Winter Jubilee 2025 – Abbotsford’s Annual Tree Lighting Festival

Location: Historic Downtown Abbotsford, Montrose Avenue, Abbotsford, BC
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free | Family-Friendly
Presented By: Downtown Abbotsford Business Association
Website: Winter Jubilee – Downtown Abbotsford

Event Overview

The Winter Jubilee 2025 returns to Historic Downtown Abbotsford for its 36th annual celebration, marking one of the Fraser Valley’s most anticipated holiday traditions. This free, family-friendly festival runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, November 22, featuring Abbotsford’s official Christmas tree lighting, an artisan market, live entertainment, food trucks, and festive activities for all ages.

The Winter Jubilee kicks off Abbotsford’s “Jingle All the Way” holiday season, transforming the downtown core into a sparkling winter village filled with lights, laughter, and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy live music, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and participate in fun activities like cookie decorating, face painting, and the popular Elf Academy.

Event Highlights

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festival’s main event takes place at 6:59 PM, with a collective countdown leading to the illumination of a spectacular 60-foot Christmas tree in the heart of downtown Abbotsford. The ceremony is followed by a community sing-along led by Ryan McAllister & Band.

Stage Entertainment Schedule

Hosted by emcee and comedian Cliff Prang, the outdoor stage features an exciting lineup of local talent throughout the afternoon and evening:

• 3:30 PM: Welcome & Opening

• 3:35 PM: Jam Dance

• 4:00 PM: The Goddess Movement

• 4:30 PM: Silver Diamond Country Dancers

• 5:15 PM: Abby All-Stars

• 6:00 PM: MEI Choir

• 6:45 PM: Santa March & MEI Screaming Eagles Marching Band

• 6:59 PM: Countdown to the Tree Lighting

• 7:00 PM: Ryan McAllister & Band – Christmas Sing-Along

Elf Academy

Enroll your children in Elf Academy, a 45-minute interactive experience where kids ages 4–10 can train to become official elves. Activities include hat decorating, reindeer snack preparation, and festive games.

Each participant earns a personalized Elf Certificate upon graduation. Parents are welcome to join, and tickets must be reserved in advance. Limited space is available per session.

Family Activities

• Cookie decorating and face painting stations

• Letters to Santa and reindeer games at Santa’s Workshop

• Photos by donation with Santa and Mrs. Claus

• Meet The Grinch and other festive characters

• Crafts and family activities throughout the venue

Artisan Vendor Market

Shop for locally made gifts, handmade crafts, and festive décor at the Artisan Vendor Market, featuring independent makers and small businesses from across the Fraser Valley.

Food & Drink

Enjoy a lineup of food trucks offering warm and delicious treats:

• Truckin’ BBQ

• Big Red’s Poutine

• Tacosaurus

• Beavertails

• Little oOties Mini Donuts

• Corndog King

Warm up with hot chocolate or Jingle Juice served in festive light-up cups. Many downtown cafés and restaurants will also have special seasonal offerings during the event.

Getting There

Transit Access:
The new Montrose Avenue Transit Exchange is open, making it easy to reach the event by bus.

• From Highstreet Mall: Bus 2

• From McCallum Park & Ride: Bus 1

• From Seven Oaks Mall: Bus 2

• From Mission City Station: Bus 31 or 31A

• From Chilliwack: Bus 66 or 1

Street closures and limited parking will be in effect — visitors are encouraged to use transit or carpool where possible.

Sponsorship, Vendor, and Volunteer Opportunities

Community organizations and local businesses can get involved as vendors, volunteers, or sponsors.
For inquiries, email events@downtownabbotsford.com.

Vendor and volunteer sign-ups are available on the official event website.

Why You Should Go

• Experience Abbotsford’s only official Christmas tree lighting

• Enjoy five hours of live local entertainment and festive performances

• Enroll kids in the interactive Elf Academy experience

• Shop local at the artisan vendor market

• Celebrate 36 years of holiday tradition and community spirit

Discover More Holiday Events in Metro Vancouver

Find more Christmas festivals, craft fairs, and light displays at Vancouver Page – Discover Local Events.