Celebration of Light 2024 in Vancouver

One of the largest and most well known festivals in Vancouver is the Celebration of Light. If you haven't seen this fireworks competition on the English Bay in Vancouver, you haven't seen a real fireworks show at all!

Celebration of Light is an amazing show of lights and sound. Three nights at the end of July fill the sky with various figures and choreographic displays. Every year, around 1.4 million people come to watch this magnificent show. Vancouver's Celebration of Light is also one of the biggest international fireworks competitions in the world.

Viewing Locations

You can choose from various viewing spots, like English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, or Vanier Park. There are also some VIP viewing zones on the list, but be sure to come early or to book a place in advance. Spectators can also watch fireworks from the water. Check Vancouver Boat Parties and Vancouver Cruises for their boating options. Mind that canoes and kayaks must stay close to the shore to avoid collision with larger vessels. Boaters should also consider the exclusion perimeter in English Bay, which is marked by buoys.

The celebration begins at 10 pm, when the fireworks set off from the floating barge and illuminate the bay with spectacular pyrotechnics. Bring a picnic with you and enjoy these magical nights with your family or friends. At Morton Park, you can enjoy live music performances, which start in the early afternoon, and family-friendly activities all day long. Festival gates open at 2 pm, boasting the city’s best food trucks, curated activations, and chances to win some great prizes. Come early, as crowds tend to get thicker before the main event in the evening.

Red Bull Air Show

The air show is another highlight of the Celebration of Light. Red Bull brings its thrilling aerobatics to English Bay Beach every evening at 7:40 pm. McLeod’s air displays will surely leave the audience in awe. The annual performance features stunning free-fall dives, spins, flips, and other aerobatics stunts.