Bright Nights Christmas Train on track with donation from local family

The Bright Nights Christmas Train – a holiday tradition for many families in the Lower Mainland-is on track for its 20th season.

It’s even more spectacular this year thanks to a $50,000 donation from the family of a local woman who was famous for her annual Christmas display.

Beverley O’Toole was known for creating spectacular Christmas light shows at her home on Laurier Street. Her family donated Beverley’s Christmas decorations after the 87-year-old passed away in May.

“We appreciate the O’Toole family’s generosity during this season of giving and have incorporated 30 lit Christmas trees, elves, gingerbread people, candy canes, Santa, and more at the Christmas train so Beverley’s passion can continue to bring joy to local families,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair Michael Wiebe.

The attraction features displays with more than three million lights, train decorations, entertainment, and Santa Claus. A quarter of a million people enjoy this seasonal attraction each year

“I know how much it means to all of us to have a place for mom’s Christmas. Other than her dogs, putting up her decorations each year for the neighbourhood meant just about everything to her. She took such pride in that every single piece had its ‘rightful place’ in the overall scheme. And, for all of us, to see this continue in a way that so many families can enjoy is priceless,” said Deirdre McCarvill.

This year, the train is celebrating the 20 year partnership between the Vancouver Park Board and the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.

“We are exceptionally pleased with the support from the public and our Sponsors. Over 800 firefighters contribute more than 8,000 hours over three months of set-up, operations, and tear down. It’s a monumental undertaking of combined efforts to make this event so successful,” said Burn Fund Vice-President & Co-Chair of the Bright Nights Committee Ray Boucher.

The matinee and evening Bright Nights train runs from Thursday, November 30 until Saturday, January 6, 2018. Hours of operation vary. It is closed Christmas Day.

Advance tickets are available at ticketleader.ca or by calling at 604-252-3700. Same-day tickets are available at the Stanley Park Railway Plaza starting at 10 am daily. A portion of each day’s tickets is set aside for on-site sells.

Special live shows and visuals will be performed by Mortal Coil Performance Society.

Bright Nights is the Burn Fund’s signature fundraising event with $2.5 million raised to date. Donations in bins at the front gate and partial proceeds from train admissions support the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. The Burn Fund provides lifesaving, life supporting, and life enriching services to the people in British Columbia.

The Bright Nights Christmas Train also accepts donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.