Categories: Things To Do

A winter wonderland with over one million dazzling lights is coming to Vancouver

Vancouver’s Festival of Lights is a time-honoured tradition that transforms the 50-year-old VanDusen Botanical Garden into a beautiful holiday experience that’s not to be missed. And tickets are now on sale!

Before you know it, the garden’s 15 acres will feature over one million twinkling lights, with illuminated paths winding through themed displays and interactive exhibits like the mycelium installation, Wood Wide Web, Salmon Run, and the new Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit at the Visitor Centre.

What makes this experience truly special are the garden’s Dancing Lights, which come to life every 20 minutes from the top of the hour. This year, visitors can enjoy three festive Dancing Lights sets set to holiday music.

In addition to formal dining options at Shaughnessy Restaurant and The Garden Cafe, guests can enjoy a bite or sweet treat from one of these local vendors:

  • Ay!Mamacita
  • Bistrotvan
  • Chai Wagon
  • Cin City Donuts
  • Coco Molinillo
  • Cocoa Chateau
  • Fireside Fondue
  • Japadog
  • Mr. Arancino
  • Triple O’s

Note that pets are not permitted at the Festival of Lights, and there will be a sensory-friendly evening for neurodiverse individuals and their loved ones on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

How much are tickets?

Ready to secure your spot? Tickets are available online for $29 per adult, $19 for youth (13 to 18 years) and seniors (65 and older), and $12 for children (five to 12 years).

Those who purchase their tickets before Nov. 28, 2025, save 10 percent.

The Festival of Lights kicks off on Nov. 28, 2025, and runs until Jan. 4, 2026, from 4 to 10 p.m. daily.

Free parking is available on West 37th Avenue just off of Oak Street, with a few accessible parking spots and an accessible drop-off loop at the front entrance of the garden.

Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden 

When: Nov. 28, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St. 
Cost: $29 per adult, $19 for youth and seniors, and $12 per child

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