Share Joy and Sparkle at the VanDusen Festival of Lights
Are you ready to jump into the holiday season? Mark your calendars to share the joy and wonder of the VanDusen Festival of Lights, a magical winter wonderland with over one million lights sparkling around VanDusen Botanical Garden from November 30 to January 5.
A beloved holiday season event for Vancouverites, the Festival of Lights is back for another year of holiday cheer. I’ve been attending since I was a child, and it’s 100% my favourite holiday season tradition. Here’s what to expect for 2019!
Festival of Lights Experiences
Carousel
What else brings on more holiday cheer than a ride on a carousel amidst a beautifully lit setting. From grandkids to grandparents, it’s family fun for everyone. All tickets include a free ride on the carousel.
*Suitable for ages 2+ and children 36” and taller.
Dancing lights
Be mesmerized by lights dancing to music on Livingstone Lake, once every 20 minutes.
Fireside Lounge
Nestle under a heated tent with fire pits located in the heart of the garden.
Make-A-Wish® Canada – Candle Grotto
Make a donation to the event’s charity partner, Make-A-Wish Canada, and make a wish while you light a candle to fill the picturesque grotto.
Santa’s Lodge
Families, kids and couples alike can take photos with Santa in the Visitor Centre halls until December 24. This is now a free experience included with entry.
Santa will be on-site from 4:30pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8:30pm every night. This area is licensed. Choirs, singers, and bands will be performing on select nights. Check back here for an updated entertainment schedule.
Recycled rhythms
Let your kids have some fun making music with recycled instruments.
Tinsel tunes
Play the piano and sing along to holiday tunes in the garden.
Selfie spots and photo ops
Take the perfect holiday instagram and share it with #vandusenFOL. Look out for frames, sets, and other selfie spots throughout the show and make sure to share your holiday Intagram with #VanDusenFOL.
Tasty food and beverage
Warm up with a specialty beverage in one of the licensed areas, savour tasty treats from on-site food vendors and much more! Speciality beverages will be available to visitors 19 years and over at Shaughnessy Wine Bar, Truffles Café, and Santa’s Lodge.
Vendors include:
- Potato Tornado
- Tin Lizzy Concessions
- Japadog
- Reel Mac and Cheese
- Cin City Donuts
- Shaughnessy Wine Bar
- Shaughnessy Restaurant
- Shaughnessy Lounge
- Truffles Café
- Truffles Hot Drink Hut
- Fireside Lounge
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Dates and Times:
- November 30 to December 24 / 4pm – 9:30pm
- December 25 / Closed
- December 26 to January 5 / 4pm – 9:30pm
Tickets:
This is a popular event—advanced ticket purchase is recommended.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Top Tip: Skip the line and save money by purchasing your tickets online.[/perfectpullquote]
- Adults (19-64 years): $19 online / $21 at the gate
- Seniors (65 and up) and Youth (13-18): $14.50 online / $16 at the gate
- Children (4-12 years): $11.50 online / $13.75 at the gate
*Rates may be higher for Premium nights.
Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Share your #VeryVancouver Festival of Lights adventures on by tagging @inside_vancouver #VanDusenFOL.[/perfectpullquote]