VanDusen Festival of Lights 2026 Dates, Tickets and Sensory‑Friendly Evening
The VanDusen Festival of Lights returns for its 42nd year, running from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 with timed online ticketing and a sensory‑friendly evening on 1 December for neurodiverse visitors.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Timed online ticketing and a sensory‑friendly evening on 1 Dec
- Timing
- Festival runs 27 Nov 2026‑3 Jan 2027
- Who is affected
- All visitors, especially families and neurodiverse guests
The details
- Announced by
- VanDusen Botanical Garden
Festival Dates and Venue
The VanDusen Festival of Lights will be held at VanDusen Botanical Garden from 27 November 2026 through 3 January 2027. The garden will be illuminated across 15 acres with more than one million lights, music and themed areas. The event opens daily from 4 pm to 10 pm and closes only on Christmas Day, 25 December.
Timed Ticketing and Pricing
Guests must book tickets online and select a half‑hour entry window. This system manages crowd flow and ensures a smoother experience. Adult tickets cost CAD 29 before tax and fees, seniors (65+) and youths (13‑18) pay CAD 19, children (5‑12) pay CAD 12, and children under four enter free with a reserved ticket. Garden members pay CAD 18 and groups of 25 or more receive a 10 % discount.
- Tickets are non‑refundable but can be exchanged up to 12 hours before the booked entry time
- One dollar from each ticket supports garden improvement projects
Sensory‑Friendly Evening
On Tuesday, 1 December the festival will host a sensory‑friendly evening. Capacity will be reduced by 50 %, sound levels lowered and flashing lights turned off to accommodate neurodiverse visitors, their families and carers. Required attendants may enter free with the guest who needs assistance.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Visitors must choose a specific half‑hour entry slot when booking tickets
- The sensory‑friendly evening on 1 Dec offers a quieter option for neurodiverse guests
Cost and documents
- Ticket prices vary by age and membership status as listed in the announcement
- No additional documents are required beyond the online ticket reservation
What you need to do
- Book tickets online and select an entry window before arrival
- If attending the 1 Dec sensory‑friendly evening, plan to arrive early due to reduced capacity
Who this affects
-
Families with children
The festival offers family‑friendly pricing and timed entry to manage crowds
What to do Reserve tickets for each child and select appropriate entry windows
-
Neurodiverse visitors and carers
A dedicated sensory‑friendly evening provides reduced stimuli and lower capacity
What to do Book the 1 Dec slot and bring any required attendant free of charge
-
Garden members
Members receive a discounted ticket price
What to do Use the member rate when purchasing tickets online
-
Large groups (25+)
Groups qualify for a 10 % discount on ticket prices
What to do Book as a single group reservation to obtain the discount
Frequently asked questions
When does the VanDusen Festival of Lights 2026 start and end?
The festival runs from 27 November 2026 until 3 January 2027, opening each day from 4 pm to 10 pm and closing only on 25 December.
How do I get a ticket for the VanDusen Festival of Lights?
Tickets must be booked online, with each guest selecting a half‑hour entry window; the system then issues a QR code to scan at the entrance.
What are the ticket prices for adults and children?
Adult tickets cost CAD 29 before tax, seniors (65+) and youths (13‑18) pay CAD 19, children (5‑12) pay CAD 12, and children under four enter free with a reserved ticket.
Is there a special evening for neurodiverse visitors?
Yes, on Tuesday 1 December the festival offers a sensory‑friendly evening with 50 % reduced capacity, lower sound levels and flashing lights turned off.
Can I bring my own food or drinks into the festival?
No, outside food and drinks are not permitted; visitors should purchase from the garden’s vendors such as the Garden Café, Cocoa Chateau and other listed stalls.
