Bright Nights train on the tracks passing by Christmas theme light decorations

Bright Nights goes full steam ahead

November 4 2024 –

As the holidays approach, Bright Nights in Stanley Park is gearing up to illuminate the Stanley Park Railway plaza with its signature sparkle. The beloved annual holiday tradition, curated in partnership by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, will run from November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025. 

Admission to Bright Nights is by donation, with proceeds supporting the Burn Fund’s survivor programs and services. This year, over 1,200 off-duty professional fire fighters will volunteer their time to transform the Stanley Park Railway plaza into a magical forest adorned with almost 3 million Christmas lights, creating a winter wonderland for visitors. In addition to train rides, the event will feature festive attractions such as photos with Santa, an enchanting tunnel of lights, and live entertainment. On-site food vendors will offer treats like churros, pretzels, popcorn, and hot chocolate.

Stanley Park Train ticketing details

The Stanley Park Train will operate daily from 4 pm to 10 pm, except on December 25. 

Tickets for the Stanley Park Train at Bright Nights will be available exclusively online for designated time slots starting November 8 at noon PST. Due to the high demand for this cherished holiday attraction and with limited seating available, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early. 

Ticket pricing (exclusive of GST & service fees):

  • Ages 13 and up: $16
  • Ages 3 to 12: $12
  • Ages 2 and under: Free

To help facilitate a fair and efficient process, the online ticketing system will include a queue. Access to the waiting room begins at 11:30 am on November 8 at brightnights.ca. When ticket sales open at noon, individuals in the waiting room will be randomly assigned a spot in the purchasing queue. Those joining after sales will be placed at the back of the line on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those already in the waiting room.

Accessibility

Complimentary admission is offered for guests in wheelchairs and support persons accompanying guests with disabilities. Accessible tickets must be booked in advance of the general sale by calling 1-844-307-7469 on November 8, from 9 am to 11 am.

Parking

Parking near the Stanley Park Railway will be limited due to construction on Metro Vancouver’s Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel  starting in November. To help reduce traffic congestion at the site and ensure guests arrive on time for their ticketed entry, please note: 

  • A two-hour pay parking limit will be in effect at the main railway lot. The cost for two hours will be $7.50. 
  • There will be free event parking available at the Stanley Park information booth, Vancouver Aquarium, and Lumberman’s Arch. 
  • Guests are encouraged to plan ahead for traffic delays and limited parking availability. 
  • Consider using public transit , walking, or cycling to avoid congestion.

About Bright Nights

Bright Nights serves as the single largest fundraising event for the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund . Around 1,200 off-duty fire fighters from across British Columbia donate their time to help set-up and take-down almost 3,000,000 Christmas lights and displays at Bright Nights. Proceeds from the event support life-saving, life-supporting, and life-enriching services to burn survivors and their families from across the province. The Park Board has donated more than $2.5 million to the Burn Fund since the event partnership began in 1998.