Festival of Lights

About the Event

The 14th annual Festival of Lights will happen rain or shine every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 29 through December 22 at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

This unique light show is 100% original and lovingly handmade with unique displays created by MCBG staff and volunteers. 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 will be strolling the lighted paths each Sunday, so bring your family for a dazzling photo op with Ol' Saint Nick. The Festival Shuttle will 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!

Event Guidelines

Dress for winter weather, the event will run rain or shine, but may be canceled due to unsafe extreme wind. The Gardens, the gift shop, and the nursery will close for daytime visitors at 4PM. Doors will open for the event at 5PM. Regular Gardens admission is not available during the event and daytime admission does not include event admission. Special event tickets must be purchased by all guests, members of the Gardens, and AHS or ROAM Reciprocal Program Members. Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to use your ticket, please consider your purchase a donation to Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID number 94-280086. Parking is free, but limited, plan to carpool or take the free Festival Parking Shuttle (see details above). Please do not park along the highway; it is extremely dangerous! Electric mobility scooters will not be available for rent during this event. Wheelchairs are available for guests with mobility issues and you are welcome to bring your own mobility cart/wheelchair for the event. 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 at home or arrange for doggy daycare. Only service animals (dogs), as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed.  No outside food or beverages.  No alcohol or 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).

We want to hear from you if you have an event to share or updates to this event.