The night sky over English Bay erupted into a kaleidoscope of color as thousands of Vancouverites and visitors huddled together on blankets and beach chairs, their faces illuminated by the first display of the 2025 Honda Celebration of Light. I arrived early, around 6 PM, to secure a spot on the sand, watching families unfold picnic spreads and teenagers dance to portable speakers as the evening light began to fade.
“We’ve been coming since I was a child,” Melissa Chen told me, now here with her own children, ages 4 and 7. “There’s something magical about seeing the entire city come together like this.” Her daughter Lily nodded enthusiastically beside her, clutching a small Canadian flag.
This year’s fireworks festival kicked off with Japan’s pyrotechnic team painting the sky with precision-timed explosions synchronized to a musical soundtrack featuring both traditional Japanese compositions and contemporary pop. The crowd’s collective gasps punctuated each spectacular burst, especially during a sequence of golden waterfalls that seemed to cascade from the heavens into the dark waters of English Bay.
Now in its 35th year, the Celebration of Light has evolved from a modest summer event into one of North America’s largest offshore fireworks competitions. According to the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, last night’s opening show drew an estimated 300,000 spectators across viewing locations, with prime spots at English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, and Vanier Park reaching capacity hours before the 10 PM start time.
The economic impact remains significant. Tourism Vancouver estimates that the three-night celebration generates approximately $170 million for the local economy, with hotels reporting near 100% occupancy during the festival weekends. This influx comes at a crucial time as the city continues its post-pandemic tourism recovery.
“Events like these showcase Vancouver’s stunning natural setting while bringing substantial benefits to our hospitality sector,” explained Raymond Louie, president of the Vancouver Hotel Association. “Many visitors extend their stays to enjoy our restaurants, shops, and other attractions beyond just the fireworks nights.”
For local businesses along Denman Street and throughout the West End, the celebration represents one of the year’s busiest periods. Gelato shops had lines stretching down the block, while restaurants implemented special pre-fireworks menus to accommodate the crowds.
“We typically see a 70% increase in sales during Celebration of Light weekends,” said Elena Pappas, who owns a small Greek restaurant two blocks from English Bay. “It’s exhausting but exhilarating—like hosting the biggest dinner party imaginable three nights in a row.”
The festival hasn’t been without challenges. In recent years, organizers have worked closely with the Vancouver Police Department to address safety concerns, implementing enhanced security measures throughout the viewing areas. Last night, the presence of uniformed officers was noticeable but not intrusive, with police focusing on managing crowd flow and ensuring emergency access routes remained clear.
Environmental considerations have also shaped the event’s evolution. The fireworks themselves now utilize more eco-friendly compositions that produce less smoke and debris, while the clean-up crews were already combing the beaches at daybreak. The Vancouver Park Board has partnered with Ocean Wise to monitor potential impacts on marine life in English Bay, with preliminary reports suggesting minimal disruption to local ecosystems.
“We’ve made significant progress in balancing spectacular entertainment with environmental responsibility,” said Festival Director Sandra Holloway. “From biodegradable launch platforms to comprehensive waste management strategies, sustainability has become central to how we plan and execute the celebration.”
As I walked along the seawall after the show, the atmosphere remained jubilant. Street performers entertained the departing crowds, and impromptu dance circles formed near the public art installations. Transit stations were predictably packed, with extra buses and SkyTrain service accommodating the exodus.
What struck me most was the diversity of the audience—seniors sharing viewing tips with young families, tourists practicing their English with locals, and newcomers experiencing their first Celebration of Light alongside multi-generational attendees.
“This is what Vancouver does best,” remarked David Wong, a longtime resident of the West End. “We create these moments where the entire city feels connected, where you’re sharing something beautiful with thousands of strangers who don’t feel like strangers anymore.”
The 2025 Honda Celebration of Light continues with displays from Italy on Wednesday and Canada on Saturday, culminating in an awards ceremony where judges will announce this year’s champion based on criteria including choreography, originality, and emotional impact.
Whether you’re a dedicated fireworks enthusiast with radio tuned to the synchronized music broadcast, or simply someone seeking a memorable summer evening, the remaining shows promise to deliver the distinctive combination of community and spectacle that has made this festival a Vancouver tradition for over three decades.
Just remember to arrive early, bring layers for when the temperature drops after sunset, and perhaps most importantly, practice patience as you navigate alongside thousands of fellow celebrants all sharing in this quintessentially Vancouver experience.
