Aerial view of VanDusen Botanical Garden illuminated with colourful light displays during the Festival of Lights at dusk.

VanDusen Festival of Lights returns for another dazzling season

November 4 2026 –

Festival of Lights returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden for its 42nd year, running from November 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027. The beloved holiday tradition transforms 15 acres of the Garden into a winter wonderland illuminated by over one million twinkling lights.

Visitors can look forward to new and returning light displays, discover interactive installations, and enjoy festive food and beverages from a variety of vendors. The popular Dancing Lights show also returns to Livingstone Lake, featuring three new shows that alternate every 20 minutes.

Tickets on sale today with special savings

Tickets for Festival of Lights are on sale now with a special one-day offer of 20% off tickets. The discount is automatically applied at checkout and is available until 11:59 pm on November 4.

Visitors who miss the launch-day sale can still save with an Early Bird discount of 10%, automatically applied to purchases from November 5 to 26. Tickets to the event must be purchased for a designated entry time and visitors are encouraged to book early to secure preferred dates and times during the busy holiday season. Garden Members can purchase discounted tickets all season long under the designated member ticket category.

Sensory Friendly Night on December 1

Following the success of previous years, VanDusen Botanical Garden will host its fourth sensory-friendly evening on Tuesday, December 1. The Garden will welcome neurodiverse individuals, their families, and caregivers to enjoy Festival of Lights in a more comfortable environment, with event capacity reduced by 50%, lowered audio levels, and flashing lights turned off.

Event details

VanDusen Festival of Lights runs daily from 4 pm to 10 pm November 27 to January 3, except on December 25, with final entry from 8:30 pm to 9 pm each night.

Parking will remain free in the VanDusen Botanical Garden parking lot for the 2026 Festival of Lights season. Implementation of the paid parking pilot, approved by the Vancouver Park Board in 2025, has been deferred. Parking spaces are limited, and visitors are encouraged to consider public transit, rideshare services, walking, or cycling. Free street parking is also available in the surrounding neighbourhood unless otherwise noted.

Ticket prices:

  • Adults (19 to 64 years): $29
  • Seniors (65+) and Youth (13 to 18 years): $19
  • Garden members with valid card: $18
  • Children (5 to 12 years): $12
  • Children (4 years and under): Free (ticket reservation required)

Tickets are subject to GST and service fees. Save 10% on group bookings of 25 or more tickets.

$1 of each ticket will help fund special improvements projects at the Garden and Bloedel Conservatory through the Amenity Improvement Fee (AIF).

For more information on VanDusen Festival of Lights and to purchase tickets, please visit vandusenfestivaloflights.ca