BURST
It’s time to let your Canadian pride shine bright for all to see.
The Honda Celebration of Light is back in 2025 for its 33rd year and this summer, it’ll pit three Canadian teams against each other in a showcase of what makes our country shine.
The annual summer tradition takes place in the skies above Vancouver’s English Bay, with more than 400,000 people watching on in awe. Of those, more than 200,000 visit from outside Vancouver to take in the event, which generates more than $265 million in tourism and hospitality spending annually.
Michael McKnight, co-chairperson of the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, said the all-Canadian lineup is meant to build on the recent movement of Canadians standing strong against the U.S.
“The last several months have proven to be a challenging period for our great nation. However, the circumstances have also contributed to a wave of nationalism that is unprecedented,” he said. “It’s in that spirit that we are wrapping our 2025 event in the Canadian flag and celebrating everything that is great about this country.”
Organizers for the event had also previously expressed concerns over the future of the event, citing the loss of two major sponsors and a lack of federal funding.
However, the VFFS has much to celebrate, with the continued sponsorship of Honda, Concord Pacific, Tymac Launch Service, the province, the city and the park board this year. Destination Vancouver, the West End Business Improvement Association, and other partners have also increased their funding for the event in 2025.
Read on for everything you need to know about this year’s event:
When is the 2025 Honda Celebration of Light?
This year, the event will take place over three nights:
• Saturday, July 19: Team Yukon — Midnight Sun Fireworks
• Wednesday, July 23: Team Quebec — Royal Pyrotechnie
• Saturday, July 26: Team Nova Scotia — Fireworks FX
On each of those nights, the show will begin around 10:15 p.m., with music simulcasts being broadcast on CFMI Rock 101.
The winning team will be announced the week following the final team’s display.
Where does the Celebration of Light take place and where can I watch the show?
The free event takes place in the skies over English Bay in downtown Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood.
While the English Bay area is where most of the event festivities are located, you can also enjoy the show from across the water, at beaches or shoreside parks in Kitsilano as well — so long as you have a glimpse of the sky above the fireworks barge, which is anchored in English Bay.
If you’re not wanting to jostle for a free spot on the beach and don’t want to camp out all day, you can buy ticketed seating in one of three reserved grandstand areas for the event, which provides exclusive VIP and family-friendly seating and viewing.
There are two ticketed areas for the event, on each of the three nights:
• Inukshuk Point: This reserved seating area is located at the Inukshuk peninsula overlooking the bay, offering the closest viewing position to the fireworks and will have food and beverage options nearby. Tickets for 2025’s event are $219 each plus service charges and taxes.
• Concord Pacific Grandstand: This year’s expanded grandstand seating offers elevated and direct view of the fireworks barges and would suit visitors, families or groups. Tickets are $59 each plus services charges and taxes.
Tickets for each of the two viewing areas can be purchased online at www.hondacelebrationoflight.com . Pre-sales start Thursday, May 8 at 11 a.m., while public sales will start Friday, May 9 at 9 a.m.
Private VIP cabanas and larger group hosting patio spaces are also available to rent.
The pre-sale passwords are SUN25HCOL or PROVINCE25HCOL.
Sign up for presale access online here .
What teams are participating in this year’s Celebration of Light?
This year, instead of showcasing three countries, the event will feature three Canadian teams hailing from across Canada. Check out the team bios below, provided by the Honda Celebration of Light team.
• Saturday, July 19: Team Yukon — Midnight Sun Fireworks
• Wednesday, July 23: Team Quebec — Royal Pyrotechnie
• Saturday, July 26: Team Nova Scotia — Fireworks FX
Team Yukon’s Midnight Sun Fireworks will perform on Saturday, July 19.
“Returning HCOL Champions of 2022 — Midnight Sun Fireworks is an award-winning team of volunteer pyrotechnicians from the Yukon, known for their unique and imaginative fireworks displays. With the sky as their canvas, they create breathtaking shows filled with colour, joy, and emotion. Every performance is a testament to their deep passion for the art of pyro-musical design, where light, sound, and creativity dance together in perfect harmony.”
Team Quebec’s Royal Pyrotechnie will perform on Wednesday, July 23.
“Royal Pyrotechnie, celestial artisans since 1966, presents more than 500 fireworks shows each year. As a leading importer of pyrotechnic products in Canada, they distribute both family and professional fireworks from coast to coast. Their celestial artisans are passionate individuals who pour their hearts into their craft. Thanks to their experience and expertise, Royal Pyrotechnie has earned international recognition and is proud to represent Canada.”
Team Nova Scotia’s Fireworks FX will perform on Saturday, July 26.
“Fireworks FX is one of Canada’s leading fireworks companies and has been helping Canadians celebrate for over 40 years. Based in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, with operations also in Barbados, FX has lit up skies across Canada, the Caribbean, and around the world — from Japan to Turkmenistan. Doing fireworks displays in exotic locations is exciting but nothing tops wowing hometown audiences right here in Canada, GO Canada!”
Is there pre-show entertainment for the Celebration of Light?
Canada’s iconic Snowbirds will take to the skies.
The Royal Canadian Airforce’s 431 Air Demonstration Squadron will take to the skies on July 19 and 23 as pre-show entertainment. The squad, more commonly known as Canada’s iconic Snowbirds, will perform fast-turning twists and manoeuvres in the skies over English Bay.
Electric drone show to return.
After debuting last year, an electric drone show sponsored by B.C. Honda Dealers is also set to return for the Celebration of Light. Around 10 p.m. each night of the festival, drones will take to the skies to entertain with a choreographed display.
What else is new this year?
One lucky family will win the chance to help choose the winning team.
Concord Pacific, which has sponsored the event for 25 years, will be giving up its judging position this year to one lucky Metro Vancouver family (with at least one child between the ages of 6 to 12). A jury draw will be held to select one family to experience a VIP treatment and to sit alongside other event judges and help pick the winner of this year’s event. Food, beverage and a barge tour will be included for the winner. Visit
concordpacific.com/draw
to enter.