How soon is too soon to get excited about the holiday season?

Are you one of those people who can’t stand to hear Christmas music in the mall in early November, or are you the type who’s already immersed in yuletide cheer, with a holiday playlist on repeat, cosying up to Christmas movies, and contemplating the early tree setup?

We’ll confess, we’re unabashed enthusiasts of the holiday season. It’s a fleeting time of year, after all! Plus, Surrey is bustling with festive events in the coming weeks that will have you craving warm apple cider, exploring local crafts, and eagerly awaiting Santa’s judgment on your “nice or naughty” status.

Activities

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival - November 25 & 26
Surrey Civic Plaza

For the past thirteen years, Surrey has kicked off the holiday season with the annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival. This two-day free, family-friendly event, is filled with amazing light displays, a Holiday Market, amusement rides, and all things bright and merry. The tree will be lit at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, and will glow throughout the day until early January 2024.

Cloverdale Christmas Trees - November 24 – December 18
Museum of Surrey, 17710 56a Avenue

Where else can you find a free, local, indoor Christmas Tree Festival? Bundle up the family and take a stroll through the Museum of Surrey to enjoy over 30 Christmas trees that have been beautifully decorated by Cloverdale businesses. Drop in any time during museum hours for your holiday fix and to cast your vote, and then tour the museum afterwards.  The kickoff event is Saturday, November 25 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Kick off the holiday season with Christmas crafts, visits with Santa and the first look at the trees.

Surrey Santa Parade of Lights - December 3
Cloverdale Town Centre (route map)

The beloved Surrey Santa Parade is back! Get there early and stake out a spot along the parade route, then get ready for a traditional (with a twist) Santa Parade through Cloverdale. The traditional parade has everything you love about a parade, floats, marching bands, antique vehicles and horses, but the big event is the amazing lighted Truck Parade. Inspired by the 1997 Coca-Cola lighted truck commercial, the Surrey Santa Parade is truly magical! The Surrey Santa Parade starts at 5 pm precisely at the corner of 176A St and 60th Avenue and heads east to 177B Street.

Gingerbread Village - December 2 – 10
Central City Shopping Centre, 10153 King George Blvd

The most delicious display of the year is the Downtown Surrey BIA’s annual Gingerbread Village at Central City Shopping Centre. Breathe in the delicious and warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg and prepare to be amazed at the talent and skill that participants bring to their festive creations. Each creation is unique, so be sure to take the time to appreciate the details and hard work that goes into creating a true gingerbread masterpiece. This year’s theme is “Tomorrow’s Surrey, Today’s Gingerbread”, and creators have been asked to create a build that represents what they want Surrey to look like 10, 20 or even 50 years from now. Over 20 gingerbread houses usually make up the display and be sure to vote for your favourites!

Bear Creek Christmas Train - December 1 – 31
13750 88th Avenue

The Christmas mini-trains at Bear Creek Park are a magical delight. Each year, these charming trains, the Santa Express and the Christmas Night Train, are adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments. As they chug along the tracks, holiday music fills the air and riders enjoy Bear Creek Park’s enchanted forest, illuminated with colourful lights and displays. The Santa Express is a daytime-only train ride and tickets are only available on-site. Enjoy creating at the crafts table and be sure to snap a photo with Santa. Tickets for the Christmas Night Train are available online in advance and on-site. Keep an eye out for The Grinch, he’ll be wandering around select evenings spreading his version of holiday joy!

Victorian Christmas at Historic Stewart Farm
December 2, 3, 10, 16, 17 & 23 | 12:30 – 4:30pm

Escape the hustle and bustle of modern day Christmas! Drop in for a free, local Victorian Christmas experience. Each weekend will include heritage demonstrations, music, crafts and refreshments.  Film buffs will want to register for an evening of films and conversations at the farmhouse on December 8. Forgotten favourites from the silent film era will be screened … there will be popcorn! And, enjoy a rare evening in the farmhouse and throughout the park on December 9. Drop in for a special evening of music, treats and crafts – make a lantern and go on a caroling walk in the park.

Winter Ice Palace - December 18 – January 7
Cloverdale Arena | 6090 176 Street

The Cloverdale Arena transforms into a winter wonderland for three weeks of festive skating. With the rink surrounded by lights, trees and decorations, and all your favourite Christmas songs playing, this fun family skate is sure to get you into the holiday spirit in no time.