Coquitlam has one of the best free Christmas lights nights in Metro Vancouver, and it is right around Lafarge Lake. If you want a big lights display without paying for a ticket, this is the city to pick. The headline display runs for months, it is free, and you do not need to book ahead. There is also a small Christmas night market beside the lake on three nights, so you can pair a walk around the lights with local shopping and food.
There is no ticketed lights display in Coquitlam itself, and you do not need one. The free display is the main event, and it is big enough to be the whole evening.
Lights at Lafarge, Lafarge Lake, Town Centre Park
Lights at Lafarge is the headline display in Coquitlam, and it is the one to plan your night around. It is at Lafarge Lake in Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way. It opens on Friday, Nov 27, 2026, and it runs until the end of February 2027.
The opening night celebration is from 5 to 8pm on Nov 27. After that, the lights are on nightly from 4 to 10pm. It is free, and no tickets are needed.
The City calls it “Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display”, and it is now in its 10th edition. The lit lakeside loop is 1.2 km long, so it is a proper walk, not just a quick look. New for this year are BC wildlife themed displays, which give returning visitors something fresh to look for along the route.
This is a great choice for families, for a date night walk, or for visitors who want a long, relaxed evening. You can walk the full loop, stop for photos, and take your time, because there is no timed entry and no ticket to rush for.
City of Coquitlam, Lights at Lafarge: https://www.coquitlam.ca/784/Lights-at-Lafarge
Coquitlam Christmas Night Market, Evergreen Cultural Centre
Beside Lafarge Lake, the Coquitlam Christmas Night Market adds a market feel to your lights night. It is at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, 1205 Pinetree Way, a short walk from the lake.
It runs on three nights: Sunday, Nov 29, from 4 to 8pm; Friday, Dec 11, from 5 to 9pm; and Saturday, Dec 12, from 4 to 9pm. Entry is $3 for adults aged 17 and over, paid in cash or by e-transfer at the door. It is free for ages 16 and under. No advance tickets are needed, so you can decide on the night.
The market is a good add on if you are already at Lafarge Lake, especially on Nov 29, which is just after opening night. It is small and local, so do not expect a huge festival market, but it is a nice way to support local makers and pick up a gift while you are there.
Coquitlam Christmas Night Market details: https://vancouversbestplaces.com/metro-vancouver/coquitlam/christmas-lights-at-lafarge/coquitlam-christmas-night-market/
Advance booking warning
You do not need to book ahead for Lights at Lafarge, because it is free and unticketed. You also do not need advance tickets for the Christmas Night Market, because entry is paid at the door. That makes Coquitlam a good low stress choice if you do not want to plan weeks ahead. The only thing to plan is your timing, because opening night and weekend evenings are the busiest.
Practical notes
The best time to go is just after dark, when the lights are at their brightest and the lake reflects them well. Weeknights are usually quieter than Friday and Saturday nights, and they are a better pick if you want a calm walk. If you go on opening night, Nov 27, arrive early for the 5 to 8pm celebration, because it will be busy.
Parking around Town Centre Park can fill up on busy nights, so allow extra time and be ready to walk from a nearby lot or street. The lake loop is 1.2 km, so wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. The route is outdoors, so check the weather before you go and bring a rain jacket if rain is forecast.
What to expect is a long, bright, outdoor walk with lots of photo spots, families, and a relaxed pace. There is no ticket gate, so you can start and finish when you like, and you can combine it with the market on its three nights for a fuller evening.
FAQ
Is Lights at Lafarge free? Yes, it is free, with no tickets needed, and the lights are on nightly from 4 to 10pm after opening night.
When does Lights at Lafarge open in 2026? It opens Friday, Nov 27, 2026, with an opening night celebration from 5 to 8pm.
How much is the Coquitlam Christmas Night Market? It is $3 for adults aged 17 and over, cash or e-transfer at the door, and free for ages 16 and under. No advance tickets are needed.
