Counting Down to Christmas
How soon is too soon to get excited about the holiday season?
Are you one of those people who can’t stand to hear Christmas music in the mall in early November, or are you the type who’s already immersed in yuletide cheer, with a holiday playlist on repeat, cozying up to Christmas movies, and contemplating the early tree setup?
We’ll confess, we’re unabashed enthusiasts of the holiday season. It’s a fleeting time of year, after all! Plus, Surrey is bustling with festive events in the coming weeks that will have you craving warm apple cider, exploring local crafts, and eagerly awaiting Santa’s judgment on your “nice or naughty” status.
Activities
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
November 23 & 24 | Surrey Civic Plaza
Every year, Surrey kicks off the holiday season with the annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival. This free, family-friendly event is filled with amazing light displays, a Holiday Market, live performances, amusement rides, Enchanted Eats and all things bright and merry. The tree will be lit at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, and will stay lit throughout the day on Sunday, November 24 and until early January 2024.
WinterFest
November 23 – December 21 | Museum of Surrey, 17710 56a Avenue
Step into the wonder of WinterFest! Filled with holiday spirit, WinterFest offers exciting activities, hands-on crafts, and captivating displays for the whole family. Discover dazzling Christmas trees at the Christmas Tree Fest, join festive scavenger hunts, and get creative with Merry Makers crafts. Don’t miss the chance to meet Sensory Santa in a calm, welcoming environment. Celebrate the magic of the season at the Museum of Surrey—there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Noel Holiday Lights Festival
November 28 - December 23 | Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 17905 62 Avenue
The Noel Holiday Light Festival is a dazzling celebration filled with twinkling lights, festive displays, and seasonal activities perfect for all ages. Wander through themed light zones, discover magical photo spots, and enjoy holiday treats. This immersive experience offers a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit and create cherished memories.
Potters Christmas Store
Until December 24 | 19158 48th Avenue
Potters Christmas Store in Surrey is a holiday wonderland and a must-visit for seasonal shopping! Known as Western Canada’s largest Christmas store, Potters transforms its 28,000-square-foot space into a festive paradise filled with unique holiday decor, ornaments, gifts, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Stroll through beautifully themed sections, from classic holiday scenes to whimsical displays, and get inspired to make your home merry and bright. Whether you’re looking for decor or gifts, Potters is a magical holiday destination for all ages!
Surrey Santa Parade of Lights
December 1 | Cloverdale Town Centre (route map)
The beloved Surrey Santa Parade is back! Get there early and stake out a spot along the parade route, then get ready for a traditional (with a twist) Santa Parade through Cloverdale. The traditional parade has everything you love about a parade, floats, marching bands, antique vehicles and horses, but the big event is the amazing lighted Truck Parade. Inspired by the 1997 Coca-Cola lighted truck commercial, the Surrey Santa Parade is truly magical! The Surrey Santa Parade starts at 5 pm precisely at the corner of 176A St and 60th Avenue and heads east to 177B Street.
Gingerbread Village
December 6 – 15 |
Central City Shopping Centre, 10153 King George Blvd
Get ready for the sweetest event of the year at the Downtown Surrey BIA’s annual Gingerbread Village at Central City Shopping Centre! Step into a world of warm cinnamon and nutmeg as you marvel at the incredible skill and creativity that goes into each unique gingerbread masterpiece. This year’s theme, “My Favourite Storybook,” invites creators to bring beloved tales to life with gingerbread and icing. With over 20 intricate houses to explore, be sure to admire the fine details and cast your vote for your favorite creation!
Bear Creek Christmas Train
December 1 – 31 | 13750 88th Avenue
The Christmas mini-trains at Bear Creek Park are a magical delight. Each year, these charming trains, the Santa Express and the Christmas Night Train, are adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments. As they chug along the tracks, holiday music fills the air and riders enjoy Bear Creek Park’s enchanted forest, illuminated with colourful lights and displays. The Santa Express is a daytime-only train ride and tickets are only available on-site. Enjoy creating at the crafts table and be sure to snap a photo with Santa. Tickets for the Christmas Night Train are available online in advance and on-site. Keep an eye out for The Grinch, he’ll be wandering around select evenings spreading his version of holiday joy!
Victorian Christmas at Historic Stewart Farm
December 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22 | Elgin Heritage Park
Step back in time and escape the hustle and bustle of a modern-day Christmas! Visit Historic Stewart Farm for a free, local Victorian Christmas experience, where every weekend is filled with heritage demonstrations, festive music, crafts, and seasonal treats. On December 7, enjoy a rare evening visit to the farmhouse, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Step inside to the sound of live harp music, savour holiday treats, make your lantern, and meet Father Christmas in the cozy pole barn.
Winter Ice Palace
December 14 – January 5 | Cloverdale Arena | 6090 176 Street
The Cloverdale Arena transforms into a winter wonderland for three weeks of festive skating. With the rink surrounded by lights, trees and decorations, and all your favourite Christmas songs playing, this fun family skate is sure to get you into the holiday spirit in no time.
Christmas Markets
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at one of our festive Christmas markets! Browse unique handcrafted items, enjoy delicious seasonal treats, and soak in the holiday spirit while supporting local artisans. These charming markets are the perfect way to find special gifts and create lasting memories this holiday season.
Heart to Home Holiday Market - November 16 & 17 (Surrey Art Gallery - 13750 88 Ave)
Semiahmoo Potters Christmas Pottery Sale - November 23 & 24 (Turnbull Gallery - 14601 20 Ave)
stɑl̓əw̓ Craft Fair - December 7 (Museum of Surrey - 17710 56a Ave)
Clayton Holiday Market - December 7 (Clayton Community Centre - 7155 187a Street)
Indigenous Christmas Market - December 14 (Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House - 13723 Crescent Road)
Christmas Market Weekends - Weekends from November 23 - December 15 (West Coast Gardens - 1420 172 Street)
Performances
During the holidays, Surrey comes alive with enchanting performances that are perfect for the whole family! Enjoy beloved traditions like lively pantomimes, the magical "Nutcracker," and festive concerts that will fill your heart with seasonal cheer.
The Nutcracker with Surrey City Orchestra - November 23
The Nutcracker with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet - November 23 & 24
Rapunzel: The Panto - November 20 - December 1
Let It Snow! Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir - December 3
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Traditional Christmas - December 15
Knotted: Rapunzel's Story - December 20-22, 26-29, January 3-5
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Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that the lands on which we work, play and learn, are on the unceded shared territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and SEMYOME (Semiahmoo) nations.
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