Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden is worth seeing any time of the year, but especially during the Festival of Lights at Christmas time in December.
Now in its 41st year, the Festival of Lights runs from November 28th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, transforming 15 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden into a glowing winter wonderland. Highlights include the interactive Wood Wide Web installation, the shimmering Salmon Run display, and the new Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit inside the Visitor Centre.
Guests can enjoy three unique Dancing Lights shows every 20 minutes, festive treats, and beautiful themed gardens perfect for holiday photos. Early bird tickets are available until November 27th, 2025, with a 10% discount on regular prices.
See the official Festival of Lights website for tickets and full details about the event.
This article includes the following Festival of Lights information:
Where & When | Admission Rates | What to Expect | Food Options | Festival of Lights Videos | Tips & Advice | Other Information
Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden at Christmas
The Festival of Lights celebrates its 41st anniversary in 2025/2026. The event is Vancouver’s longest-running holiday attraction, featuring spectacular light displays, festive music, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Each season, VanDusen draws more than 100,000 visitors with its themed light areas, illuminated pathways, and dazzling performances around Livingstone Lake. Condé Nast recently named it one of the World’s Most Spectacular Holiday Light Displays—and with good reason.
Guests can also enjoy warm beverages, treats, and a visit to the Garden Shop for holiday gifts. The illuminations at VanDusen Botanical Garden take place from late November until early January.
Where and When
The Festival of Lights takes place at VanDusen Botanical Garden located at 5151 Oak Street in Vancouver. Its main parking lot is just off West 37th Avenue. There is usually street parking along Oak and nearby side streets.
The 2025/2026 season runs from November 28th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily (closed on Christmas Day). The last entry time is between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm.
A Sensory-Friendly Night takes place on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, featuring reduced capacity, lower sound levels, and no flashing lights for a more calming experience.
Click Festival of Lights for tickets and full details.
Festival of Lights Admission
Admission to the Festival of Lights typically costs between $10 and $30 per person, depending on your age.
Below were the admission rates for the Christmas season in 2025/2026. Tickets must be purchased online for a designated entry time. All prices exclude taxes and online fees.
Regular rates (2025/2026):
- Adults (ages 19 to 64) – $29
- Seniors (ages 65+) – $19
- Youth (13 to 18 years) – $19
- Children (5 to 12 years) – $12
- Garden Members (with valid card) – $18
Children ages 4 and under have free admission, but their tickets must be reserved online in advance as well. A 10% early bird discount is available until November 27th, 2025, and group discounts are offered for groups of 50 or more guests.
Click Festival of Lights for tickets.
What to Expect, See and Do
Expect immersive light shows, glowing tunnels, and festive music that fills the gardens. The Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake remains a visitor favourite, with three different shows synchronized to music every 20 minutes, starting from the top of the hour. Be sure to watch them from different angles.
Explore the themed displays across 15 acres, including Wood Wide Web, Salmon Run, and the Great Bear Rainforest Exhibit. Also, don’t miss the illuminated Rose Garden, Japanese Maples and, of course, all the light tunnels for the perfect holiday photos.
The lights at VanDusen are absolutely wonderful. During your visit, you can also expect to hear holiday music and enjoy refreshments. The event runs outdoors, rain or shine, and re-entry is not permitted.
Food Options
Looking for a place to eat before, after, or in the middle of your Christmas light viewing? Then check out the Shaughnessy Restaurant just outside the VanDusen Garden, close to West 37th Avenue at Oak Street, for fancy dining. The restaurant offers festive menus during the event. Reservations are recommended.
For something more casual, warm up with hot chocolate, mini donuts, or churros from on-site food trucks and seasonal vendors. The Garden Café offers light fare, and adults can enjoy specialty beverages at the Shaughnessy Wine Patio.
Click Festival of Lights for tickets and full details.
Festival of Lights Videos
Check out the following two videos to get an idea of what you can expect when you visit the next Festival of Lights.
There isn’t usually snow on the ground in Vancouver in December, but it occasionally falls, as it did when we visited the attraction in 2022. As you’ll see in the first video, the snow makes the place look extra magical.
The following video is from December 2023. It’s a clip of the light show at the attraction’s Livingstone Lake. The lights synchronize to music by turning on and off and also switching colors. It’s fun to watch!
Tips & Advice
Below are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your experience at the Festival of Lights in normal years.
TIP #1: Check out this event if you like Christmas lights and beautiful gardens. It’s stunningly beautiful!
TIP #2: The number of tickets for sale is limited, and they typically sell out during the 10 days leading up to Christmas Eve. Tickets are only sold online and you’re encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
TIP #3: If you are looking to avoid crowds, the show is typically less busy from Monday to Thursday in the first two weeks of the event.
Other Information
Click Festival of Lights for additional details about the evening holiday celebrations at VanDusen Garden in December and to book your tickets online.
Check out Top Things to do at Christmas for more ideas on places to see Christmas lights in the Lower Mainland. Also, see the Vancouver Events Calendar for a list of even more December activities.
Click VanDusen Garden or check out the official VanDusen Botanical Garden website for further information on the garden in general.
Other events that happen at VanDusen Garden at other times of the year include the following:
- Sakura Days Japan Fair – a Japanese and cherry blossom-themed event in the spring.
- All British Field Meet – a large vintage and classic car show in May.
- Harvest Days – autumn-themed family-friendly activities in October.
