Bright Nights leaves Vancouver for Surrey, as Stanley Park train remains sidelined

After years of setbacks due to the Stanley Park train being out of service, the popular winter fundraiser for burn survivors is moving out of Vancouver.

After more than 25 years lighting up Stanley Park, the beloved Bright Nights Christmas display is moving to Surrey.

The mayor of Surrey confirmed the change Wednesday, saying that the popular charity event will now be held at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.

“The speculation is over,” quipped Brenda Locke.

The move follows continued uncertainty about the future of the Stanley Park train, which was taken out of commission in 2023, following safety concerns after an operator was exposed to toxic fumes.

With no clear timeline from the City of Vancouver on when the attraction would be repaired, organizers of the B.C. Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund, which runs Bright Nights, began searching for a new home.

“In the most recent weeks, many venues from a variety of different cities have called our office asking, ‘How can we help?’” said Capt. Todd Schierling, president of the burn fund.

Locke called the move to Surrey a homecoming, noting the event’s roots began in the city in the mid-1980s, when local residents Bob Wingfield and Marg Barrett began decorating their Newton home with support from Surrey firefighters.

Their elaborate displays drew thousands of visitors, and raised money for burn survivors.

This year, Bright Nights will run alongside Surrey’s Noel Light Festival, featuring a Christmas market, ferris wheel, and thousands of decorations, with the potential to accommodate larger crowds than Stanley Park.

“The one thing about the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, it’s a very, very large area, over 100 acres of land and a lot of free parking,” said Locke.

The event opens Nov. 28 in Surrey and runs until Dec. 28.