VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights is the best therapy we can think of to combat the winter blahs. It has proven effective in upping the fun quotient for extended families with multiple generations, dating couples as well as friends looking for something to do together. Running December 11th through January 3rd from 4:30 to 9 pm every night (except December 25th when the Garden is closed), Festival of Lights presents a dazzling wonderland illuminated by more than 1.4 million lights displayed over 10 acres of the Garden.

The centre piece of Festival of Lights is the enthralling Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake. Every half hour on the half hour, the show features thousands of lights on Lake Walk and Lake Peninsula programmed to dance, change colour, flicker, twirl and twinkle in harmony with recorded music. This year the Dancing Lights offers two different seven-minute interpretations of seasonal music - one will be in a more traditional vein while the other will appeal to those who like to see the old standards revved up by the high voltage energy of the likes of the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The shows will alternate so that there is a different Dancing Lights every half hour. In addition to watching the show from Lake Walk, you might want to watch it from the higher vantage point of Candy Cane Lane on the ridge overlooking Lake Walk and Livingstone Lake.

Food is always an important part of Festival of Lights. We are pleased to welcome back Dr. Waffle. Dr. Waffle has the right prescriptions to cure your hunger pangs. He will be dispensing his special brand of medicine from his signature kiosk located near the Dancing Lights. You might find a cure for what ails you with a yummy gingerbread waffle or stave off an impending cold with a steaming cup of Thomas Haas Hot Chocolate or mulled apple cider made form organic apples. In the same area you’ll also find the Hot Potato Peddler offering hot, roasted potatoes with a variety if tasty toppings.

For those interested in something more substantial, Shaughnessy Restaurant is open for lunch, afternoon tea and regular dinner service. Reservations are a must and can be made by calling 604.261.0011. Shaughnessy will also operate Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen next to Santa’s Living Room.

Directions: The Garden is located at 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue. There’s plenty of free parking or take the #17 Oak bus right to the door.

TIme: 4:30 to 9:00 pm everynight (except December 25 when the garden is closed)

Ticket Prices Includes service fees
Adult: $14
Senior: $10.00
Youth (13 -18): $10.00
Child ( 6- 12): $8.00
Family (2 adults and their children 6-18): $29.50

Children under 6: Free

Order By Phone: 604.684.2787
Additional $3.50 per order for phone orders

Call Centre Hours
Monday to Thursday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed