St. Paul’s Lights of Hope in Vancouver

Every holiday season since 1998, the front of St. Paul's Hospital on Burrard Street has turned into one of downtown Vancouver's best-loved light displays. Lights of Hope is a fundraiser for St. Paul's Foundation, and its more than 100,000 lights and hundreds of stars honour the people who give to support care at the hospital. The 2026 season opens with a free kickoff celebration and fireworks.

When and where

• Lighting celebration: Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m., with fireworks on opening night
• Display: lit nightly from November 12 into early January 2027
• Location: St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard St., Vancouver
• Cost: free to attend; donations are welcome and can be made online

What to expect

The kickoff evening is a relaxed community gathering on the hospital grounds. This year's program includes:

• Holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (suggested $20 donation)
• Hot drinks from Beyond Coffee and Starbucks
• Food trucks, including Gary's Kettle Corn and The Great Canadian Cotton Candy Company
• Live music from Sarabande (Vancouver Bach Choir), the Hot Tea A Capella Group and the What's Next Band
• A Gift of Hope Tent prize draw for two Cirque du Soleil LUZIA tickets and a $200 Visa gift card
• A paint-by-number fireworks mural by Paintillio (suggested $5 donation)

After opening night, the lights stay on each evening through the holidays, so you can stop by any night for a quieter look.

Getting there

St. Paul's Hospital sits on Burrard Street at the edge of the West End, and several downtown bus routes run along Burrard. Burrard SkyTrain Station is a walk north along Burrard Street. Parking nearby is limited on opening night, so transit, walking or cycling is the easiest way to arrive.

Tips

• Arrive a little before 6 p.m. on November 12 to find a good spot before the fireworks.
• Bring a few dollars or a card if you would like a photo with Santa or to add to the mural.
• Dress for wet weather; the celebration happens outdoors.
• Remember this is an active hospital: keep the entrances and driveways clear.
• Pair a visit with a walk along Davie Street or down to English Bay.

Browse more seasonal outings in our holiday events guide, or see everything on this month in the November events calendar.