The next night took me to VanDusen Botanical Garden for the 33rd season of Festival of Lights. It was a very cold night, with temperatures around the upper 30s (not cold enough for the snow, which btw I missed by a week... SH*T). A perfect occasion for a couple of whiskey shots to keep warm. And if you're like me, be sure to grab a pair of touchscreen gloves so you can use your phones when taking pictures. Parking was really bad here so I advise to arrive early (4:00p). I would compare VanDusen displays similar to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where the lights aren't as overwhelming or overdone. To give you an idea, Stanley Park had over 3 million lights compared to the million in VanDusen Gardens.
Festival of Lights AT VanDusen Garden
Location: 5151 Oak Street Vancouver BC V6M 4H1 CANADA
www.http://vandusengarden.org
ADMISSION
ADMISSION was $19 for adults, $14.75 for seniors & kids (13-18), $11.50 for kids 4-12 and kids 0-3 is free. Half the price of Capilano, but just as amazing. With dinner plans, this was going to be a shorter visit with little time to explore. I didn't get grab a map, I just want straight to the lights.
A little about VanDusen Botanical Garden: In 1970 the Vancouver Foundation, the British Columbia provincial government, and the city of Vancouver signed an agreement to provide the funding to develop a public garden on part of the old Shaughnessy Golf Course. That garden, VanDusen Botanical Garden, is situated in the Shaughnessy neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Garden covers 55 acres. In addition to displays of plants from all over the world, there is an extensive collection of native British Columbia (Northwest Coast) plants.
Like the previous blogs, It is a challenge to describe in words the beauty of the place during the festival. All the hard work that goes into decorating the garden with millions of twinkling bulbs - I couldn't imagine. It took me days just to decorate my house. lol Rather than talking much about how it looks like during the festival I will let the photos speak for itself.
Be sure you check out the "Dancing Lights" which is a display on Livingstone Lake. The lights are programmed to create a spectacular display synced up to Christmas classic and modern day hits. (Think Vegas show or World of Colors at Disney California Adventures)
FREE SANTA PHOTOS & SELFIES
There is also free selfies with Santa included with admission. Families, kids and couples alike can listen to holiday stories and take a phot with Santa in the glasshouse until December 24.
AIR FRANCE CAROUSEL
Free rides on the Air France carousel! Yes! FREE!!! I've always had a thing for carousel for the longest time. Guess I have to blame Mary Poppins for that. The Air France carousel is a Parisian musical experience as the ride spins you around the world. There you can also snap, share, and tag your photos on the ride on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, using the hashtag #AFxParisCarousel, for a chance to win two tickets to Paris, courtesy of Air France and YVR.
Overall I would suggest to have a couple hours set aside for this event. You're going want to soak it in, grab a hot chocolate & snacks (Cin City Donuts) from the booths/trucks vendors thought out the garden area stands. There is still time to check it out, Jan 7th is the last day for Festival of Lights. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Feel free to comment, share and please SUBSCRIBE if you haven't already.