parade, a Christmas Village, and arts activities. The venue, start time, and any 2026 tree lighting are to be announced, so check before you go.

Practical notes

Bear Creek Lights needs an advance ticket even though it is free. Book before you go, and note the November 11 closure.
The Tree Lighting Festival is fully paved, with ramps and accessible washrooms in City Hall, and a sensory friendly space hosted by the Canucks Autism Network.
For the Santa parade, choose a spot on the Cloverdale loop early, dress for a cold and often wet late November evening, and bring a donation if you can.