Holiday lights and special events in Vancouver’s parks and gardens

November 26, 2010 (No. 58) – The Vancouver Park Board is continuing its long tradition of holiday lighting in parks and gardens with a number of special events and displays.

Holiday light displays have been installed in three parks and will be turned on daily from 5:30 to 8:30am and from 3:30pm to midnight December 1 to January 7.

• The Elm Grove at English Bay (Beach Avenue at Bidwell Street) is strung with over 12,000 energy efficient S.L.E.D. lights (seasonal light emitting diodes). To mark World AIDS Day the Elm Grove lights will be left on for 24 hours on December 1.
• Lost Lagoon Fountain in Stanley Park, easily visible from the Georgia Street causeway, is strung with 8,000 multi-coloured S.L.E.D. lights.
• The giant Sequoia in George Wainborn Park (on False Creek at the foot of Richards Street) is lit with 8,000 white lights. Adjacent concrete pillars are also lit to represent giant candles.

New for 2010 is Jewel Box of Lights at Bloedel Conservatory. The domed garden in Queen Elizabeth Park is transformed with thousands of lights and a stunning display of poinsettias. The event runs December 3 to January 2 (except Christmas Day) and is open 10am to 9pm Friday and Saturday, 10am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday (closes at 5pm on December 16, 30 and 31). Regular admission rates are in effect. A special opening event takes place Sunday, December 5 from 11am to 4pm with A Trio of Tubas, a cappella quartet VocalWorks and a visit from St. Nick. Presented in conjunction with Friends of the Bloedel. Information: 604-257-8584

Bright Nights at Stanley Park is back for its thirteenth year. The miniature train and children’s farmyard have become a wintry wonderland with the help of two million lights, animated displays and holiday sounds. This very popular family event is presented in partnership with the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund with proceeds helping this worthy charity. Special admission rates are in effect and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Bright Nights runs daily 3pm to 10pm until January 2 except December 25. Information: 604-257-8531

VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights opens December 10 and runs until January 2 with its Magical Date Night theme. It is open 4:30 to 9pm and is closed December 25. The garden comes alive with hundreds of thousands of sparkling, twinkling lights, live holiday music and festive food. A dancing light show on Livingstone Lake takes place every half hour and Santa can be found in his Living Room until Christmas Eve. Other highlights include Svend and Jens, the Scandinavian Christmas Elves, Candy Cane Lane, Sparkling Spruce and Make-a-Wish Candle Shrine. Special prices in effect. Information: 604-257-8335

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General enquiries: 3-1-1 (within Vancouver) or 604-873-7000 (outside Vancouver)

For more information contact Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator,
at (t) 604-257-8438 or (c) 604-992-5646