¢ VanDusen Festival of Lights returns:
Annual lights extravaganza previously

cancelled due to pandemic

..and that's everything!

VanDusen Festival of Lights returns ®

» Annual lights extravaganza previously cancelled due to pandemic

Brandon Yip
Senior Columnist

 

he annual Christmas lights festival at VanDusen
Gardens will be held once again in 2021. It
will look different from prior events, due to the
pandemic. But if you are planning to attend this
wonderful annual festival during the holiday season,
it is best to dress warmly.

The event opened November 26 and operates
until January 3, 2022, from 4 pm until 930 pm. The
last entry time is between 830 pm and g pm. It is
closed on Christmas Day. The official website states,
“Experience a magical winter wonderland with
more than one million lights decorating 15 acres
of VanDusen Botanical Garden. Stroll along the
lakeside, shimmering in the glow of northern lights,
or wander into our lush Rose Garden—reawakened
and illuminated for a spectacular winter replica
through the artistry of our garden stewards.”

Public health protocols will be in effect. Proof
of full vaccination is required upon entry for those
12 years and older. Masks are to be always worn
indoors, except for those under the age of five.

No tickets will be sold on-site, as tickets must be
purchased online in advance. Also, capacity is
limited and people are advised to buy tickets early.

Unfortunately, some activities have been
removed to reduce close contact between people.
The carousel, photos with Santa Claus, dancing
lights show, and live entertainment will not be
offered this year.

Notably, Vancouver Is Awesome reported
on October 25, the VanDusen Festival of Lights
is continuing its partnership with the Make-A-
Wish Foundation for the 20 consecutive year.
The garden’s candle grotto donations, alongside
sales from the glow star necklaces, have raised over
$523,000 for Make-A-Wish since 2001.

And while you are outdoors taking in all the
sights and sounds the VanDusen Festival of Lights
has to offer, take lots of pictures—if your hands are
still warm enough. People are encouraged to post
their photos on Instagram using #vandusenFOL.
More info about the VanDusen Festival of Lights can
be found on its city of Vancouver page.

Lights at Lafarge
If you are unable to attend the VanDusen Festival of
Lights, there is the annual Lights at Lafarge event in
Coquitlam. There was no opening ceremony due to | welcome the event again for the public to enjoy: for individuals and community groups. The
the pandemic. The event began November 27 and “Lace up your walking shoes (or slip on your rain workshops involve making pop bottle tulips,
operates until January 31, 2022. Provincial health boots) and embark on the 1.2 km lake loop. New hosting an evening during Lights at Lafarge and
guidelines and protocols will be in place. The this year is a second walking loop that takes walkers helping install various light displays. The public
public will be attending the event as per usual. But —_ through the Inspiration Garden and by the new can email parkspark@coquitlam.ca for volunteering
this year, there will be two separate walking paths concession plaza in Town Centre Park.” opportunities and to obtain more information. More
for the public to adhere to. People interested in volunteering can jointhe — info about Lights at Lafarge can be found on the

The City of Coquitlam website is proud to Light Brigade. It is organized by the Park Spark Coquitlam city page.

team, who are leading workshops in November

Illustration by Athena Little

cc

If you are planning to attend these wonderful annual festivals
during the holiday season, it is best to dress warmly.

Sennen eee ees...