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VanDusen Garden

VanDusen Festival of Lights in Vancouver

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a beautiful attraction in Vancouver. It becomes truly spectacular, however, with its Festival of Lights in the Christmas season. The Festival of Lights, in fact, is one of Vancouver’s most famous and iconic things to see during the winter holiday season. Each winter, the gardens glow with immersive light displays, festive music, and dazzling installations that stretch across 15 acres of outdoor pathways.

Celebrating its 41st season, the Festival of Lights runs from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026. During those five or so weeks, the light displays transform the gardens into a magical winter landscape. Visitors can wander through themed areas, enjoy warm holiday treats, and experience interactive features like the shimmering Salmon Run, Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit, and Wood Wide Web.

For full event details and the latest updates, visit the Festival of Lights website.

VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights

 

A Vancouver Holiday Tradition

The Festival of Lights is the city’s longest-running Christmas light event, attracting more than 100,000 people each year. With its glittering displays, illuminated tunnels, and choreographed shows around Livingstone Lake, the experience continues to be a favourite for families, date nights, and holiday outings with friends.

Condé Nast recently highlighted the event as one of the World’s Most Spectacular Holiday Light Displays, recognizing its creativity and breathtaking atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy seasonal snacks, warm drinks, and browse for holiday gifts at the Garden Shop.

Visit the Festival of Lights website for tickets and full details.

 

Location and Hours

The Festival of Lights takes place at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The attraction’s address is 5151 Oak Street in Vancouver. The main parking lot sits off West 37th Avenue, with additional street parking available on Oak Street and nearby roads.

The 2025/2026 event runs nightly from November 28 to January 4. It’s open every day except for Christmas Day. The lights get turned on at 4:00 pm and the garden remains open until 10:00 pm.

 

What You’ll See at the Festival of Lights

Visitors can expect a mix of enchanting displays, glowing forest pathways, and festive musical elements. Three unique Dancing Lights shows take place around Livingstone Lake every 20 minutes, each synchronized to a different holiday soundtrack.

Other highlights include:

  • Wood Wide Web – an interactive display celebrating the hidden connections of the forest.
  • Salmon Run – a sparkling tribute to BC’s coastal wildlife.
  • Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit – a new indoor experience inside the Visitor Centre.
  • Light tunnels & themed gardens – ideal for holiday photos and family snapshots.
  • Rose Garden & Japanese Maples – beautifully illuminated for the season.

Note: The event is entirely outdoors and runs rain or shine, so visitors should dress warmly. Re-entry is not permitted (so don’t forget your rain gear in the car).

Visit the Festival of Lights website for tickets and full details.

 

Food & Drink Options at the Attraction

Guests can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options during their visit. From seasonal food trucks serving hot chocolate, mini donuts, and warm snacks to cozy offerings from the Garden Café, there is plenty to indulge in along the way.

For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, the Shaughnessy Restaurant offers festive menus and a relaxed sit-down atmosphere. It’s located not far from the garden’s entrance. Reservations are recommended during peak holiday nights.

 

Other information

To learn more about the attraction, visit the official Festival of Lights website.

Other holiday attractions and activities in the City of Vancouver you might want to visit are the following:

Other holiday attractions you might want to see elsewhere in Metro Vancouver include the following: