Christmas is getting a little brighter in Harrison Hot Springs this year, where twinkling lights, festive displays and even a holiday-loving Sasquatch will transform the waterfront into a winter wonderland.
Tourism Harrison River ValleyThe annual Lights by the Lake festival returns November 21, 2026, through January 10, 2027, bringing its largest display yet to the picturesque Fraser Valley community. Stretching along two kilometres of lakeside promenade, the free event has become a favourite holiday tradition for residents and visitors alike.
This year’s celebration promises even more sparkle, thanks to an expanded collection of illuminated displays featuring an oversized holiday train, polar bears, an igloo and towering candy canes.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Harrison Hot Springs celebration without a nod to the region’s most legendary resident: Sasquatch. The festival’s signature displays feature the elusive creature enjoying outdoor adventures, adding a distinctly West Coast twist to the traditional Christmas light show.
A major addition this year is the Murray Blackham collection, a beloved holiday light display that once drew tens of thousands of visitors to Old Yale Road in Abbotsford before relocating to Greendale Acres in Chilliwack in 2024. The collection has now found a permanent home in Harrison Hot Springs, helping make Lights by the Lake the Lower Mainland’s largest free outdoor holiday light festival.
Tourism Harrison River Valley“Lights by the Lake is all about bringing people together,” says Stephanie Gallamore, executive director of Tourism Harrison River Valley. “The festival was originally created to welcome visitors and residents to celebrate our connection to the natural beauty of our region and history of the Sasquatch.”
The festivities kick off Saturday, November 21, with an opening celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors can enjoy Christmas carols, snap photos with Santa and Sasquatch, and cheer on four-legged participants in the Jingle Paws Pet Parade. The first 1,000 attendees will receive free hot chocolate, while a fireworks display over Harrison Lake promises a dazzling finish to the evening.
For those who prefer a little activity with their holiday sightseeing, the Starlight Skating Rink offers free outdoor skating beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. The synthetic rink welcomes skaters of all ages, with skate rentals available for a fee on select days.
The holiday celebrations continue into December, with additional events scheduled for December 5 and 19. Visitors can also browse locally made goods at the Winter Craft market at Harrison Memorial Hall on November 21 and December 5.
Beyond the lights, Harrison Hot Springs makes a lovely winter getaway. Surrounded by mountains and situated along the shores of Harrison Lake, the village offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region’s natural beauty before heading out for an evening stroll beneath the glowing displays.
Tourism Harrison River ValleyAnd with admission to Lights by the Lake completely free, it’s an easy way to add a little holiday cheer to a family outing, romantic evening or weekend escape.
Plan your visit: Lights by the Lake runs daily from dusk until 11 p.m., Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027, along the Harrison Hot Springs waterfront. Admission is free. For more information and a schedule of special events, visit Tourism Harrison River Valley.
