Park Board Holiday Lights!

December 1, 2006 - If you're a visitor or an uninitiated resident, you will want to make a list of the best holiday lights to drive-by or walk-through. Here's a starter course.

Elm Grove at Bidwell Street and Beach Avenue

These six stately elms are illuminated with over 12,750 new SLED lights (Seasonal Low Emitting Diodes) nightly from December 1st this year through January 7th 2007. Envisioned by former Park Board Commissioner George Wainborn (he was the longest serving Park Commissioner in Park Board history), walkers and drivers virtually pass under limbs 'dripping' with colour that somehow calls forth a childlike glee in all. This is one of Vancouver's best kept West End secrets and all you have to do to enjoy them is either gaze at them yearningly, like Jay Gatsby, over English Bay from Vanier Park or take Beach Avenue toward Stanley Park. They are a cloud of colour.

Lost Lagoon Fountain in Stanley Park

Ever since the fountain was erected to mark the City of Vancouver's Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) in 1936, there has been a Christmas display there. It has altered over the years, even been blown down in fierce December winds on occasion, but it still touches the heart as a shining symbol of the season rising up from the darkened lagoon with only swans and ducks adding magical animation. One taller, central tree is 'skirted' by several small tress, all flood lit in various colours from the fountains edge, which is turned off for the duration. Lights go on December 1st.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

December 1 - January 2, 3-10 pm
Chugging through the Stanley Park Forest since 1980, this year's version of the Christmas Train promises to be better than ever. Augmented by thousands of lights and whimsical displays, courtesy of the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, the entire train and Children's Farmyard area has been transformed into a wonderland of "Bright Lights". Part of the train ticket proceeds will go to the Burn Fund and there will be nightly entertainment to quell the crowds. $7.45 for Adults and $4.45 for discounted tickets. Click here or phone 604-257-8531 for information.

VanDusen Garden's "Festival of Lights"

December 15 - 31
Celebrating its fabulous light display for over two decades, VanDusen Garden boasts over 1 million lights including a "symphony" on Livingstone Lake where they dance to music. Other features include a Magical Marsh, Community Choirs, Golden Chain Walk, Santa's Living Room and a Candle Shrine. Open 5 to 9:30 pm every night except Christmas with a cost of $9.90 for adults; $6.95 for Seniors; $7.45 for Youth; $4.95 for children and $19.80 for families (2 adults and 2 children 6 - 18). Click here or phone 604-878-9274 for further information.

Sequoiadendron giganteum at George Wainborn Park

Located at Richards Street and False Creek
The beautiful Sequoia tree planted near the entrance to Vancouver's newest downtown park has been decorated with hundreds of white lights. These glowing lamps, guarded by towering concrete pillars that have been decorated to represent giant candles, help illuminate the park named for the late George Wainborn. Wainborn, a Freedom of the City recipient, was Vancouver's longest serving Park Commissioner who started such seasonal events as the Carol Shops, the Christmas Train in Stanley Park and the annual lighting of Elm Grove at Bidwell Street and Beach Avenue.

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