THE City of Surrey announced on Wednesday that for the first time ever attendees can enjoy free skating on a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink at the 15th annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market, presented by Concord Pacific. Skating is free for those who bring their own skates and helmets, with rentals available onsite.
The festival invites everyone to kick off the holidays with two days of live entertainment across five stages, a Holiday Market, free amusement rides, light displays, kid’s activities, food trucks, and more. Attendees can also enjoy free photos with Santa on both days, with online reservations opening in early November.
The official tree lighting ceremony to light Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree will take place on Saturday, November 22 at 6:30 p.m., illuminating the plaza with holiday cheer until early January 2026.
“Every year, the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Market brings our community together in a truly special way,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “This year, I’m especially excited that we’ll be launching free outdoor skating at Civic Plaza as part of the festivities. The rink will open during the Tree Lighting Festival and remain available for everyone to enjoy throughout the winter season. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and friends from across the city to connect, celebrate, and kick off the holidays together. I can’t wait to see everyone at the first tree lighting ceremony of the season.”
This year’s festival introduces a 4,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink located on the Civic Plaza within the Holiday Market and Rink tent. Attendees can skate for free when they bring their own skates and helmets, with rentals available onsite. The rink will be open both days and is expected to be a popular feature, with limited capacity at one time.
“Thank you to the City of Surrey for this wonderful initiative of free outdoor ice skating; it is a remarkable way to bring families together and celebrate the holiday season,” said Grant Murray, Senior Vice President of Sales, Concord Pacific. “In keeping with our long-standing commitment to the Surrey community, Concord Pacific is pleased to help kick off the festive season as the presenting sponsor of the Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market.”
In addition to skating, this year’s festival features an exciting mix of free live entertainment across five stages. On Saturday, O Come All Ye Soulful, an all-star band featuring award-winning powerhouses Dawn Pemberton and Jodi Proznick, will headline the Snowflake Stage, bringing a joyful, soulful bounce to favourite holiday classics. On Sunday, the Divas: A Holiday Disco, featuring Krystle Dos Santos, Karina Morin and D’Arcy Han, will give guests an unforgettable night of disco, glamour, and holiday spirit. The evening will conclude with the Surrey Shines Bright Show, where attendees can help Frosty keep Surrey’s 60-foot Christmas tree shining bright, followed by a fire show.
Family-friendly entertainment will light up the North Pole Stage, sponsored by Marcon, while the Candy Cane Dance Tent will showcase DJs and dance demonstrations and battles. The Grand Staircase will offer a variety of local performers and Holiday Market Melodies will feature talented soloists performing festive tunes throughout the day for skaters and shoppers.
Families can also enjoy a wide range of free holiday activities, including crafts, Letters to Santa, mini golf, and visits with holiday characters—including a certain green and grumpy guy. Guests can indulge in a variety of delicious eats from the festival’s extensive food truck lineup, offering something for everyone.
For more event information, visit surreytreelighting.ca.
