The Winter Jubilee is a free Christmas-themed event in downtown Abbotsford. It includes live music, market vendors, the lighting of the city’s tree, and more.
In 2024 the event celebrates its 35th year!
In 2023 the event took place on November 18th. That’s the same day as the Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap which also happens in Abbotsford. Other events taking place on the same weekend elsewhere in the Lower Mainland included the Chutzpah Festival, Vancouver Christmas Market and the How the Grinch Stole Christmas musical in Vancouver. There was also a Country Divas Tribute Concert in Mission.
Winter Jubilee in Abbotsford
The Winter Jubilee is an annual celebration of the winter holidays. Put together by the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, the festival has been running for more than 30 years. It’s a family-friendly way to kick off the Christmas season in the Fraser Valley. The event happens outdoors and is open to the public.
The 34th edition of the Winter Jubilee took place in 2023 on Saturday, November 18th. This year’s festival features all sorts of things to see and do. One highlight is the lighting of the Christmas tree. It’s the only lighting of its kind in the city, and the tree is 60 feet tall!
The Winter Jubilee also features a market with local artisan vendors, as well as a stage with live music and entertainment. Santa Claus is at the event to interact with children and for family portraits. Food trucks are on site selling festive treats and full meals. Local breweries and wineries offer various drinks too. There are also reindeer-themed games, plus stations for face painting and cookie decorating.
Whether you’re looking to do some early Christmas shopping or have a fun night out, the Winter Jubilee is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Event Hours and Location
Last year the event ran from 4:00 pm until 8:30 pm on Saturday, November 18th, 2023.
The Winter Jubilee is held in the downtown area of Abbotsford. More specifically, it takes place along Montrose Avenue and Essendene Lane. The location is about an hour’s drive from Vancouver. If looking for other places to check out before the Winter Jubilee, Mill Lake Park is only about 5 minutes west of downtown and Castle Fun Park is about 10 minutes south.
Entertainment Schedule
The 2023 Winter Jubilee featured live entertainment throughout the evening. Some of this year’s featured performances included the following:
- 4:00 pm – Abby Middle All-Stars
- 4:45 pm – MEI Chamber Singers
- 6:30 pm – Santa March (with MEI Marching Band)
- 7:00 pm – Tree Lighting (with Lions Gate Chorus)
- 7:45 pm – Topaz
Note: Exact performance times and other details are subject to change.
Other Information
For more information about the event, visit the official Winter Jubilee page.
Other Christmas-themed events to check out in the Fraser Valley include Glow Christmas and Martini Town Merry & Bright in Langley.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Abbotsford Events and Attractions
- Metro Vancouver’s Best Christmas Activities
- Christmas Craft Fairs in the Lower Mainland
- Best Places in the Fraser Valley
- November Calendar of Events
