Surrey snags Bright Nights Christmas event from Vancouver

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke still remember the Bright Nights tradition that began in Surrey in the mid-1980s.

“I used to take my little ones,” Locke said. “It was fabulous.”

Now, that tradition is making a return to Surrey as the city has been chosen as the site of the 28^th annual Bright Nights light display back.

Locke joined with firefighters to announce on Wednesday that Bright Nights will be featured as part of the second annual Noel Holiday Light Festival, held from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

“Bright Nights puts Cloverdale in the spotlight as a lively entertainment hub,” said Locke, highlighting the many people from throughout Metro Vancouver who will travel to the area to take in more than three million lights that are set up by firefighters as a way to raise money.

The light display is produced through thousands of volunteer hours by over 800 firefighters and serves as the single largest annual fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. A portion of proceeds from Noel Surrey will be donated to support burn survivors across the province.

 The tradition began in the mid-1980s when Surrey residents Bob Wingfield and Marg Barrett created an elaborate Christmas light display at their Newton home with support from Surrey firefighters. The display drew thousands of visitors annually while raising funds for burn survivors at Vancouver General Hospital. In 1997, Bob and Marg donated their light collection to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, creating Bright Nights, which went on to operate in Vancouver’s Stanley Park for more than 25 years.

“Two Surrey residents came together to create something special in their neighbourhood, reflecting the generosity and community spirit that define our city,” said Locke. “Bringing Bright Nights to Noel Surrey in Cloverdale celebrates those values and supports our vision of Cloverdale as a thriving destination for businesses, visitors, and community opportunities.”

At Noel Surrey, attendees can explore the Bright Nights display featuring nearly three million lights along an accessible path around the pond at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre.

The festival also includes the Noel Village, a more than 30,000-square-foot indoor venue featuring a free children’s area including photos with Santa, the green and grumpy one, and holiday characters, as well as live music.

The Noel Village also features a dining hub and an expanded Christmas market. In addition, guests can enjoy complimentary rides on the 50-foot Ferris wheel and bumper cars on select dates, as well as food and beverages from a variety of local food trucks. Tickets for children auz and under are free, have no time restrictions, and are inclusive of all entertainment, attractions and parking. Noel Surrey also works with local school districts to provide tickets to low-income families.

“As both a Surrey Fire Captain and President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, I’m excited to see Bright Nights light up the Noel Holiday Light Festival in Surrey,” said Todd Schierling. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring this tradition to a wonderful new setting at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, and to continue creating a magical holiday experience that supports burn survivors across the province.”

In keeping with tradition, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund will welcome donations to support vital programs for burn survivors, including Home Away at the Burn Fund Centre—a safe and welcoming place for those undergoing treatment in Vancouver. A portion of proceeds from Noel Surrey will also benefit the Burn Fund, ensuring survivors and their families get the support they need this holiday season.

For more information about the Noel Holiday Light Festival, now with the magic of Bright Nights, visit noelfestival.com.