VanDusen Festival of Lights returns November 27 with tickets on sale today
The City of Vancouver's annual holiday light display at VanDusen Botanical Garden runs from November 27 to January 3, with a 20% ticket discount available today only.
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The VanDusen Festival of Lights returns to VanDusen Botanical Garden for its 42nd year starting November 27. The City of Vancouver announced the event today and said tickets are on sale now with a 20% launch-day discount that expires at 11:59 pm on November 4.
The annual holiday display transforms 15 acres of the garden into an outdoor light show, with over one million lights. It runs every night from 4 pm to 10 pm through January 3, 2027, except on December 25. The last entry each night is between 8:30 pm and 9 pm.
What tickets cost
The City of Vancouver says ticket prices are:
- Adults (19 to 64 years): $29
- Seniors (65 and older) and youth (13 to 18 years): $19
- Garden members: $18
- Children (5 to 12 years): $12
- Children 4 and under: Free, but a reservation is required
Prices are subject to GST and service fees. Groups of 25 or more save 10%.
The 20% launch-day discount is automatically applied at checkout and runs until 11:59 pm on November 4. Starting November 5 through 26, a 10% Early Bird discount replaces it. Tickets must be purchased for a designated entry time, and the City encourages people to book early.
What is new this year
The popular Dancing Lights show at Livingstone Lake returns with three new shows that alternate every 20 minutes. The City of Vancouver says there will also be new and returning light installations and interactive displays, along with food and beverage vendors on site.
The 2026 festival is also the last one while St. Paul's Hospital remains at its current location on Burrard Street. The hospital is planning its move to the Jim Pattison Medical Campus next year.
Sensory Friendly Night
Following three previous years, VanDusen is hosting its fourth Sensory Friendly Night on Tuesday, December 1. The City of Vancouver says capacity will be reduced by 50%, audio levels lowered, and flashing lights turned off, to give neurodiverse individuals, their families, and caregivers a more comfortable experience.
Getting there
The City of Vancouver says parking in the garden lot is free for the 2026 season. The paid parking pilot approved by the Vancouver Park Board in 2025 has been deferred. Parking spaces are limited, and the City suggests transit, walking, or cycling as alternatives. Free street parking is also available in the surrounding neighbourhood unless signs say otherwise.
A resident who wants the 20% launch-day discount should buy tickets today before 11:59 pm at the VanDusen Botanical Garden website.
Questions this story answers
When does the VanDusen Festival of Lights run in 2026?
The Festival of Lights runs from November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The garden is open nightly from 4 pm to 10 pm, with the exception of December 25. The last entry each night is between 8:30 pm and 9 pm.
How much do tickets cost for the 2026 VanDusen Festival of Lights?
According to the City of Vancouver, ticket prices are $29 for adults aged 19 to 64, $19 for seniors 65 and older and youth aged 13 to 18, $18 for Garden members, $12 for children aged 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under (a reservation is still required). Prices are subject to GST and service fees. Groups of 25 or more save 10%.
Is there a discount on tickets today?
Yes. The City of Vancouver says a 20% launch-day discount is automatically applied at checkout when you buy tickets on November 4, 2026. The discount expires at 11:59 pm. From November 5 to 26, an Early Bird discount of 10% takes its place.
Is there a sensory-friendly option for people who need a quieter experience?
Yes. VanDusen Botanical Garden will host a Sensory Friendly Night on Tuesday, December 1. The City of Vancouver says the garden will reduce event capacity by 50%, lower audio levels, and turn off flashing lights for that evening to give neurodiverse visitors and their families a more comfortable experience.
Is parking available at VanDusen for the Festival of Lights?
Yes. The City of Vancouver says parking in the VanDusen Botanical Garden parking lot will be free for the 2026 Festival of Lights season. The paid parking pilot that the Vancouver Park Board approved in 2025 has been deferred. The City encourages visitors to consider transit, walking, or cycling because parking spaces are limited.
What is new at the 2026 Festival of Lights?
The City of Vancouver says the Dancing Lights show at Livingstone Lake returns with three new shows alternating every 20 minutes. The City has not published a full list of new installations. Visitors can also expect food and beverage vendors on site.
Is this the 42nd year for the Festival of Lights?
Yes, according to the City of Vancouver. The Festival of Lights began at VanDusen Botanical Garden in 1984. The 2026 edition is also notable because St. Paul's Hospital, which runs the nearby Lights of Hope display, is approaching its move to the Jim Pattison Medical Campus next year.
Where can I buy tickets for the VanDusen Festival of Lights?
Tickets must be purchased in advance for a designated entry time. The City of Vancouver says visitors should book early to secure preferred dates during the busy holiday season. Tickets are available through the VanDusen Botanical Garden website. Garden Members can buy discounted tickets throughout the season.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- City of Vancouver announcementvancouver.ca
- VanDusen Botanical Gardenvandusengarden.org
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