Home » British Columbia News » Experience the Unforgettable Magic of VanDusen Festival of Lights in Vancouver with Over One Million Dazzling Lights Transforming the Garden into a Winter Wonderland
Published on
December 5, 2025
The VanDusen Festival of Lights in Vancouver is the holiday event everyone looks forward to. This annual winter wonderland is a true celebration of light, art, and nature. It takes place at the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden, where over 1 million dazzling lights illuminate the lush greenery, creating an unforgettable experience for all who visit. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this festival offers a magical atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. In this article, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about this spectacular holiday event.
What is the VanDusen Festival of Lights?
The VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of Vancouver’s most beloved holiday events. It is an annual winter lights show held at the VanDusen Botanical Garden. This stunning garden, located in the heart of Vancouver, spans 55 acres and showcases the natural beauty of over 7,500 plant species from around the world. During the holiday season, the garden transforms into a magical display of lights, offering visitors a chance to wander through festive paths, enjoy themed light displays, and take in the holiday atmosphere.
Every year, this festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to marvel at the dazzling array of lights. Over 1 million lights are used to decorate the garden, creating a vibrant and enchanting space. From the moment you step into the garden, you’ll be immersed in a world of colour, sparkle, and festive cheer.
Dates and Timings for 2025
The VanDusen Festival of Lights runs from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026, giving visitors plenty of time to experience the magic. The event is open every day from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, allowing you to visit at your convenience. However, it’s essential to know that the festival is closed on December 25, so plan your visit accordingly. Tickets are available online and must be purchased in advance, as this popular event often sells out, particularly during weekends and the holiday period.
Ticket Prices for 2025
Tickets for the VanDusen Festival of Lights are reasonably priced, making it accessible for everyone. For 2025, the ticket prices are as follows:
Adults (19–64): $29Seniors (65+) / Youth (13–18): $19Children (5–12): $12Children (4 and under): Free (but you still need to reserve a ticket for them)Garden Members: $18
Group discounts are available for groups of 50 or more, with a 10% discount. It’s recommended to buy your tickets early to avoid missing out, as the festival can sell out quickly, especially on busy dates like weekends and public holidays.
What to Expect at the VanDusen Festival of Lights
The VanDusen Festival of Lights is a sensory delight. As you enter the garden, you’ll immediately be captivated by the bright, twinkling lights decorating the trees, pathways, and buildings. But it’s not just about lights; the festival offers a range of experiences that make it a unique event.
Themed Light Displays
The heart of the festival is its themed light displays. Each section of the garden is decorated in a way that tells a different story. For example, you can walk through the “Wood Wide Web” display, a stunning representation of the underground network that connects trees and plants through their roots. There’s also the “Salmon Run” display, which brings to life the journey of the Pacific salmon, a crucial part of British Columbia’s natural heritage. These installations aren’t just beautiful to look at; they offer an educational aspect as well, telling stories about nature and the environment.
Interactive Installations
One of the most exciting features of the VanDusen Festival of Lights is its interactive installations. These installations allow visitors to engage with the lights in a hands-on way. For example, the festival features an interactive mycelium installation, which is a modern artistic representation of how fungi interact with plants. This immersive experience invites you to touch, play, and explore, making the festival enjoyable for people of all ages.
Dancing Lights Show
For a truly spectacular experience, don’t miss the Dancing Lights Show. This feature is a crowd favourite, where the lights on the trees and structures are synchronized with festive music. Every 20 minutes, the lights dance and flicker in time with the music, creating a hypnotic and fun display that adds to the holiday spirit. It’s a moment of pure magic that brings the whole garden to life.
Food and Refreshments
No holiday event is complete without delicious food, and the VanDusen Festival of Lights doesn’t disappoint. The festival features food vendors offering a variety of seasonal treats and hot drinks to keep you warm as you stroll through the garden. Whether you’re in the mood for a hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, or a festive snack, there’s something for everyone. These food stalls are strategically placed around the garden, making it easy to take a break and enjoy a warm drink while soaking in the stunning views.
Sensory-Friendly Night
In 2025, the festival will host a Sensory-Friendly Night on December 2. This special evening is designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities or those who may find the flashing lights and loud noises overwhelming. During this time, the festival reduces the number of people in the garden, lowers the audio levels, and eliminates flashing lights. It’s a fantastic initiative that ensures everyone can enjoy the holiday magic in a comfortable and accessible environment.
Why You Should Visit the VanDusen Festival of Lights
There are many reasons why the VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of Vancouver’s top holiday events, and why it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Here are just a few of the reasons you shouldn’t miss it:
Perfect for All Ages
Whether you’re young or old, the VanDusen Festival of Lights offers something for everyone. Kids will love the interactive displays and the magical light shows, while adults can enjoy the serene beauty of the garden at night, with its twinkling lights and peaceful atmosphere. The event is perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
Stunning Visuals
The combination of natural beauty and artificial light creates a visual feast for the eyes. The VanDusen Botanical Garden is already a beautiful place to visit, but during the festival, it becomes something truly special. The lights highlight the unique features of the garden, such as its ponds, sculptures, and plant collections. The result is a mesmerizing blend of nature and art that you can’t experience anywhere else.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
The VanDusen Festival of Lights offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. The event is wheelchair accessible, and the sensory-friendly night ensures that individuals with sensory sensitivities can also enjoy the event in comfort. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and festive, making it the perfect place to spend quality time with loved ones during the holiday season.
Social Media-Worthy Moments
If you love photography, the VanDusen Festival of Lights is a dream come true. The illuminated garden provides countless opportunities for stunning photos, from the twinkling lights reflecting in the ponds to the colourful light tunnels that create a fairy-tale atmosphere. Whether you want to capture the magic for yourself or share it on social media, there are plenty of moments to remember.
Support Local Culture
The VanDusen Festival of Lights is not just an international holiday event; it also celebrates local culture and the natural beauty of British Columbia. The light displays often feature themes inspired by the province’s ecosystems, like the Great Bear Rainforest and the Pacific Salmon. Visiting the festival is an opportunity to support a local tradition that showcases the rich heritage of Vancouver and its surroundings.
Tips for Your Visit
To make the most of your experience at the VanDusen Festival of Lights, here are a few helpful tips:
Book tickets early: The festival is extremely popular, and tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak times like weekends and holidays.Dress warmly: December in Vancouver can be cold and damp, so be sure to wear layers and bring a warm coat, gloves, and hat.Arrive early: To avoid large crowds, try to visit earlier in the evening, especially if you’re coming on a weekend or during the holiday period.Take your time: The festival is large, and there’s a lot to see, so don’t rush through it. Allow yourself to wander and take in the beauty of the lights and the garden.Bring your camera: With so many beautiful photo opportunities, make sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the magic.
The VanDusen Festival of Lights is an enchanting holiday event that showcases the best of Vancouver’s natural beauty and festive spirit. With its stunning light displays, interactive installations, and magical atmosphere, it offers an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a romantic date night, or simply a chance to immerse yourself in holiday cheer, the VanDusen Festival of Lights is a must-see event in Vancouver. Don’t miss the chance to witness this winter wonderland for yourself and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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