It's not quite time for things to begin to look a lot like Christmas, but holiday spirits are soaring in Vancouver today with the news that one of the city's favourite festive events is back on after a two-year pandemic pause.
The Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden dazzles guests of all ages with its over one million twinkling lights, themed displays and areas, and holiday music. Now in its 37th year, the event will once again be lighting up the hearts and eyes of many a visitor to the beautiful grounds.
To keep things a bit more COVID-safe, the event will swap out some previous activities and features, like the carousel and photos with Santa, in favour of some new experiences, like an illuminated rose garden display, a "letters to Santa" activity for children, and lots of food.
The Festival of Lights will run from Nov. 26 through Jan. 3.
Tickets for the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden go on sale Nov.1. Tickets will only be sold online and will specify an entry time. All guests 12 years and older will need to provide proof of full vaccination to enter. Masks are mandatory indoors at all times except for children under the age of 5, and recommended outdoors in the garden.
VanDusen Festival of Lights is partnering with Make-A-Wish Foundation for the 20th year. Sales from the glow star necklaces, as well as donations made in the garden’s candle grotto, have raised more than $523,000 for Make-A-Wish since 2001.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
When: Nov. 26, 2021-Jan. 3, 2022
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden - 5151 Oak St, Vancouver
Tickets: Must be purchased online in advance for a specific entry time
