VanDusen Festival of Lights 2026

For a lot of Vancouver families, the season doesn’t really start until they’ve walked VanDusen in the dark. The botanical garden in Shaughnessy turns 15 acres into a trail of more than a million lights, with themed areas tucked between the trees and the Dancing Lights show starting every 20 minutes. It’s the light show locals name first, and it’s the one that sells out first.

The 2026 festival runs November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027, and every ticket is bought online in advance for a set entry time. Here’s what to know about tickets, hours, getting there and the quieter sensory-friendly night.

Comparing light shows? Our Christmas lights in Vancouver roundup lists every display in the region with dates and prices side by side.

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2026: Quick Facts

Hours

• November 27 to December 24: 4:00 to 10:00 PM, last entry 9:00 PM
• December 25: closed
• December 26 to January 3: 4:00 to 10:00 PM, last entry 9:00 PM

One thing that’s different this year: BC has moved to permanent Pacific Time, so sunset during the festival is about an hour later than you might remember. If you pick a 4:00 PM entry, the first part of your walk may still be in daylight. A 5:00 PM slot or later gets you the full effect.

Tickets

Tickets go on sale November 4 through Showpass, and you choose a half-hour entry window.

Prices are before GST and service fees, and $1 from each ticket goes into the garden’s Amenity Improvement Fee for projects at the garden and conservatory.

• Groups of 25 or more save 10%, applied at checkout for up to 50 tickets. Children 4 and under don’t count toward the group size.
• No refunds, but exchanges are allowed up to 12 hours before your entry time.
• Leisure Access Program: call the admission desk at 604-257-8463 (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) with your LAP card details.
• Attendants of guests who need assistance get in free and don’t need a ticket.
• Coupons and passes don’t apply, including the Tourism Challenge Privilege Pass.

Sensory-Friendly Evening: Tuesday, December 1

VanDusen sets aside December 1 for neurodiverse guests, their families and caregivers. Capacity is cut by half, the music is turned down and the flashing lights are switched off. If crowds and noise are hard for someone in your group, this is the night to book.

Know Before You Go

• Arrive inside your window. Entry is through the VanDusen Visitor Centre, and you need to scan in during your half-hour slot.
• No outside food or drink, and no re-entry.
• Have your ticket ready, printed or on your phone.
• No props, elopements or professional photo shoots. Proposals are welcome.
• Dress for the weather. It runs rain or shine. In heavy snow or wind the festival may close, and a recorded message at 604-257-8463 will say so.
• Only guide and service dogs.
• No bikes, scooters or skateboards in the garden. Strollers and wheelchairs are fine.

Getting There and Parking

The City recommends coming by transit, and on a December Saturday that’s good advice. The #17 Oak bus stops by the garden, and Oakridge–41st Avenue Canada Line station is about a 15-minute walk. The free lot off West 37th Avenue fills quickly, and free street parking is allowed nearby where signs permit. There’s no bus parking, but you can drop off and pick up at the C-Drive off Oak Street.

Accessibility

• The Visitor Centre and most paved paths work for wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.
• Some paths are uneven, some steps have no handrails, and there are no wheelchairs to borrow.
• Full washrooms are in the Visitor Centre, and the portable toilets on the grounds are accessible.
• There are a few accessible parking spots and an accessible drop-off loop off Oak Street.
• Expect music, flashing lights and crowds on most nights. The December 1 sensory-friendly evening is the gentler option.

Food and Drink

There will be food vendors on site. The City says it will share the list closer to opening night.

Make a Night of It

VanDusen is about 15 minutes from downtown, so it pairs well with a city evening:

• Before or after: warm up with Glühwein at the Vancouver Christmas Market on the waterfront, or see the big tree at the Art Gallery from the Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting on November 27, the same night VanDusen opens.
• Another garden of lights: Astra Lumina in Stanley Park is a light-and-sound night walk with a quieter, more artistic feel.
• Want a canyon instead of a garden? Canyon Lights at Capilano has a similar scale and a very different setting.
• Free alternative: Festive Village in Burnaby has free gate admission and old-fashioned heritage lights.

For the whole season, start with the Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the VanDusen Festival of Lights in 2026?

November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from 4:00 to 10:00 PM. It’s closed on December 25.

When do tickets go on sale?

November 4. Tickets are sold online only, for a set entry time.

How much are tickets?

Adults $29, seniors and youth $19, children 5 to 12 $12, before tax and fees. Children 4 and under are free but need a reserved ticket. Garden members pay $18.

Is there a sensory-friendly night?

Yes, Tuesday, December 1, with half the usual capacity, lower music and no flashing lights.

Is parking free?

Yes, in the lot off West 37th Avenue, but it fills up. The #17 Oak bus is the easier option.

Can I bring my dog?

Only working guide and service dogs.

What if it rains?

It runs rain or shine. Waterproof shoes help.

What’s the best time to go?

A weeknight in early December, after 5:00 PM. Saturdays and the week before Christmas are busiest.

Related: 3-day Vancouver Christmas itinerary, Christmas with kids.

Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Lights in Vancouver 2026