‘BEAM ME UP’ TAKES ON A NEW MEANING AT FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
‘Beam me up Scotty’ often meant that Kirk and Spock needed to escape… and fast. However, once a year, at VanDusenBotanical Garden, it’s more a case of ‘beam me down’ … and, once here, you don’t want to leave. Upon arrival you’ll find yourself in the midst of more than a million beams of twinkling lights, sipping steaming hot chocolate and surrounded by beaming, happy people. Yes, you’ve been transported to an alternate reality; you’re at VanDusenBotanical Garden’s Festival of Lights – a must-experience holiday tradition. Opening December 9th, Festival of Lights runs every night (except for Dec.25th) from 4:30 – 9 p.m. through January 2nd.
This year, instead of entering off the parking lot gates, guests will enter through the Garden’s newly-opened, state-of-the-art ‘LivingBuilding’ Visitor Centre. The new entrance will add a whole new ‘dimension’ to the guest experience.
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 to seasonal music. The show offers two alternating seven-minute sets, a different set each half hour.
Kids will love to meet Santa Claus in his Living Room (Dec.9-24). When Santa goes on his post-Christmas break, he’s replaced by popular magician David Wilson (Dec.26 – Jan.2). Don’t be surprised if you are accosted by our genial ‘aliens’ – Svend and Jens, the two mischievous
Scandinavian Christmas Gnomes. Svend and Jens have been stealing hearts and inspiring gleeful laughter since their arrival at Festival of Lights five years ago. You’ll find them hanging out in the
Centre Court area adjacent to Santa’s Living Room.
From Dec.9 – 21st, you’ll be serenaded by our popular Community Choir Concerts which have been relocated to the new Plaza overlooking Livingstone Lake. Other highlights include the ‘other-worldly’ Gingerbread Wood, the fun and interactive Sparkling Spruce ethereal Golden Chain Walk, Make-A-Wish Candle Shrine and Lovers’ Lookout.
Come hungry as there’s plenty to eat: Dr. Waffle will be serving up savoury and sweet waffles along with home-made soups, Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen next to Santa’s Living Room, Shaughnessy Restaurant, Truffles Café, Dr. Waffles’ Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar (try the trio flight), Whistler Wood-Fired Pizza and the ever-popular Mr. Doughnut mini-donuts.
Advance tickets are on sale starting November 1st at Tickets Tonight at 604-684-2787 / www.ticketstonight.ca (service charge applies) or you can pick them up in person at the Garden Shop (no service charge) or Garden Administration Office. Tickets are also available at the Gate every evening.
Special prices are in effect:
- Adult (19-65): $13.50
- Senior (65+): $10
- Youth (13-18):$10
- Child (3-12): $7.50
- Children under age 3 are free
- Family (2 adults + 2 children age 18 and under): $31
Festival of Lights runs every evening (except for Christmas Day, December 25th when the Garden is closed) from Friday, December 9th through January 2nd, 4:30 to 9 p.m. In the case of heavy snow storms or other extraordinary weather conditions: please call the Garden Shop 604-257-8665 to confirm that FOL has not been closed for that one evening.
VanDusenBotanical Gardenis located at the corner of Oak Streetand W.37th Avenue in Vancouver. Visit our Festival of Lights page for more details, videos and photos VanDusen wishes to thank Event Sponsors Blenz Coffee , Western One Rentals and Sales and media sponsors, Ming Pao Newspapers (Canada Ltd.), and The Vancouver Courier for their generous support.
For more information on VanDusen Botanical Garden and its events visit VanDusen’s web site
