By Noa Glow | December 2011
At Luminescence at the Vancouver Aquarium “Scuba Claus” swims merrily among the sturgeon and sea stars.
Whether in a forest, on a mountain or under the sea, some of the best places to view holiday lights this season are exciting and—at times—unexpected.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park (December 2 to January 2; closed on Christmas Day) transforms the forest with two million-plus lights, earning accolades as “the most spectacular lighting display in Canada.” Best of all, partial proceeds benefit the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. www.vancouver.ca/parks/events/brightnights
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge (December 2 to January 1; closed on Christmas Day) features 250,000 lights throughout the park. New this year: a high (700 feet) and narrow “cliffwalk” for optimal vantage points (in some sections “very strong glass” is all that separates you from the canyon below). www.capbridge.com
The Carol Ships Parade of Lights (December 2 to 23) sees as many as 50 boats, 100,000 lights and 30,000 singing voices sliding across Vancouver’s waterways. Shore-side viewing is free and tickets to board participating ships range in price. www.carolships.org
At Luminescence at the Vancouver Aquarium (November 24 to January 2) a traditional holiday tree is powered, in part, by two electric eels while “Scuba Claus” swims merrily among the sturgeon and sea stars. Also, discover how animals in the deepest parts of the ocean create their own light. www.vanaqua.org/luminescence
Visit the Peak of Christmas on Grouse Mountain (November 26 to December 24) to see the twinkling lights of the city from 3,700 feet up. Sleigh rides, live reindeer, carollers, an outdoor skating rink and holiday films at Theatre in the Sky round out the festivities. www.grousemountain.com/peak-of-christmas
The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival (December 21) lights up the longest night of the year with lanterns, music and dancing in six distinct neighbourhoods: Chinatown, East Van, Granville Island, South East False Creek, Strathcona and Yaletown. www.secretlantern.org
