Bright Nights returns to Surrey as part of Noel Holiday Light Festival, raising funds for burn survivors while lighting up Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
Bright Nights Holiday Display Returns to Surrey Roots
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
The City of Surrey is welcoming back the 28th annual Bright Nights light display, marking its return to its original home after more than two decades in Vancouver. The display will be featured at the second annual Noel Holiday Light Festival, running from November 28 to December 28 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
A Celebration with Purpose
Bright Nights is more than dazzling lights—it is the largest annual fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Over 800 firefighters volunteer thousands of hours to make the display possible, with a portion of festival proceeds directly supporting burn survivors across British Columbia.
Community Roots That Sparked a Tradition
The tradition began in the mid-1980s when Surrey residents Bob Wingfield and Marg Barrett decorated their Newton home with an elaborate Christmas light display, with help from local firefighters. Their project grew into a citywide attraction and fundraiser, eventually donated to the Burn Fund in 1997. Since then, Bright Nights had illuminated Stanley Park in Vancouver for over 25 years before its return to Surrey.
Leaders Welcome the Return
Mayor Brenda Locke called the homecoming a celebration of Surrey’s generosity and community spirit. “Two Surrey residents came together to create something special in their neighbourhood,” she said. Fire Captain and Burn Fund President Todd Schierling echoed the sentiment, highlighting Cloverdale as the perfect new setting to continue the tradition while supporting survivors.
What Visitors Can Expect
Festival-goers can stroll through nearly three million lights displayed along the pond at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Noel Village, a 30,000-square-foot indoor space, offers free children’s activities, Santa photos, live music, dining, and a holiday market. Visitors can also enjoy a 50-foot Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and food trucks. Tickets are free for children under six and include access to all attractions and parking.
Giving Back Through the Holidays
In line with its fundraising mission, the Burn Fund will accept donations at the festival to support survivors and their families. Programs include Home Away at the Burn Fund Centre, which provides safe accommodations for those undergoing treatment in Vancouver. Local firefighters emphasized the importance of combining holiday joy with meaningful community support.
For details and tickets, visit noelfestival.com.
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