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.

The event typically runs for four days in early November. It celebrates its 12th year in 2025 from November 13th to 16th. The lights are on each night between 5:00 and 9:30 pm.

Lumiere isn’t a Christmas event per se, although it does usually take place just prior to the start of the holiday season. The event does, however, feature Christmas-y lights. There are also performances to enjoy.

Other free places to check out Christmas-y light displays unrelated to Lumiere 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 people to admire and photograph. The event always offers pretty sights to see during dark winter days, and it’s free to check out.

In 2025 there are displays to see at the following locations:

Jim Deva Plaza at 1200 Bute Street
Davie Plaza at 1800 Davie Street
38 Blood Alley Square
800 Robson Plaza
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (750 Hornby Street)
Vancouver Art Gallery Howe Street
Robson Square Skating Rink

Lumiere Festival Entertainment

This year, some of the installations are interactive. Plus, there are nightly performances in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. The Ember Arts Fire Society performs there at 7:15, 8:00 and 8:45 pm from November 13th to 16th.