White Rock keeps Christmas simple in 2026, and that’s part of its charm. There’s no big ticketed festival in the city this year. Instead, the main event is a free opening night at Memorial Park on the waterfront, with the pier lit up in colour on selected nights. It’s a good choice if you want a relaxed evening by the water, without ticket prices or timed entry slots.
Bright Walk in White Rock
Bright Walk in White Rock is at Memorial Park, on the White Rock waterfront and Marine Drive. Opening night is Sat Nov 28, 2026, from 4pm to 8pm, and the tree lights at 5pm with the Mayor.
It’s free to attend. The display includes more than 50,000 lights, a 20 foot tree, an LED light tunnel, live entertainment, Santa photos, Grinch story time, and a Festive Holiday Market in the White Rock Museum with more than 30 vendors.
Please note one point about the season after opening night. The season end date and nightly hours were not posted by the City as of Nov 5, 2026. Confirm before you go, and check the City page for the latest dates and hours before you plan a later visit. Don’t rely on other listings for the end date.
Check the official City page here: https://www.whiterockcity.ca/944/Bright-Walk-in-White-Rock
White Rock Pier Lights
The White Rock Pier is lit in multicolours on Nov 28, Nov 29, Dec 1, Dec 2, Dec 13 to Dec 20, and Dec 22 to Dec 31. That’s a useful detail if you’re planning a walk along the waterfront in December, because the pier isn’t lit every night.
If you’re visiting on one of those dates, you can pair a pier walk with a look at the lights around Memorial Park. If you’re visiting on another night, check the City page first, so you know what to expect.
Find the official pier lights details here: https://www.whiterockcity.ca/934/White-Rock-Pier-Lights
Practical notes
Opening night is the best bet if you want the full event, with the tree lighting at 5pm, live entertainment, Santa photos, and the market. Arrive before 5pm if you want to see the tree light up, and give yourself time to find parking near the waterfront, because Marine Drive can get busy on event nights.
Dress warmly, because you’ll be outside by the water, and wear shoes you can walk in. The waterfront can feel colder than inland, especially in the evening. If you’re going with kids, plan for the Grinch story time and Santa photos, and leave time to browse the market in the White Rock Museum.
For visits after opening night, check the City pages linked above before you go. The season dates after opening night were not posted yet as of Nov 5, 2026, so it’s worth a quick check rather than assuming the lights will be on.
FAQ
Is Bright Walk in White Rock free? Yes, it’s free, including opening night on Sat Nov 28, 2026.
When does the tree light up? The tree lights at 5pm on Sat Nov 28, 2026, with the Mayor, during opening night from 4pm to 8pm.
When is the White Rock Pier lit? The pier is lit in multicolours on Nov 28, Nov 29, Dec 1, Dec 2, Dec 13 to Dec 20, and Dec 22 to Dec 31.
