Entertainment in Coal Harbour

A multi-faceted winter celebration, Destination Downtown features light installations, a Ferris Wheel and plenty of live entertainment in downtown Vancouver.

Note: The event evolved from Liven Up Coal Harbour (2023). In 2024, and continuing in 2025, it runs under the new name Destination Downtown. The event is presented by StayVancouverHotels.com which offers competitive rates and bonus perks when you book downtown Vancouver hotels through its website.

TIP: Much of Destination Downtown’s lights and entertainment happens along the Coal Harbour Seawall. While in the area, other attractions to check out include the Vancouver Christmas Market and Soar With Santa at FlyOver at Canada Place. There is also Winterlust at the Westin Bayshore Hotel for a magical dining experience.

Destination Downtown Festival in Vancouver

Destination Downtown returns this winter with a Ferris wheel at the Vancouver Art Gallery, live entertainment and sparkling installations along the Coal Harbour Seawall.

The event transforms parts of downtown into a winter playground from December 2025 to February 2026. Expect light displays, outdoor performances and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

The festival is presented by StayVancouverHotels, a great website to book downtown stays in Vancouver. Partnering with around 36 hotels, StayVancouverHotels offer deals you won’t find on other travel sites. The website is great for visitors and local staycations alike.

Keep reading for more details about Destination Downtown in 2025.

Westin Bayshore at Christmas at Night — Light Displays by the Westin Bayshore Hotel

Coal Harbour Light Installations

The Destination Downtown festival lights up the Coal Harbour Seawall with more than 100 trees that glow nightly, cycling through themed looks at set times.

Large illuminated animal sculptures also appear in Coal Harbour. Last year, there was a whale at Canada Place, a grizzly bear and beaver outside the Vancouver Convention Centre, and a heron and squirrel in Cardero Park.

In 2024, displays ran from November 28th to early February. The 2025/2026 dates are expected to be similar but are yet to be confirmed.

Destination Downtown

Ferris Wheel at the Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting happens annually outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. In 2025, the 76-foot tree lights up on Friday, November 28th, at 6:00 pm.

Alongside the Christmas tree, the Destination Downtown Ferris wheel operated from December 1st to 24th in 2024, with rides priced at $7.

Last year, the Ferris wheel operated Tuesday to Thursday, 3:00 to 9:00 pm, Friday 3:00 to 10:00 pm, Saturday noon to 10:00 pm, Sunday noon to 8:00 pm. On Mondays, the Ferris wheel was closed. 2025 hours and pricing are yet to be confirmed.

The Lit Word Contest

The Lit Word Contest returns in 2025, with a fresh theme and more than a dozen illuminated word installations across downtown Vancouver. Explore the neighbourhoods, and snap and tag photos on social media for chances to win prizes.

Visit the Destination Downtown website for updates and contest information.

Live Seawall Performances

On select evenings throughout December 2025, Destination Downtown brings free, family-friendly performances to the Coal Harbour Seawall. Entertainment includes bubble artists, fire dancers, musicians and street performers.

In previous years, three of the eight performance spots clustered around Jack Poole Plaza by the Vancouver Christmas Market, with others along the seawall near Harbour Green Park and the Coal Harbour Community Centre.

2025 schedules and locations are to be confirmed. Check the Destination Downtown website for updates.