Bright Lights moves from Stanley Park to Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds after train closure; returns to its roots as B.C. fundraising event.
Bright Lights Moves After 25 Years in Stanley Park
The beloved Bright Lights fundraising event is leaving Vancouver’s Stanley Park after more than 25 years and relocating to Surrey, B.C. Organizers announced the move following the discovery that the miniature train at Stanley Park would be inoperable for the remainder of 2025. The event will now be part of the Noel Holiday Light Festival at Cloverdale Fairgrounds, running from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28.
Event Shifts Due to Inoperable Train
At Stanley Park, Bright Lights featured a 15-minute ride on a vintage miniature train through forested paths adorned with holiday lights. Jeff Sauvé, executive director of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, confirmed the train could not be repaired in time, making the event unfeasible in its traditional location. Todd Schierling, president of the Burn Fund, said the organization had to explore new venues across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. “We assigned our team to do a reconnaissance search… and they found the Noel festival in Surrey,” he said.
Returning to Its Surrey Roots
The move also brings Bright Lights back to Surrey, where its origins date to the mid-1980s. Bob Wingfield and Marg Barrett created a popular Christmas light display at their Newton home to raise funds for burn survivors. In 1997, their light collection was donated to the Burn Fund and later became part of the Stanley Park event. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke emphasized, “We’re keeping it. It’s home. It’s where it needs to be, it’s where the families and children are.”
Vancouver Park Board Response
The Vancouver Park Board stated that commissioners and staff were not notified about Bright Lights leaving the city. Meanwhile, the park will host the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience, a temporary immersive attraction, starting in November.
New Venue Offers Expanded Access
Cloverdale Fairgrounds can accommodate a larger number of visitors than Stanley Park. The festival setting is expected to provide more space and festival-style features while maintaining Bright Lights’ holiday charm. Organizers and local officials are confident the new location will continue the event’s legacy as one of the largest fundraisers for the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Stay connected with Canada’s latest headlines — follow Maple News Wire on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn.
