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Description
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market 2026
The 16th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market returns to Surrey Civic Plaza for two days of free holiday fun. Skate on a 4,000 square-foot outdoor rink, ride the Ferris Wheel, meet Santa, catch live shows on five stages, and watch Surrey light its iconic 60-foot Christmas tree on Saturday evening. The festival has won a National Star Award for Most Outstanding Event (2014) and the ILEA Vancouver Best Public Event award (2024).
- When: Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Where: Surrey Civic Plaza and Surrey City Hall, Surrey City Centre, BC
- Cost: Free
- Tree lighting: Saturday, November 21 at 6:30 PM
- Hosted by: City of Surrey
- Website: Surrey Tree Lighting Festival
- RSVP: Facebook event page
What to Expect
Tree Lighting Ceremony
On Saturday, November 21 at 6:30 PM, Mayor and Council flip the switch on Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree, the centrepiece of the festival.
Free Outdoor Ice Skating
Glide into the holidays on a 4,000 square-foot outdoor rink in the Santa’s Workshop & Ice Rink tent. Skating, skate rentals, and helmet rentals are all free, or bring your own gear. To manage capacity, timeslot wristbands are handed out first come, first served. Sessions run 40 minutes and start every hour from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Limit one timeslot per person, and return to the Skate Kiosk 30 minutes before your session. The rink stays open all winter as part of Skating at Civic Plaza.
Free Amusement Rides
Hop on the free amusement rides, including a Ferris Wheel, for a bird’s-eye view of the festival lights.
Photos with Santa
Get a free photo with Santa inside the Santa’s Workshop tent on the plaza. Online reservations are encouraged to guarantee your spot, with a limit of one ticket per household. A limited number of walk-up spots are available first come, first served. Reserve your Santa photo.
Live Entertainment on Five Stages
Enjoy free shows for all ages, including holiday classics, choirs, dance battles, and DJs.
- Saturday, Nov 21: Good Noise Gospel Choir, The Mighty Chorus, Down n’ Dirty
- Sunday, Nov 22: Big Bone Brass Band
- Family shows: The North Pole Stage in the City Hall Atrium features holiday sing-alongs and the Fraser Valley Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
Fire Show Finale
Close out the weekend on Sunday, November 22 at 7:20 PM, when performers light up the Snowflake Stage with flames and music.
Indoor Holiday Market
Warm up and shop at the Holiday Market, now indoors in the Surrey City Hall Atrium. Browse handmade gifts from local artisans and crafters, including jewelry, candles, home décor, art, and baked treats, while supporting small businesses. Explore the Holiday Market.
Enchanted Eats Food Trucks
Refuel along Enchanted Boulevard with poke bowls, burgers, Jamaican dishes, sushi tacos, grilled cheese, poutine, wood-fired pizza, mac and cheese, hot dogs, kettle corn, mini donuts, and coffee. Many trucks offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
Light Displays and Photo Spots
Capture holiday memories under the light tunnel, in front of the 60-foot tree, and among the sparkling light displays across the plaza.
Kids’ Activities
- Letters to Santa: Write a wish list at the Qualico station in Santa’s Workshop.
- Craft Studio: Make festive crafts to take home, hosted by Downtown Surrey BIA.
- Meet Holiday Characters: Say hello to the Snow Sisters, Frosty, and more.
- Toddler Town: A dedicated play space for little ones.
- City Centre Library: Open Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM, with live performances on the Grand Staircase.
Getting There and Accessibility
Surrey Civic Plaza is easy to reach by transit, bike, or car. Limited free parking is available under Surrey City Hall, so transit is a smart choice. The festival offers accessible washrooms and parking, plus a Sensory-Friendly Zone in Room 1EB by the Security Desk in the City Hall Atrium for guests who need a quieter space. Organizers are also committed to an anti-racism approach that builds understanding between cultures.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early for skating wristbands, as timeslots fill up.
- Reserve your Santa photo online to guarantee a spot.
- Dress warmly in layers for the plaza, then warm up in the indoor market.
- Take transit or bike to avoid the limited parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surrey Tree Lighting Festival free?
Yes. Admission, skating, skate and helmet rentals, amusement rides, and Santa photos are free. Food and market purchases are extra.
What time is the tree lighting?
The 60-foot tree is lit on Saturday, November 21 at 6:30 PM.
When is the fire show?
Sunday, November 22 at 7:20 PM on the Snowflake Stage.
Where is the Holiday Market?
Indoors at the Surrey City Hall Atrium.
Is there parking?
Limited free parking is available under Surrey City Hall. Transit and cycling are recommended.
Notes for your team:
- The official key messages say “Sunday, November 23” in one place. November 22, 2026 is a Sunday, so I used November 22 throughout.
- I used 12 PM - 8 PM from the official info. Skating wristband sessions end at 7:00 PM start (rink closes 7:40 PM) per the website.
- Suggested categories: Christmas Events, Family, Free Events, Surrey. Suggested tags: Surrey events, holiday market, free skating, Ferris wheel, Santa photos, Christmas events Vancouver.
