We could all use a little more romance in our lives; a little magic to vanquish the Winter Solstice blues. What could be more romantic and more magical than spending an evening strolling amidst hundreds of thousands of brightly twinkling lights while sipping on hot chocolate and listening to seasonal music? It’s the stuff of Sugar Plum Fairy dreams.

You are never too young, or too old, to enjoy a magical ‘Date Night.’  Date Nights come in a wide assortment: quality-time-with-the-kids date, romantic hand-holding and smooching-under-the- mistletoe-dates, play dates with the grandchildren, celebrate-an-occasion dates and the ever-popular, night-out-with-the-gang dates. There are as many good ‘excuses’ to get out for a Date Night as there are people who want to go. In December, one of the very best Date Night ‘excuses’ is VanDusen Botanical Garden’s annual Festival of Lights. Opening Friday, December 10th and running through to Sunday, January 2nd, Festival of Lights is open every evening (except December 25th when the Garden is closed) from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

The centrepiece of Festival of Lights is the captivating 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 composed and arranged by local composer Gordon Cobb. One musical set is styled in a more traditional vein with Celtic influences while the other will appeal to those who enjoy their music with a house beat. “This is a first for us,” says Garden Director Harry Jongerden, “we are thrilled to be working with a composer to create and record original music specifically for Festival of Lights.”  The sets alternate so that there is a different Dancing Lights every half hour. To see more videos of previous Dancing Lights click here.

Live music is also very much a part of Festival of Lights and VanDusen is once again pleased to present its Community Choir Concerts on the Deck overlooking the Centre Court. Choirs perform nightly December 10th through 21st at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. While enjoying the choirs, don’t be surprised if you run into Svend and Jens, our two mischievous Scandinavian Christmas Gnomes. Svend and Jens have been stealing hearts and inspiring gleeful laughter since their arrival at Festival of Lights four years ago. You’ll find them hanging out in the Centre Court area adjacent to Santa’s Living Room.

Speaking of the ‘jolly old elf,’ every night, December 10th through 24th, Santa Claus himself can be found in his Living Room every evening  starting at 5:30 pm for 30 minutes on the half hour (e.g. 5:30 – 6 p.m. 6:30 – 7 p.m., 7:30 – 8 p.m., 8:30 – 9 p.m.). From December 26th through January 3rd Magician David Wilson takes over from Santa, amazing audiences with his feats of close-up magic. There are four 30-minute shows every evening following the same schedule as Santa.          

Last year Festival of Lights introduced the Sparkling Spruce, a 45 foot Serbian Spruce (picea omorika) located on the edge of the Centre Court. It was such a hit, we’ve brought it back. Sit in the sleigh and work the controls to design your own light show with the tree as your canvas – a DIY mini version of the Dancing Lights.  Smaller interactive elements will also be scattered through this year’s show – so let your inner child loose and don’t be afraid to pull the knob or twirl the dial. Speaking of your inner-child, children of all ages love exploring the meandering path through the Gingerbread Wood to the festive Gingerbread House – especially if you are nibbling on a decadent waffle from Dr. Waffle.

Food is always an important part of Festival of Lights.  Back this year is the ever popular Dr. Waffle. Dr. Waffle has the right prescriptions to cure your hunger pangs and will be dispensing his special brand of medicine from his signature kiosk located near the Dancing Lights at the entrance to Gingerbread Wood. 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 also operates Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen next to Santa’s Living Room. While on your way over to the Candle Shrine, stop by Mr. Doughnut for a bag of hot, freshly-made, and very addictive, mini-doughnuts. Mr. Doughnut is situated on the pathway leading from Golden Chain Walk to the Candle Shrine at the entrance to the Perennial Garden.

Just past the Perennial Garden, you’ll find the Candle Shrine tucked away in the Heather Garden’s stone hut. For a small donation, visitors can light a candle and make a wish. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of BC and Yukon. Make-A-Wish strives to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Dozens of candles glowing in the dark makes a truly beautiful and moving sight, not to mention all the good wishes they represent. For more information on the Foundation, we invite you to visit its web site at: www.makeawishbc.ca  This year marks the 10th year that Make-A-Wish Foundation has been part of Festival of Lights. The Garden is proud to support this very worthwhile organization.

Festival of Lights runs every evening (except for Christmas Day, December 25th) from Friday, December 10th through January 2nd, 4:30 to 9 p.m. The Garden is located at 5251 Oak Street at West 37th Avenue in Vancouver. 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.

Special prices (all include HST) are in effect for this event. Adults – $13, Seniors (65+) & Youth (13-18) – $9.50, Children (6-12) – $7.25, Family (2 adults + 2 children under 19) – $29.75. Children under age 6 are free. Advance tickets are on sale now 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 perk for advance ticket holders – stroll right past the line-ups and enter through your own special gate.

VanDusen wishes to thank Event Sponsors Blenz Coffee, Western One Rentals and Sales, Vivid Lighting Solutions and media sponsor, The Vancouver Courier for their generous support.

For more information on VanDusen Botanical Garden and its events, visit www.vandusengarden.org