VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of Vancouver’s most popular winter traditions, and it’s an ideal experience to enjoy alone as a solo traveler. Since I moved to Vancouver, it’s become an annual tradition that I usually go to on my own.
The entire festival is designed as a self-guided walk through illuminated gardens, so there’s no pressure to keep pace with anyone else, no awkward standing around, and no expectation to socialize with anyone if you don’t want to. It’s one of my favourite things to do at Christmas time because it’s a relaxing and peaceful experience where you can just take your time, stop wherever you like, and linger at the displays that catch your eye. It’s also one of those festive experiences that’s genuinely easy to enjoy on your own, especially if you’re looking for other festive things to do in Vancouver at Christmas without needing plans or company.
If you’re heading to VanDusen Festival of Lights alone for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know, from the best times to visit and how to get there without a car, to safety considerations, and why going solo can be one of the most enjoyable ways to experience it.
What Is VanDusen Festival Of Lights?
VanDusen Festival of Lights is an annual winter event at VanDusen Botanical Gardens. The gardens are transformed into a large-scale outdoor Christmas light display. Every year, all the pathways, trees, garden features and ponds of VanDusen are illuminated with over one million lights and themed light installations, to create a magical festive experience that’s beloved by locals.
Unlike some of the popular holiday events in Vancouver that rely on shows or performances, VanDusen Festival of Lights focuses on immersive scenery and gentle exploration. So it’s a slower and quieter experience rather than a high-energy crowd.
Entirely outdoors, the festival is self-guided with no fixed walking routes or event schedule to follow. Most people spend an hour or two walking through the displays, stopping for photos, and enjoying festive treats.
If you enjoy festive events and light displays, check out my guide to the best Christmas lights in Vancouver, which rounds up the most popular and walkable festive displays across the city including the Festival Of Lights.
Why Festival of Lights Is Perfect for Solo Women
VanDusen Festival of Lights is great for solo travelers because it’s designed around independent exploration. With no event schedule, you’re free to move through the gardens at your own pace, spending as much or as little time as you want at each display. Unlike other Christmas events, there’s no social pressure to be “doing” something the whole time.
Walking alone through the illuminated gardens feels relaxed rather than awkward, and it’s very easy to blend in with other visitors who are also strolling, taking photos, or quietly enjoying the lights. After years of doing this event on my own, I can say confidently, that most people won’t even notice that you are alone. So if you are not used to going to events alone, or building up the courage to travel solo, this is a perfect event for you.
The festival’s layout makes solo visits feel comfortable and safe. The pathways are wide, well-lit, and clearly marked, and the gardens are staffed throughout the evening. Even if at times on quieter evenings you don’t see anyone nearby, you’re never isolated. But you’re also not forced into any close quarters or busy queues for long stretches of time.
If you enjoy reflective walks, pretty Christmas lights, festive atmospheres, and winter evenings that feel calm rather than overwhelming, VanDusen Festival of Lights offers a genuinely enjoyable solo experience.
VanDusen Festival of Lights is just one of the festive things I return to every winter as a solo traveler, and I’ve shared more festive things to do in Vancouver at Christmas here if you’re looking for other ideas.
VanDusen Festival of Lights Dates And Times
The Festival of Lights usually starts at the end of November and finishes in early January.
Dates: November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026 (closed on Christmas Day).
Opening Times: 4pm to 10pm with last entry at 9pm.
Best Time To Visit VanDusen Festival Of Lights Alone
Choosing the right time to visit VanDusen will make a big difference. While the Festival of Lights never seems to get excessively busy some time slots are a lot quieter and calmer than others. Personally, I prefer to try and go to this festival when it’s less busy.
Least Busy Times And Quieter Nights
The least busy times to visit VanDusen Festival of Lights are typically later in the evening and on weekdays. Earlier time slots tend to attract families with younger children, which can make the popular areas of the gardens feel a lot busier.
If you’re visiting alone and prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, aim for later in the evening around 8pm or 8.30pm (last entry at 9pm so just get in before then). when crowds start to slowly thin out. The pathways will feel more spacious, and it’s easier to pause for photos or simply enjoy the displays without feeling rushed when there are less people. I usually go no earlier than 6pm or 6.30pm.
Weeknights vs Weekends
Weeknights are the best choice for solo visitors, as they’re generally calmer than weekends, with shorter queues, easier walking flow, and less congestion around popular photo spots. If a weekend visit is your only option, go later in the evening to minimize the crowds especially if you don’t want to be surrounded by families.
How To Get To VanDusen Festival of Lights Tickets
Tickets are $29 (plus GST and service fees). You will need to purchase your ticket online in advance for a designated entry time.
Ticket Refunds And Exchanges
Tickets are non-refundable, but you can exchange your ticket up to 12 hours before your entry time.
You can get your ticket refunded or exchanged up to 48 hours before your scheduled date and time in your Showpass account. If you don’t have a Showpass account you’ll need to create one and connect your original ticket purchase. You can also contact Showpass directly to exchange your ticket.
Designated Entry Time On Your Ticket
You must scan into the Gardens with your ticket within your designated half-hour entry time.
How To Get To VanDusen Festival of Lights
Getting to VanDusen Festival of Lights is straightforward, whether you’re driving, using transit, or arriving by rideshare. Planning your route in advance makes the evening feel far more relaxed, especially if you’re visiting alone.
Here’s the address to put into Google Maps if you’re unfamiliar with VanDusen: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
Parking At VanDusen
Parking is available on-site at VanDusen Botanical Garden in the VanDusen parking lot off West 37th avenue, but the parking gets busy and parking spaces are limited, particularly on weekends and during peak evening time slots. There is also some free street parking in the surrounding area.
Accessible Parking At VanDusen
There are a few free accessible parking spots available. There is also an accessible drop-off loop at the front entrance of the garden (Oak Street).
How To Get To VanDusen Festival Of Lights Without A Car
It’s easy to get to VanDusen by public transit. The #17 Oak bus route is within a short walk of the garden entrance.
The nearest SkyTrain station is Oakridge (Canada Line station). From Oakridge station, the gardens are a 15 minute walk away.
Walking Routes
If you’re arriving by transit, the walk to VanDusen is along safe, well-lit streets. The sidewalks are wide, clearly marked, and easy to navigate, even after dark.
For solo visitors, this part of the journey is straightforward, especially during event hours when other attendees are heading in the same direction.
Getting To VanDusen By Rideshare
Drop-off and pick-up for Uber and Lyft is at the C-Drive located off Oak Street. Wait times increase slightly during peak entry and exit times. If you’re visiting alone, rideshare can be a stress-free option, especially if you’re attending later in the evening and don’t want to navigate transit on the way home.
Practical Things To Know Before You Go To VanDusen Festival Of Lights
Here’s a quick rundown of the practical details of going to the Festival of Lights so you don’t arrive unprepared.
Bag Size Policy At The Festival Of Lights
VanDusen Festival of Lights has a bag policy in place, and all bags are subject to inspection on entry. Small backpacks, handbags, and day bags are generally fine, but oversized bags may be restricted or searched more thoroughly.
If you’re visiting alone, travelling light makes the experience more enjoyable. I’d recommend a small crossbody bag or backpack with just your essentials like your phone, wallet, gloves, and a portable charger.
Are Pets Allowed At The Festival Of Lights?
Pets are not permitted at VanDusen Festival of Lights, with the exception of working guide and service dogs.
Are Strollers Allowed?
Yes, strollers are welcome. The main pathways are wide and well-lit, making it easy to navigate with a stroller. Just expect the odd bottleneck on pathways if you go during a busy time slot.
Is It Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes, VanDusen Festival of Lights is wheelchair accessible.
Can You Re-Enter The Festival Of Lights?
No, re-entry is not permitted.
Sensory Information
The Festival of Lights includes music and flashing lights.
Washrooms At VanDusen
There are washrooms in the VanDusen Visitor Centre.
During the Festival of Lights, additional portable toilets are always added within the festival grounds.
Weather And Seasonal Expectations
VanDusen Festival of Lights is a fully outdoor event, and winter weather in Vancouver can be unpredictable. Expect cold temperatures, possible rain, and damp conditions underfoot, especially later in the evening.
Dressing warmly and wearing weather-appropriate footwear makes a big difference to how comfortable you’ll feel. Even on dry nights, the gardens can feel chilly after dark, so layers, gloves, and a waterproof jacket are strongly recommended.
Being prepared for the weather allows you to focus on enjoying the lights rather than cutting your visit short because you’re cold or uncomfortable.
Is Vandusen Festival Of Lights Safe For Solo Visitors?
Yes, it’s a very safe event for solo visitors. It takes place within a ticketed, well-managed garden with staff and security present throughout the evening. All the pathways are clearly marked and well lit, and even when it’s quiet there are always other visitors around. As with any evening outing, planning your route home in advance and staying aware of your surroundings is sensible, but overall this is a relaxed, low-risk event.
Festival of Lights Accessibility and Mobility
Wheelchair Accessibility
The majority of the routes of the Festival of Lights follow paved or compacted paths, and the gardens are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.
There are no wheelchairs available for borrow.
Path Surfaces And Gradients
Most of the Festival of Lights route follows paved or compacted pathways that are suitable for both wheelchairs and mobility aids. But VanDusen is a botanical garden, so some areas do include gentle slopes and slight gradients. There are also some uneven paths though so some pathways will be easier than others in a wheelchair.
Stick to the main pathways rather than smaller side paths, which can feel narrower or more uneven in places.
During wet or icy weather, surfaces can become slippery, so moving slowly and wearing footwear with a decent grip is important if you have any mobility concerns.
Seating And Rest Areas
Seating and rest areas are available throughout the gardens to pause, warm up, and take in the displays without needing to stand or walk continuously. Benches are spaced along the main routes and near popular viewing areas.
There’s no set route or time pressure, so you can rest whenever you need to and continue at your own pace, which makes the experience far more comfortable for visitors with mobility considerations.
What To Wear To The Festival Of Lights
This is all completely outdoors in wintertime so just be warm and comfortable. I would recommend:
- Warm layers that you can add or remove
- Gloves, scarf and/or hat
- Sensible shoes; winter boots or trainers are ideal.
- A waterproof jacket (or get a Poncho). No umbrellas.
Food And Drink At The Festival Of Lights
There are always several food and drink options at the Festival of Lights. Although this isn’t a licensed event, alcoholic drinks are available at the Garden Cafe and Shaughnessy Wine Patio.
In 2025, there are multiple food trucks and venues to choose from.
Food Trucks
With the exception of Cin City Donuts at the far end of the gardens, you will find all the food trucks inside the Festive on either side of the entrance.
- Ay!Mamacita
- Bistrotvan
- Chai Wagon
- Coco Molinillo
- Cocoa Chateau
- Fireside Fondue
- Japadog
- Mr. Arancino
- That MOMO Spot
The Garden Cafe
Located inside the VanDusen visitor centre, The Garden Café offers stunning views of the gardens, hot and cold beverages and a selection of food like sandwiches and soup.
Shaughnessy Wine Patio and Restaurant
If you want to treat yourself to dinner at the festival, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance.
Festival Of Lights Photography Tips
You can take photos and video everywhere in the gardens.
- Photography is allowed along the trail
- Flash isn’t recommended as it washes out the lighting effects
- Professional cameras, tripods, selfie sticks and props are not permitted
- Audio recording devices are also not permitted
- Use Night Mode on your phone for the best results
- Look for pools of coloured light — these make fantastic portrait spots
Solo Photo Tips At The Festival Of Lights Experience
If you are alone in the gardens don’t be afraid to ask staff or other attendees to take a photo of you. Also, just be patient at popular spots if you want photos free of any other people or children, especially if you go at busier times.
Festival Of Lights Tips For Solo Travelers
After enjoying the Festival Of Lights many times on my own, here are my top tips:
- Choose a later time slot if you want fewer families, less queues and quieter scenes
- You don’t need to rush around the gardens. You have until closing time to walk around. I usually spend an hour or two enjoying the displays.
- Dress comfortably, and bring either gloves or hand warmers.
- Bring a portable charger for photos and videos
Is The VanDusen Festival Of Lights Worth Visiting Alone?
Yes, I think that VanDusen Festival of Lights is absolutely worth visiting alone, and in many ways, it’s better that way. It is one of my favourite things to do solo every year at Christmas time.
The festival is relaxed, well-organised, and designed for wandering. With no set route, and only one timed show that is repeated three times every hour, you can take as long as you want to walk around the Gardens, pausing for photos without feeling rushed, and just enjoying all the magical displays without distraction.
Visiting alone makes it easier to choose quieter time slots, avoid peak family hours, and focus on the parts of the gardens you enjoy most. From a comfort and safety perspective, the event is really well-lit in the areas without light displays, clearly signed, and staffed throughout the gardens. There are always other visitors around without it feeling overcrowded, which creates a reassuring environment for solo attendees. It’s also easy to get to whether you opt for public transit or rideshare rather than driving.
If you enjoy gentle evening walks, festive lights, and winter experiences that don’t require constant interaction, VanDusen Festival of Lights is one of those rare seasonal events that truly works as a solo outing rather than something you’re making the most of being alone for. It’s truly an event that you can just fully enjoy on your own terms.
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Gemma Lawrence is a British expat, solo female travel blogger, and the creator of This Brit’s Life — a travel and lifestyle blog that helps women explore the world confidently, live abroad independently, and stay informed about global issues.
Born and raised in England, Gemma has been living in British Columbia, Canada since 2016 and has been traveling solo for over a decade. With a background in journalism and over ten years of experience in digital marketing and communications — including leadership roles with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/BC) — she brings both storytelling and strategy to her writing.
Through her posts, Gemma shares practical solo travel advice, expat insights, and confidence-building resources, while also covering broader topics like women’s rights, democracy, and self-care. Her goal is to inspire independence, awareness, and personal growth — one adventure at a time
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