After getting back on track in time for Halloween revelry in October, the Stanley Park Railway is full steam ahead for the festive season and the return of its beloved Bright Nights event and rides.
Running from November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025, the illuminated train will whisk merry-makers through festively-adorned scenery in Stanley Park, with rides running daily from 4 to 10 p.m. (except on December 25 when the event is closed).
One of the hottest tickets in town, rides for designated timeslots will be sold exclusively in advance online, starting at noon local time on Friday, Nov. 8.
To secure tickets, have your patience handy. The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation outline the ticket-buying process as follows:
To help facilitate a fair and efficient process, the online ticketing system will include a queue. Access to the waiting room begins at 11:30 am on November 8 at brightnights.ca. When ticket sales open at noon, individuals in the waiting room will be randomly assigned a spot in the purchasing queue. Those joining after sales will be placed at the back of the line on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those already in the waiting room.
The pricing structure for train ride tickets has anyone 13 and up at $16 per person; kids ages 3 to 12 are $12 each; and kids 2 and under ride for free. Ticket prices do not include GST or fees.
Complimentary admission is offered for guests in wheelchairs and support persons accompanying guests with disabilities. Accessible tickets must be booked in advance of the general sale by calling 1-844-307-7469 on November 8, from 9 to 11 a.m.
In addition to the train rides, Bright Nights is also a popular and lively holiday event featuring twinkling lights (including a light tunnel), live entertainment, photos with Santa, and onsite food vendors selling things like hot chocolate, churros, popcorn, and pretzels.
Admission to the Bright Nights event is by donation, with proceeds going to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. You do not need train tickets to access the Bright Nights event zone, however, you cannot purchase train rides in person at the event, so plan accordingly.
The Parks Board is cautioning those attending Bright Nights to be aware of limited parking options near the Stanley Park Railway, which is due to construction work on Metro Vancouver’s Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel. They have issued the following guidelines:
- A two-hour pay parking limit will be in effect at the main railway lot. The cost for two hours will be $7.50.
- There will be free event parking available at the Stanley Park information booth, Vancouver Aquarium, and Lumberman’s Arch.
- Guests are encouraged to plan ahead for traffic delays and limited parking availability.
- Consider using public transit, walking, or cycling to avoid congestion.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
When: Nov. 29, 2024-Jan. 4, 2025 from 4-10 p.m. Closed Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
Where: Stanley Park Railway - 690 Pipeline Rd
Cost: Admission by donation to Bright Nights grounds; train rides $12-16 per person plus tax and fees (must be purchased in advance online)
