Surrey has a strong Christmas lights season in 2026, and it’s got a mix that suits most families. There’s a big ticketed festival at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, a free tree lighting weekend at Surrey Civic Plaza, and an early season light walk at Bear Creek Park. If you plan around the dates below, you can see a lot without spending a lot, but the ticketed festival needs booking ahead.
Noel Surrey with the Magic of Bright Nights
This is Surrey’s headline display for 2026. Bright Nights has moved here from Stanley Park, and it’s now part of Noel Surrey at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17905 62 Ave.
It runs Nov 27 to Dec 29, 2026, from 3pm to 9:30pm nightly. It’s closed Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 24, and Dec 25, so don’t plan a visit on those dates.
It’s ticketed. Adult tickets for ages 19 to 64 start from $24, youth and teen tickets for ages 7 to 18 start from $18, and senior tickets for ages 65 and over start from $18. Children aged 6 and under are free, but they still need a ticket. Weekend prices have been reported at $27 for an adult and $20 for youth and seniors. Prices vary by day, and tax and service charges are extra, so check the total before you pay.
Advance purchase is essential. Entry is in 30 minute time slots, and if you arrive more than 20 minutes late, you may be refused entry. A limited number of box office tickets may be available, subject to capacity, and the box office closes at 8pm. Don’t count on buying at the gate.
What’s included is a Bright Nights light walk with about 3 million lights, a 50 foot Ferris wheel, Santa photos, Noel Village, and a market. Parking is included in your visit.
Tickets are sold through Showpass. Check times, prices, and availability on the official FAQ page: https://www.noelfestival.com/faq
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market
If you want a free festive day out, head to Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, on Sat Nov 21 and Sun Nov 22, 2026. Both days run from 12pm to 8pm.
The 60 foot tree is lit on Sat Nov 21 at 6:30pm, and it stays lit until early Jan 2027. Entry is free, including skating and Santa photos, which makes this a good low cost option for families.
Check the official site for the latest details: https://surreytreelighting.ca
Bear Creek Lights
Bear Creek Lights is at Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave. It runs Nov 6 to Nov 20, 2026, from 5pm to 9pm nightly, with the lights off at 9:30pm. It’s closed Nov 11.
It’s free, but you still need a free timed ticket in a 30 minute slot, booked through bearcreektickets.surrey.ca. Walk up tickets are limited, so book ahead if you can.
Please note the end date clearly. This display ends Nov 20, so it’s an early season display only, and it’s not a December option. If you’re planning a December outing, choose one of the displays above instead.
Find details here: https://vancouver.christmas/bear-creek-lights-surrey/
Practical notes
Go on a weekday if you can, and give yourself extra time to get there and park. For Noel Surrey, arrive inside your 30 minute slot, because arriving more than 20 minutes late may mean you can’t get in. For Bear Creek Lights, bring your free timed ticket with you, even though entry is free.
Dress warmly, wear shoes you can walk in, and expect crowds on weekend evenings, especially around the tree lighting and at the ticketed festival. Check the official pages linked above before you go, in case times change.
FAQ
Do I need to book ahead for Noel Surrey? Yes. It’s a timed ticket event, and advance purchase is essential. Late arrival of more than 20 minutes may mean refusal.
Is Bear Creek Lights free? Yes, it’s free, but you need a free timed ticket. Walk up entry is limited.
When is the Surrey tree lit? The tree at Surrey Civic Plaza is lit on Sat Nov 21, 2026, at 6:30pm, and it stays lit until early Jan 2027.
