Port Coquitlam's Winter in City

Winter in the City is a series of Christmas-themed events in Port Coquitlam. It includes a holiday market, tree lighting, live music, Santa and more.

Winter in the City events in 2025 include the Christmas in the Square on November 29th, the Parade of Lights on December 6th, and CPKC Holiday Train on December 20th. There is also Brighten Up PoCo which is a contest for people who decorate their homes with holiday lights and other decor.

Port Coquitlam Winter in the City Holiday Season activities

Winter in the City is Port Coquitlam’s annual holiday celebration that brings the community together with festive activities for all ages. From market vendors and live entertainment to a sparkling parade and the arrival of the CPKC Holiday Train, the city offers more than one way to spread seasonal cheer. Families, friends and neighbours can enjoy classic holiday traditions while making new memories together.

Where and When

Winter in the City takes place throughout late November and December in Port Coquitlam. The community comes alive with both indoor and outdoor festivities that showcase the magic of the season. Visitors can look forward to a holiday market, live music, food trucks and illuminated displays. There’s something for everyone to enjoy on different dates.

Christmas in the Square starts the season off. It takes place at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. In 2025 it happens on November 29th, which is the last Saturday of that month. The community centre’s address is 2150 Wilson Avenue. Next, the Parade of Lights is on Saturday, December 6th, in downtown Port Coquitlam. On that day there are also activities at the community centre. Third, the CPKC Holiday Train event is on December 20th near the Port Coquitlam West Coast Express Station at 2125 Kingsway Avenue. Throughout the last month of the year, there are also Christmas lights and decorations on people’s homes and businesses all around town.

For full details about the series of holiday events, see the page about Winter in the City on the City of Port Coquitlam’s website.

What To Expect

Winter in the City fills Port Coquitlam with holiday fun. Christmas in the Square features a festive market, live music, photos with Santa, and the annual tree lighting. The Parade of Lights, meanwhile, brings glowing vehicles to downtown streets followed by skating, crafts and hot chocolate at the community centre and public library. Next, the CPKC Holiday Train brings decorated rail cars, live music and a chance to support local food banks. These events bring the community together to celebrate the season.

See below for details about each of these events.

Christmas in the Square & Winter Market

The holiday season kicks off in Port Coquitlam with Christmas in the Square. It usually happens at the end of November at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. In 2025 the market takes place on Saturday, November 29th.

This free community event includes live entertainment, food vendors, local beverages, a festive market and photos with Santa. Families can gather around for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony which brightens the square with holiday spirit.

Attendees of the event are encouraged to bring donations for the SHARE Family & Community Services Food Bank to support local families in need.

To learn more about this event, click Christmas in the Square for the City of Port Coquitlam’s website.

Parade of Lights

On Saturday, December 6th in 2025 at 5:00 pm, the Parade of Lights returns to downtown Port Coquitlam for its second annual run. This event features illuminated City vehicles and community group entries. The procession ends with a special appearance by Santa Claus. Following the parade, the Port Coquitlam Community Centre hosts additional activities including a public skate, festive treats and holiday-themed arts and crafts.

To learn more about this event, click Parade of Lights.

CPKC Holiday Train

The CPKC Holiday Train makes its annual stop in Port Coquitlam in December during its tour across North America raising support for local food banks. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring food or cash donations. The 1,000-foot-long train is decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights and holiday designs. Guests can enjoy a live 30-minute concert from the train’s boxcar stage with traditional and modern holiday songs.

Click CPKC Holiday Train to learn more about this event on the City of Port Coquitlam’s website.

Brighten Up PoCo

Brighten Up PoCo is a contest, not an actual event. It’s a contest that takes place every year to encourage residents to decorate the exteriors of their homes with holiday lights and decorations. Residents of the city who do that can then submit photos of their places for the opportunity to win gift cards to use at local businesses. In 2025 the contest runs from December 1st to 12th.

To learn more about the contest, click Brighten Up PoCo.