LocationVanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
SeasonLate November to early January, with exact dates set by the garden each year
TicketsTimed entry, bought online in advance through the official VanDusen website
The Big DrawMore than one million lights and the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake
Good to KnowEvening event, pets are not permitted, popular dates sell out
Best ForFamilies, couples, friends, and night photographers
VanDusen Festival of Lights Photos
Every winter the garden turns its paths, lakes, and plant beds into a glowing walk. These photos show the glow after dark. Tap any photo to enlarge it.
Watch the VanDusen Festival of Lights
This video gives a feel for the route, the lights, and the atmosphere before you go.
VanDusen Festival of Lights on Instagram
Two visitor posts showing the lights from different angles.
What Is the VanDusen Festival of Lights?
The VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of Vancouver’s best-loved holiday traditions. After dark, the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden is lit with more than one million lights across roughly 15 acres, with illuminated paths winding past themed displays, interactive pieces, and lakeside scenes.
It is a walking festival, so you set your own pace along the marked route. Plan on dressing for cold, damp weather, because most of the route is outdoors on garden paths.
What to See at the Festival of Lights
Dancing Lights
The signature show plays out over Livingstone Lake, with lights synchronized to holiday music and repeating through the evening.
Themed Zones
Past editions have included areas such as Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Wood, and a glowing tunnel of lights near the Rose Garden.
Interactive Displays
Exhibits change from year to year, and recent festivals have included nature-inspired installations with a West Coast theme.
Because the displays are refreshed regularly, treat the zone names above as examples of what the festival is like rather than a fixed list. The official site posts the current lineup each season.
Livingstone Lake and the Dancing Lights
Livingstone Lake is the heart of the garden, and in daylight it is a calm spot for a stroll. During the festival the same lake becomes the stage for the Dancing Lights, where displays pulse and shift in time with the music.
Arrive a little before a show starts and find a spot with a clear view of the water. If you want to see the lake in daylight too, a summer visit shows it at its best. See our full VanDusen Botanical Garden guide for the garden as a whole.
Food, Drinks, and Treats
The festival has a seasonal food scene. Sit-down dining is available at Shaughnessy Restaurant and The Garden Cafe, and local vendors have set up stands around the garden in past years with treats such as donuts, hot drinks, and snacks. Vendors can change each season, so check the official site before you go if you want to plan your evening around a particular stop.
Tickets and Planning Your Visit
The festival uses timed-entry tickets, and visitors are expected to book online in advance. Weekends and dates close to Christmas are the first to sell out, so book as soon as your plans are firm. Ticket types, prices, dates, and opening hours change each year, so please check the official VanDusen Botanical Garden website for the current details.
- Pick a weekday evening if you want a calmer walk
- Choose an early time slot if you are bringing young children
- Keep your ticket confirmation handy on your phone
- Pets are not permitted at the Festival of Lights
Getting There and Parking
VanDusen Botanical Garden is at 5251 Oak Street in south Vancouver. Parking near the garden gets busy on festival nights, so allow extra time, or consider transit or a rideshare. Accessible parking is available near the entrance, and the garden marks wheelchair-accessible paths. For current parking and transit advice, use the official festival page.
Tips for the Best Night Out
- Dress in warm layers and wear waterproof shoes, as paths can be wet and muddy
- Bring a charged phone and use night mode for photos of the lights
- Take a moment to stop and look back along the paths, where the lights often look best from a distance
- Stay for a Dancing Lights show, as it is the most photographed part of the evening
- Pair your evening with other seasonal outings in our guide to the best Christmas lights in Vancouver
Nearby Places to Visit
If you are visiting VanDusen by day, Queen Elizabeth Park is close by, and its Bloedel Conservatory is a warm indoor stop in cold weather. For more garden ideas, browse the best gardens in Metro Vancouver, or see other seasonal events on our Vancouver Christmas activities and events page and the Vancouver Christmas Market guide.
VanDusen Festival of Lights FAQ
When does the VanDusen Festival of Lights run?
The festival usually runs from late November to early January. Exact dates, opening hours, and any closure days are set by the garden each year, so check the official VanDusen website before you plan.
Do I need tickets for the Festival of Lights?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket, and visitors are expected to book online in advance. Popular evenings often sell out, so book early.
Can I bring my dog to the Festival of Lights?
No. Pets are not permitted at the festival.
Is the Festival of Lights wheelchair accessible?
The garden marks wheelchair-accessible paths, and accessible parking is available near the entrance. Because some paths can be uneven or wet, check the official site for current accessibility information.
Is there a quieter night for sensory-sensitive visitors?
In past years the garden has offered a sensory-friendly evening with reduced capacity and adjusted sound and lighting. Check the official website to see whether one is planned this season.
Where is the VanDusen Festival of Lights held?
It takes place at VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, in the same garden that is open to visitors during the day throughout the year.
Plan Your Festival of Lights Night
Check dates and book your timed-entry tickets on the official website, then explore more of the garden in our full guide.
Official VanDusen Website VanDusen Botanical Garden Guide