Festival of Lights 2024

Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
November 29 — December 22
Doors open at 5PM, Last entry at 7PM

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!

THE DETAILS

We want everyone to have a chance to enjoy this enchanting nighttime event. Here are some measures we are taking to keep everyone safe and provide a more enjoyable stroll through the lights:

1. TIMED TICKETS – 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 to ensure availability. You can purchase tickets at the traditionally low rate of $10 per adult in advance. Please try to arrive as close to your chosen time as possible.

2. PAY MORE AT THE DOOR – We will be charging MORE AT THE DOOR to encourage everyone to arrive at prescheduled timeslots. This will help us to keep all of our guests and staff safe in the parking lot. Ticket prices will be $20 for adults at the door and are not guaranteed to be available. Please note that tickets will not be sold at the door on evenings when the event is at capacity.  

3. PARKING SHUTTLE – The parking lots will fill up. Please do not park on Highway 1, it is extremely dangerous! We are offering a free parking shuttle each night of the Festival of Lights. The shuttle will pick up from the Mendocino Community College parking lot at 1211 Del Mar Dr, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 beginning at 4:45 PM and take you directly to the Gardens' entrance. The last shuttle pick-up from the Mendo College lot will be at 6:45 PM.

4. DOGS NOT ALLOWED – 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. Clearly marked service animals are an exception to this rule.

EVENT TICKETS

Advance tickets are strongly recommended to ensure availability and to help us keep a good flow in the parking lot. You can purchase tickets in advance at the traditionally low rate of $10 per adult. To get tickets online, simply select the date and time you would like to see the lights and purchase tickets for each adult. Kids age 16 and younger attend for free; please use the "FOL Child Admission" option to indicate how many children will be in your group. You may also purchase advanced tickets at our gift shop any day of the week between 9AM and 4PM. 

GET TICKETS ONLINE

ADVANCED TICKET PRICE – Limited availability per time slot. Act now to secure tickets for the date and time you want!
$10...................Adults (ages 17 and older)        
FREE...............Children (ages 16 and younger)

DOOR PRICE  – Ticket cost will increase at the door. Tickets will not be sold at the door when the event is at capacity.
$20...................Adults (ages 17 and older)
FREE...............Children (ages 16 and younger)

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 RAP or ROAM Reciprocal 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.

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). 

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES
Partner with 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 114 or email events@gardenbythesea.org.