Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market kicks off the holiday season

14th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, saw over 25,000 attendees this weekend.

The City of Surrey’s Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, drew over 25,000 attendees to Surrey Civic Plaza this past Saturday and Sunday, marking another successful start to the holiday season. The 14th annual two-day festival showcased free live entertainment and rides, over 35 local small businesses and artisans at the Holiday Market, and food trucks. On Saturday evening, Mayor and Council officially kicked off the holiday season by flipping the switch to light Surrey's iconic 60-foot Christmas tree. The tree will remain lit at Surrey Civic Plaza until January 2, 2025. 

“I was thrilled to see the community come together in such large numbers to celebrate the spirit of the season at the 14th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “It’s heartwarming to witness the joy and unity among families, friends, and neighbours, all while supporting our local artisans and businesses. This festival embodies the true essence of the holidays—generosity, celebration, and love for our community.” 

The festival featured live performances by over 50 artists, including a fire show titled ‘Ember’s Awakening’, a dance party with DJ Flipout, and a breakdancing demonstration by 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist, Philip Kim, also known as ‘Phil Wizard’. The festival also showcased Surrey-based artists Karima Essa, Rangla Punjab Arts, Salish Secondary Dance, and the Surrey Children’s Choir. 

Throughout the weekend, attendees had the opportunity to shop from over 35 local small businesses and artisans at the Holiday Market, experience light displays, and write letters to Santa. Along Enchanted Boulevard on University Drive, attendees enjoyed dance battles in the Candy Cane Dance Tent, sponsored by ML Emporio Properties; a variety of food trucks; and free amusement rides, including the Ferris Wheel, offering views of the Plaza. 

On Saturday evening, Mayor Brenda Locke presented the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society (SFFCS) with a cheque for $705,258, a new record for the highest funds raised at the Mayor’s annual Evening of Giving. These proceeds will support a variety of the SFFCS community programs, particularly the Nutritional Snack Program, to ensure Surrey children have access to wholesome food. Over the past two years, the event has proudly raised over $1.2 million, directly benefiting Surrey families. 

Concord Pacific, in collaboration with the SFFCS, proudly hosted a community toy drive benefitting the Surrey Christmas Bureau as well as donated $10 back to the SFFCS for every photo taken at their photo booth. “At Concord Pacific, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Partnering with the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society to support the Surrey Christmas Bureau is just one way we’re helping make a positive difference this holiday season,” said Peter Webb, Senior Vice-President, Development, Concord Pacific. 

Attendees can take a survey to provide feedback on the festival for a chance to win a $250 gift card to Guildford Town Centre. For more information, visit surreytreelighting.ca.