The Surrey Tree Lighting Festival is a family event marking the start of the winter season with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree at Surrey City Hall.

In addition to the Christmas tree and various activities for children, highlights of the event include a market and free concerts. The festival runs over two days.

TIP: Other events you’ll want to check out this year are the Cloverdale Christmas Tree Festival at the Museum of Surrey and the Noel Holiday Light Festival & Market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

This article includes the following information about the festival:

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival Location | Entertainment Schedule | Festival Activities | Tips & Advice | Other Information

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival in 2024

In 2024 the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of November 23rd and 24th. The event runs from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm each day. As always, admission is free.

The festival includes family-friendly activities for children, as well as holiday crafts, food trucks, live entertainment and the lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree in the plaza outside Surrey City Hall.

At the event, there are market vendors in a giant indoor tent area. Outside on the street there are food trucks. Inside City Hall there are craft activities for children.

Festival Location

The Surrey Tree Lighting Festival takes place in the Civic Plaza at Surrey City Hall and in the City Hall Atrium at 13450-104 Avenue in Surrey. Some activities also take place next door in the Surrey City Centre Public Library.

Both venues are conveniently located right by the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station.

Festival Entertainment Schedule

The 2024 festival takes place on the weekend of November 23rd and 24th. Performers that hit the stage during this year’s event are listed below. An exact schedule with specific times for each performance hasn’t yet been released as of late October.

DJ Flipout
Down n’ Dirty Rockabilly/Vintage Rock
Spendo
Phat Santa Swing!
The Leading Ladies Little Band
Ahshï
Angels on High
Angie Faith
Brent & Tahnee
Cookin’ with Brass
DJ Hanson
Emmett Martin Hatlelid
Erik Severinson
Fraser Valley Academy of Dance
Jani Jakovac
Karla Sax
Kutapira
Leanne and Connor Page
Matt Hermano
Norine Braun
North Surrey Dance
Rangla Pujab Arts Academy
Salish Secondary Dance
Tabletutors
The Dimes
The Wee Drams
Velavox

Festival Activities

In addition to the live entertainment and market vendors, activities at the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival typically include free Ferris Wheel rides, a couple of smaller rides for kids, light displays, photos with Santa Claus, and crafts for children.

Also at the event most years are food trucks in the Enchanted Eats zone. A couple of years ago there were about 10 different trucks serving everything from popcorn and coffee to mini donuts, burgers and pizza.

Festival Tips & Advice

Below are suggestions on how to make the most of your festival experience.

TIP #1: The concerts with headliner bands are especially popular. Head to the stage area well before their performances if you want a good view of some of the more well-known musicians and their shows.

TIP #2: Take public transit. Parking in the area will be a challenge. Surrey Central SkyTrain Station is right next door, and being a Saturday, a single zone transit ticket will get you there from anywhere within Metro Vancouver.

TIP #3: If you want to take photos with Santa Claus, be sure to make a reservation at surreytreelighting.ca. The booking system is usually live in early November.