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ADJUSTED HOURS MARCH 28!
We will be closing the Gardens for staff training the afternoon of Thursday, March 28. The Gardens, gift shop, and Nursery will be open from 9AM to 12PM.

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Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 47 acres of botanical bliss fronting the Pacific Ocean

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Festival of Lights 2023

Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
November 24 — December 17
Doors open at 5PM, last entry is at 7PM

The 13th annual Festival of Lights will happen rain or shine every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 24 through December 17 at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This unique light show is 100% original and lovingly handmade. This year will include an exciting new route, new displays created by MCBG staff and volunteers, and more dazzling backdrops for your family photos. Our gift shop will be open and there will be hot cocoa, apple cider, and sweets available at the FOG Holiday Cafe (cash and Venmo). Santa Claus will be available for photos and wish lists on November 26, December 3, and December 10. We are bringing back the Festival Shuttle to help accommodate more guests at this beloved event (details below). Bundle up and enjoy the imaginative displays, sweet treats, and holiday fun during this year's Festival of Lights!

 

GET TICKETS

$10            Adults (ages 17 and older)
FREE        Children (ages 16 and younger)

 

What a popular event! For the final weekend, we are using timed ticketing to help with limited parking. Timed entry tickets are available at 5PM, 6PM, 6:30PM, and 7PM. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended and may be purchased at our gift shop or online. Simply select the date and time you would like to see the lights and purchase a ticket. Please try to arrive as close to your chosen time as possible. There is no time limit for your visit and you are welcome to circle the loop to your heart's content. 

Please note, all tickets are non-refundable but dates and times can be changed based on availability. General admission guest passes are not valid for entry to Festival of Lights, event tickets must be purchased by all guests, members of the Gardens, and AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program Members.

All proceeds from this fundraiser event help to support this community event and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. We are constantly working to improve this beloved event while keeping the same low ticket prices. If you feel like giving a little extra this holiday season, our nonprofit sure could use your support, DONATE HERE, or along with your online ticket purchase.

 

FESTIVAL SHUTTLE

Avoid the parking lot hustle and bustle... The FREE parking shuttle will be available each night of the Festival of Lights. The shuttle will pick up from the Swithenbank Construction parking lot just north of the Gardens at 18631 Highway 1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 beginning at 4:45 PM and take you directly to the Gardens' entrance. The last shuttle pick-up from the Swithenbank lot will be at 6:45 PM.

 

EVENT GUIDELINES

Dress for winter weather, the event will run rain or shine, but may be canceled due to unsafe extreme wind. Parking is free, but limited, please plan to carpool or take the FREE Festival Parking Shuttle (see details above). Electric mobility scooters will not be available for rent during this event. Wheelchairs are available for guests with mobility issues. Dogs are not allowed at the Festival of Lights. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is well-known for its pet-friendly nature. However, during this special event, we ask that you please keep your pets (service animals excluded) at home or arrange for doggy daycare. No outside food or beverages. No smoking anywhere in the Gardens. Please stay on the lighted pathways. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If you are sick, please stay home.

Special event photography: Festival of Lights is an event where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use in promotion of Festival of Lights and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG). 

 

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

Partner with us at the Gardens this holiday season, where beautiful blooms and crashing waves combine with good cheer and dazzling lights for an unforgettable experience. Festival of Lights at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is enjoyed by more than 9,000 community members and travelers each holiday season. For more information or to discuss designing a specific sponsorship package, please contact our Administrative Offices at 707.964.4352 ext 10 or email events@gardenbythesea.org.

Overview

Start Date: Friday, November 24, 2023

End Date: Sunday, December 17, 2023