A festive outdoor Christmas tree lighting event with a large crowd and a brightly lit tree

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the most enchanting event of the year! 

November 20, 2023
Arts & Culture

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the most enchanting event of the year! Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market presented by Concord Pacific promises to be bigger, brighter, and more festive than ever before. There will be exciting activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy on Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26 at Surrey Civic Plaza from 12-8pm. 

1. Get your Christmas shopping done at the Holiday Market presented by Bosa Properties

 A busy holiday market under a tent decorated with string lights and festive decorations, with shoppers browsing through the stalls.

The Holiday Market at the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival is a shopper's paradise. With a wide array of local vendors offering unique, handcrafted gifts and holiday treats, you can find the perfect presents for your loved ones while supporting local artisans and businesses. From festive decorations to one-of-a-kind jewelry, there's something for everyone.

Shop the Holiday Market
 

2. Enjoy live, local music, dance performances, and entertainment

 A festive outdoor Christmas tree lighting event with a large crowd and a brightly lit tree

The festival will come alive with a fantastic lineup of live performers and entertainers across four stages, including the Snowflake Stage sponsored by Concord Pacific, North Pole Stage, Candy Cane Dance Tent sponsored by ML Emporio, and Grand Staircase in City Centre Library. From local choirs singing beloved carols to talented dancers wowing the crowd with their moves, there's no shortage of talent to keep you entertained throughout the day. Highlights include the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Warren Dean Flandez, Family Gameshow: Holiday Edition, Michael Bublé Tribute, Josh Bogert, Beauty and Cinderella, G’lisha,  Fraser Valley Academy of Dance performs The Nutcracker, White Thunder Dance Theatre, and Higher Ground Dance Battles. The festival will also feature a green and grumpy guest on Sunday, who has a mischievous plan to turn off the lights & ruin the holiday season.

View the schedule
 

3. Come hungry, leave happy on Enchanted Boulevard

 A Ferris wheel set against the backdrop of modern city buildings, with a crowd of people looking around.

Feeling hungry? Explore the delicious world of Enchanted Eats, where you can savor a wide variety of delectable treats, hot chocolate, pizza and savory delights. Food trucks will offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Enchanted Boulevard is where you can also find a variety of free rides, including a Ferris Wheel sponsored by Dawson + Sawyer.

See the Food Trucks
 

4. Try your luck with contests and giveaways

 Two women smiling between doors labeled "NAUGHTY" and "NICE" with neon signs, surrounded by lit Christmas trees.

The Surrey Tree Lighting Festival 2023 is all about spreading holiday cheer, and what better way to do that than with giveaways? Throughout the day, there will be opportunities to win fabulous prizes and surprises by posting photos and tagging @surreybcevents and #SurreyTreeLighting. The festival will offer complimentary black and white portraits, light displays, and many other photo opportunities. Additionally, keep an eye out for our sponsors and participating vendors for your chance to take home some festive goodies.

View contest rules
 

5. Bring your kids to experience magic in the North Pole

Children mailing letters to Santa at a festive red mailbox decorated for Christmas.

Capture the magic of the season with a visit to Santa's workshop within the atrium at City Hall. Attendees of all ages can see Santa Claus himself, share their holiday wishes with Letters to Santa sponsored by Qualico, enjoy kid’s crafts and Holiday performances on the North Pole Stage. Photos with Santa are pre-reserved and sold out but very limited walk-in spots will be available. 

View Kids activities

 

More Details

Admission to Surrey Tree Lighting Festival is free, making it the perfect outing for families, friends, and anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you're gathering to watch the magnificent tree lighting ceremony at 6:00pm, browsing the Holiday Market for unique and local gifts, enjoying the live performances, or indulging in Enchanted Eats, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this year's festival.

Mark your calendars for November 25 and 26, 2023 to join in on the most magical time of the year, celebrated at Civic Plaza in Surrey.

View all event details at surreytreelighting.ca.