THE City of Surrey successfully featured their first-ever outdoor ice rink at the 15th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific, this past weekend. Over 20,000 guests of all ages enjoyed free skating beneath holiday lights, alongside free live entertainment, a Holiday Market with over 25 local artisans, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and more.
On Saturday evening, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and Council officially kicked off the holiday season by flipping the switch on Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree, which will remain lit at Civic Plaza until January 2, 2026.
“It’s wonderful to see so many families and friends come together for this year’s Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market,” said Locke. “Events like this bring our community together and highlight Civic Plaza as a vibrant gathering place. The debut of the outdoor ice rink reflects our commitment to creating inclusive, family-friendly spaces that strengthen connections across the city.”
The rink will open to the public as part of Skating at Civic Plaza from December 1 through to February 16, 2026. Visitors can enjoy free admission and bring their own skates and helmet, or rent equipment on site. Seasonal activities, a café, and cozy seating areas will make the rink a welcoming space for families, students, and seniors to enjoy skating and holiday fun.
Festival attendees experienced four vibrant stages filled with music, dance, and community spirit. Saturday featured O Come All Ye Soulful on the Snowflake Stage, with Dawn Pemberton and Jodi Proznick delivering holiday classics with heart and soul. Sunday’s Divas: A Holiday Disco, starring Krystle Dos Santos, Karina Morin, and D’Arcy Han, had the crowd dancing into the festive season. Local performers were front and centre, with the Westcoast Harmony Chorus, Viola Sabean’s Quintet and Connor Nelson entertaining the crowd.
Guests also took in festive attractions, including the Ferris wheel, sponsored by Dawson + Sawyer, and wandered among dazzling light displays that created a magical atmosphere and perfect backdrops for photos.
The City invites festival-goers to complete a brief survey for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Guildford Town Centre. For more information, visit surreytreelighting.ca.
PHOTOS BY JAY SHARMA of Mahi Photo Studio
