ONLINE TREE LIGHTING EVENTS FOR METRO VANCOUVER

Metro Vancouver introduces online tree-lighting for 2020!

As the Holiday Season draws near, and the Covid-19 numbers continue to climb, many holiday events are being canceled across Metro Vancouver. We are encouraged to stay safe, stay distanced & stay close to home. But some events that have been a tradition for families for years are finding creative ways to move online. Here are some of the "watch together from home" tree lighting ceremonies that mark the beginning of the festive season. 

If you are looking for more holiday events, check out the Healthy Family Living Holiday Events Guide. And you can get a jump on holiday shopping with the Holiday Gift Guide.

Lights of Hope at St. Paul's Hospital

Date: Virtual lighting ceremony on November 19, 2020  
Time: 6 p.m
Watch here: watch live on Global BC, via the link on the website and also via Facebook Live!

The annual display of more than 100,000 lights at St. Paul's Hospital on Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver has been reimagined as Hope at Home. This at-home version of the event includes an online live-stream of the display lighting ceremony and virtual community celebration to kick off the season; an “always-on” stream of the Lights of Hope display from November 19-January 4 so you can visit from the comfort of home throughout the holidays; and limited edition Hope at Home stars available for purchase to show your support for Lights of Hope from home.

As always, your gifts to Lights of Hope 2020 will support greatest needs across all Providence Health Care hospitals and long-term care homes, funding urgently needed equipment, life-saving research, community programs, and other essential patient and resident services, allowing our health care teams to deliver the best care possible and be prepared for any challenges ahead. You can give online, over the phone, or donate via our Living Light installation at the front of St. Paul’s Hospital starting November 19.

10th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2020
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m
Watch here: Facebook and YouTube Live

Hosted by your favourite duo, Santa and Mrs. Claus, this year’s free, family-friendly live-streamed event will feature a variety of local performers, choirs, and dance groups. Join the fun from home as Virtual Surrey Tree Lighting hosts holiday baking, comedy sketches, kid’s crafts, stories and much more! The usual holiday market will be transitioned into a virtual marketplace. Help support the community and check out this year's Virtual Holiday Market which showcases a variety of local businesses.

Watch from home as Mayor and Council flip the switch to light Surrey’s 60-ft Christmas tree, which marks the start of the holiday season. Following the livestream, stay tuned for a series of holiday contests held on the Surrey Tree Lighting Facebook page, including the annual 12 Days of Giveaways contest leading up to Christmas Day.

Vancouver Art Gallery Tree Lighting

Date: November 27, 2020 
Time: 6pm-7pm
Watch here: Live on CTV News or Online via this link

Live from the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza tune in for the 14th annual lighting ceremony of the Vancouver Christmas Tree.  This family-friendly, online-only streaming event with festive live music will be fun for the whole family. Santa will also be on-hand to offer his official seal of approval. The 75 ft Christmas tree with over 1150 branches and 1000,000 lights will stand as a beacon of light (and selfies) through December. Presenting sponsor Amacon will be donating to the International Children’s festival as part of its “Light Up” Campaign.