Lumiere in Vancouver's West End

Lumiere is an arts and lights event featuring installations that illuminate Vancouver’s West End in winter. It’s outdoors, free and pretty to see.

In 2022 the event happens between November 17th and November 27th.

It’s not a Christmas event, although it does take place just prior to the holiday season. Lumiere does, however, involve Christmas-y lights. This year, there are also performances, workshops and parades to enjoy.

Other free places to check out Christmas-y light displays include Granville Island, West Vancouver’s Dundarave Beach, Burnaby Village and the waterfront at Harrison Hot Springs.

Lumiere Bear and Bird Light Displays — Light Sculptures at English Bay in 2020

Vancouver’s Lumiere Lights and Art

Lumiere is an annual event that showcases illuminated art installations within the City of Vancouver. Each year, large works of art are outdoors around the West End for folk to admire and photograph.

In 2021 the event ran in the second half of November. Lumiere featured over a dozen installations last year. The event always offers pretty sights to see during dark winter days, and it’s free to check out.

In 2022, Lumiere features more things to do as well. There are pop-up music and dance performances, plus workshops and small parades.

Lumiere Dates and Locations

Lumiere runs from November 17th to 27th in 2022. This year, there are 8 different events to check out at several different places. Each event features light installations and live entertainment. The schedule of main events is listed below.

Thursday, November 17th

Opening Night Dream – the first event of the 2022 Lumiere Festival is held at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square outside the Vancouver Art Gallery at 750 Hornby Street. Festivities run from 4:30 until 7:00 pm with performances by Krystle Dos Santos + Friends, Feven Kidane, Harbour Dance Centre and East Van Horns.

Friday, November 18th, and Saturday, November 19th

Dream West End – two fun nights of illuminations and performances from 4:30 to 7:00 pm at Jim Deva Plaza (1200 Bute Street) and Denman Street. Performers hitting the stage over the two days include Tissa Rahim, Tiffany Rivera, Jeremy Wong, Wyper and Parker, Mozaico Flamenco and Harbour Dance.

Sunday, November 20th

Winter’s Dream – tonight’s event takes place at Roundhouse Outdoor Turntable (181 Roundhouse Mews) and under the Granville Street Bridge. Live performances run from 4:30 to 7:00 pm and feature Chengxin Wei, Genevieve MacKay, All Bodies Dance Project, Dayna Szyndrowski, Great Aunt Ida, The Persian Jazz Ensemble, East Van Horns and Jed Mangahis.

Wednesday, November 23rd

Dream Downtown – this event takes place at four locations in one small area. Visit the Oxford Place (355 Burrard Street), Bentall Centre (505 Burrard Street), Arthur Erickson Building (1075 West Georgia Street) and Lot 19 (855 West Hastings Street) to see everything. Atley King, Shruti Ramani, Dave Sikula and Sharon Minemoto perform live between 4:30 and 7:00 pm.

Thursday, November 24th

Dream Gastown – festivities happen at the Gastown Steam Clock (305 Water Street) and Maple Tree Square in Gastown between 4:30 and 7:00 pm. Performances this evening are with Marie Hui, Antonio Larosa, East Van Horns and Habour Dance.

Friday, November 25th

Dream Yaletown – Lumiere activities take place at Bill Curtis Square, located at 1198 Mainland Street, and at Helmcken Plaza, located at 1103 Pacific Boulevard. The live shows with Queer as Funk and Mozaico Flamenco run from 4:30 until 7:00 pm.

Saturday, November 26th

Closing Night Dream – the final main event of the Lumiere Festival in 2022 is held at English Bay’s Morton Park at 1800 Morton Avenue. As of early November, performer details are to be confirmed.