The winter and Christmas celebrations continue! Last week, I took you on a tour of the Vancouver Christmas Market at Jack Poole Plaza in Downtown Vancouver. This week, we head over to the Aurora Winter Festival at the PNE Grounds in East Vancouver. Prepare to be dazzled by light displays and adobo fries.

I was joined by Stacey Robinsmith of A Dad in the Burbs. You might recognize him as the rugged outdoorsman from 5 Dads Go Wild. We started our night by visiting the food section, indulging in some delicious Adobo Fries from Shameless Buns. Other notable food options include Cartem’s Donuts, Meat + Bread, Buddha-Bus and Unroutine Poutine.

Rather than take on a strictly Christmas-themed motif, Aurora Winter Festival is more about winter mythology. They’ve got elves and ice queens and polar creatures, dazzled up in hues of blue and purple and white.

While you’ll find rides and live entertainment too, the real attraction is the variety of light displays. Explore the Luminous Gardens, Whimsical Forest and other Mystical Worlds for plenty of Instagram-worthy opportunities. The highlight had to be the multicolored light tunnel. I mean, just look at it.

Aurora Winter Festival Vancouver Information

  • Location: PNE Grounds, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
  • Dates: November 22, 2019 to January 5, 2020
  • Hours:
    • 4 pm to 10 pm most weekdays
    • 2 pm to 10 pm most weekends
    • Closed December 2, 9, 16, 24, 25
  • Tickets:
    • $17.99 to $19.99 for general admission adults (13-64)
    • $12.99 to $14.99 for children (4-12)
    • $12.99 to $14.99 for seniors (65+)
    • $49.99 to $59.99 for families (4 members)
    • Free for children 3 and under

For more information about Aurora Winter Festival, including opening hours on specific dates, check aurorawinterfestival.com. And, for more on holiday activities in and around Vancouver this season, refer to my guide to Metro Vancouver Christmas festivals. There’s plenty to see and do (and eat).

Disclosure: We were invited to the special VIP media preview night at Aurora Winter Festival Vancouver. We received no other compensation. All opinions are my own (and Stacey’s).