Day 87: Bright Nights

“Get in the spirit of the Holidays – take a train ride through our forest transformed with two million twinkling lights, see the animated displays and listen to holiday sounds as you enjoy hot chocolate, fresh popcorn and roasted chestnuts.”

Dashing through the rain, on a single engined train
Through the park we go,  Laughing all the way !
As a parent living in Vancouver, it’s almost a must to make the Stanley Park miniature Christmas train a yearly family tradition. The ride is as remarkable as it sounds especially for a child. 2 million lights, cut out images of Santa, flying reindeer, even Canadian icons Bob and Doug McKenzie made an appearance.
The train is  a short ride through Stanley Park but the effort and work that goes into preparing the experience is remarkable. The best part is the event is in partnership with the Lower Mainland Firefighters and is the single biggest fundraising initiative for the Burn Fund every year.

GIVE 87: Day 87

It was one of those lovely rainy Vancouver nights that people talk about behind our backs. ” Why would you live in Vancouver with all that rain?” which I am asked every time I visit Ontario. No matter how you dress the cold and damp seeps into your bones and you get chilled. But not kids. They have some protective shield you loose as an adult that keeps them warm no matter what.

Tonight was our night to head down to Stanley Park and enjoy a train tour on Santa’s Train – a tradition for many Vancouver families. Even in the pouring rain there is something magical about Stanley Park at Christmas.

The train ride only takes about 15 minutes but there is so much to see your head spins around at every turn. My son wasn’t sure what to look at next, the life size polar bear, the millions of glittering lights or just sit and listen to the sounds of the season with all the music pumped into the train.

A too dark photo of Jacqueline with the Firefighters

When you first enter the magical kingdom or Christmas at the park you are greeted by almost a dozen friendly firefighters. They are volunteering to raise money and awareness for the Burn Fund. This organization was started by the Vancouver Fire Fighters to support burn victims and educate the public about fire safety. As if our Firefighters don’t do enough every day for us through their work.  Our family was happy to give a donation as we entered the event along with “high five’s” for my son as he walked in. On top of the personal donations received at the door a portion of each ticket price also gets donated to the Burn Fund.

A win win situation all the way around. We got to enjoy an evening together as a family celebrating Christmas and we also helped the Fire Fighters of Vancouver help others in need. Way to go Fire Fighters you are our heroes!

Time Commitment: 0 ( we would have attend one way or another)

Cost: $15.00 donation