Christmas in Vancouver, Canada is unlike many Western countries. The days are cold and wet. So most people prefer to stay indoors and enjoy the holiday spirit. However, one of the best things to do in Vancouver that isn’t always listed in travel guides is the Christmas light up at Trinity Street.
The reason why this sight is usually not mentioned in travel guides is because it wasn’t one of the official line-up by the Vancouver city organisers. Instead, it was a ground up initiative by the residents of Trinity Street, off the northeastern corner of the Vancouver city.
This unusual Christmas event started many years ago, with residents just decorating their lawns like the others. Over the years, they tried to one-up each other, contributing to the over-the-top light up at night. Eventually, almost all the residents of the street took part in this casual competition, just to spice up the holiday season.
I only read about this in an obscure online magazine on Christmas day. When I finally found the time to explore the Christmas night light up, it was already New Year’s Day.
Luckily for me, the festive spirit was very much alive on Trinity Street. I was also fortunate that it didn’t rain for that night!
Exploring Trinity Street for Christmas Mood
My journey started from a bus stop off East Hastings Street and Renfrew Street, at the southwestern corner of Hastings Park/PNE (which I had also written about when I spent my spring walks exploring the park).
From there, it was a 15 minute stroll along Renfrew Street into the depths of the neighbourhood.
As I was there on New Year’s Day, I wasn’t sure if the Christmas decorations were still up. I was all the more uncertain when, upon reaching Trinity Street, there was only like 1 house with Christmas lighting.
After venturing another block, I finally found the starting of the legendary neighbourhood Christmas light up.
From Kaslo Street, almost every house was decked in elaborate lighting. Some were full of Christmas spirit with their gingerbread man and candy canes. And then some were simply just joining the holiday cheer, with Olaf and dinosaurs roaming the garden in the dark.
Strolling across several blocks, I was treated to some fun decorations in the middle of the night. There were also some “tourists” who were there to view the light up like me.
Eventually, my tour stopped at Nanaimo Street, where I trekked back to the main road to take my bus back home.
Parting Words
Vancouver isn’t really a city full of Christmas activities, like what I found in Munich, Nuremberg, Colmar and Salzburg. With the constant rain that pours everyday from fall, we can’t really blame the people for not having more outdoor fun with Christmas.
However, if the weather permits and when you have the time, it is definitely worth it to spend some 1 to 2 hours taking a stroll down Trinity Street and the neighbourhood.
Even with a superb camera from Google Pixel with its Night Sight capabilities, you could see that my pictures didn’t all come out well. Therefore, it will really be best if you just take it all with your eyes and immerse yourself fully in the holiday mood created by the residents of Trinity Street.
Till then, sing while you can!