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Vancouver’s massive Aurora Winter Festival expanding, moving venues for 2019

Vancouver’s Aurora Winter Festival is moving east to the PNE grounds
winter fest
Vancouver’s Aurora Winter Festival is moving east to the PNE grounds for this year’s event. Photo courtesy Aurora Winter Festival Vancouver/Facebook

There’s going to be more merry this Christmas as Vancouver’s Aurora Winter Festival reveals a venue change and a “massive expansion” for 2019.

The 15-acre North Pole-inspired fest will be largest event of its kind in Western Canada when it shifts to the PNE grounds for its festive run, set for Nov. 22 through to Jan. 5.

Previously held in its inaugural year at Concord Pacific, the follow-up fest promises to be four times larger than last year.

Expanded programming includes more activities, an increased ice skating surface, a longer tube park and double the number of rides and games.

In addition to the ice skating and tube park, Aurora Winter Festival also features giant sculptures, animated sets, brilliant light displays and a number of fun characters, as well as a light tunnel showcasing the Aurora Borealis, a story-time theatre with Santa, an entertainment tent with live music, a variety of food trucks and a market with 40 holiday-inspired vendors.

“We are thrilled with the new venue and the partnership with the PNE.The park setting lends itself perfectly to the winter wonderland that we’re creating,” said Scott Emslie, co-founder of the Aurora Winter Festival. “This expansion allows us to take the festival to a whole new level.”

Emslie says the event’s popularity in 2018 led to large crowds overwhelming the venue, which prompted the move to the PNE grounds.

Tickets cost $12.99-17.99, and general admission pre-sales begin as early as Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. for those who like to get a handle on holiday fun before the Thanksgiving table is even set.

Aurora Winter Festival – Vancouver

When: Nov. 22 to Jan. 5

Where: PNE Grounds – 2901 East Hastings St.

Cost: $12.99-17.99

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