VanDusen Botanical Garden

Super amazing first experience in this event and garden. So many beautiful lights that we were not able to explore as much but we will definitely come back again to check out the rest of the area. Worth the money and time. Spend your holidays with your loved ones here from young to old. They also serve hot chocolate and hot drinks inside to warm up while walking through the garden. Make sure to book your tickets in advance because they do sell out fast during the holidays.

My family visited to see the festival of lights on Christmas occasion. I bought tickets in advance (2-3 days) via online. There was amazing lights with a music and lights dance. It was really good. After visiting around the park, we enjoyed hot chocolate. Even the weather was cold, but it was such an good evening.

Went to see the festival of lights. Such an awesome set up. We were introduced the lights with a music+ lights dance. It was really good. Then strolled around the entire garden and it took us about 90 ml ins to do that while taking pics. Finished the stroll while having a bucket of cinnamon mini donuts (must have).. an evening well spent.

Every few years I with family and or friends walk through the gardens and see the millions and millions of Christmas lights. During this Christmas season, the online booking allows you a scheduled entry time, we picked 7:00 p.m. .

We were able to park in the actual lot, although we waited approximately 15 minutes in the slow moving lineup of cars around the parking lot until a guest leaving showed up close enough to our vehicles so that we could get that next parking spot. Note arriving approximately 30 minutes before our scheduled entry time was a good thing. I doubt they're really sticky about the schedule times unless they are overbooked...

He wandered in checked out the lobby area and some of the displays interesting notes about our local forest flora, conifers and deciduous in a little display off the main lobby.

My friend and I grabbed beverages at the main entrance to carry through, nice to have a warm cup as it was a bit cool...She had a soy hot chocolate beverage and I had the large mocha.

For the next hour or so we wandered around and danced to the holiday music... Entertaining ourselves and occasionally some of the other guests of the gardens.

There were many food selections on throughout the park, including Japanese Hot Dogs... Risotto? Balls?, Chocolate dipped fruit, and much more.

We considered staying a little longer and having a hot mulled wine on the outside patio, but decided to make it an earlier evening and head home.

The festival of lights is an incredible experience! Don't miss it! And buy your tickets in advance on the website.
From November 24 to January 7, go to the VanDusen Botanical Gardens and experience the name states... a festival of lights for all members of the family.
Be prepared to be in cold weather and maybe some rain so don't forget to check the forecast before you go. Strollers and Wheelchairs are OK. You can't bring food from outside as it is sold inside. Something warm halfway across is nice to take a break. Check the map so you know where you are when you are inside. It is a big place, and you can get lost or loose direction of where you want to go.

this Gardens is a beloved local destination, especially renowned for its annual Christmas light display. The 2023 light exhibition was particularly impressive, adding a magical touch to the garden's natural beauty. During the light show, they thoughtfully included additional stalls offering snacks and hot beverages to keep visitors warm. The provision of facilities for warming up by a fire was a considerate touch. Overall, the experience was very well-organized and thoroughly enjoyable, a testament to the garden's commitment to creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere for all who visit."

Even in October, the garden was absolutely gorgeous.
Even my 2 kids absolutely loved it.
We spent a couple of hours walking around and didn't even get to see everything because we had another stop to make.
Definitely would go again in the spring to see more things blooming.

Went to the gardens during their light festival. It was a great night, easily spent a couple hours walking around. The lights were spectacular! I went in the middle of the week and it wasn't too crowded. They had a few places to eat along the walk, a few places for hot chocolate, mulled wine, cider.

Festival of Lights is extraordinary event that happens every year. Start from mid November to first week of January. Beautiful decor of lights with various colors and cute designs. You walk through the lights in the garden, take memorable pictures and enjoy Hot cocoa. We loved the MINI Donuts as well. Hot & yummy! Must visit Festival of Lights.

"VanDusen Botanical Park Light Festival truly mesmerizes with its enchanting display of lights. The magical ambiance captivates visitors of all ages, transforming the park into a wonderland. Many have praised the intricate and creative light installations, describing them as breathtaking and full of charm. Families particularly appreciate the festival's family-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for all generations. The vibrant colors and thoughtfully arranged displays create a truly immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression. Visitors repeatedly commend VanDusen Botanical Park for providing a magical escape and a festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. It's a must-visit for those seeking joy, wonder, and the perfect blend of nature and illumination."

We went to the festival of lights and it was amazing. Thera are many places to take pictures at, and the music makes everything more magical. The only thong is that 2/3 of the garden are actually closed with no lights, so it is a bot short stroll, but overall, the experience was great.

Went to the Festival of Lights in early December. Amazing lighting display throughout the entire garden. Lots of food and drink options for adults and children alike. They give you a time slot to arrive when you buy your tickets in advance online. No waiting in line to get in.

Lots of lights on the New Year decorations. Very beautiful, probably the most beautiful place in Vancouver is decorated. Tickets were purchased online on the park's website; you don't need to buy them in advance at the entrance. "The walk took more than an hour. I was amazed by the prices for hot dogs 😅. They were the most expensive hot dogs in my life."

Spectacular light display! Every path had unique themes. Tons of photo opps. Good selection of food trucks with plenty of covered outdoor seating.
The music was a blend of classical, soft rock with a few Christmas songs to round it out.
We lucked out with the weather tonight ~ dry and mild. A very pleasant & glittery evening! Highly recommend ~ last night is Jan 7th. Tickets avail online only.

Definitely take the time to go see the Christmas lights here. It seems pricey but you won’t find this elaborate of a Christmas light setup anywhere else in North America. Very nice place for couples or families to come and take pictures

Even nearing winter, this is an amazing place to go for a stroll. Budget at least 1-1.5 hours to see everything, and take your time. For under $10 for adults, this is the best value attraction in Vancouver for sure. Lots of interesting/new plants for me, and even gadwall and hooded mergansers.

THE BEST Christmas light show that we have ever seen! The tickets were $24 per person, not cheap. But the show was well worth this price! The lights are very well designed and themed!
We went to the festival of lights on Dec. 30th. It was raining but the parking was still packed. We parked in a nearby street (it appears to be free parking along the curbs). The online ticketing system did not work for us, but we were able to buy tickets using the QR code at the park entrance, and then got into the park even though the time slots do not match at all. We were travelling from Toronto, so we did not have a chance to visit the garden during the day. But we will for sure come again!

Went during the Festival of Lights. It's beautiful and ideal for families especially those with kids. There are food vendors inside, and I liked the La Glace hot chocolate and of course Cin City mini donuts.

Its a fun place to visit. I would definitely grab a map right after you scan your ticket, they are located at the entrance. I went during the afternoon and my experience was good. I would definitely recommend going at night for the best experience. Definitely check out the maze!!

VanDusen Garden is a real gem! We come here every winter for the Festival of Lights as part of our family’s Holiday Celebrations, and they never disappoint. In summer time, it’s a perfect spot to escape from hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the greenery of a beautiful, really cosy, European-style garden.