Festival of Lights

Our annual holiday fundraiser
Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
November 27 — December 20, 2026

The 16th annual Festival of Lights dazzles every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 27 through December 20, rain or shine, at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. As one of the Gardens' most important annual fundraisers, this sparkling celebration helps support the care, conservation, and beauty of this beloved coastal landscape. Your visit truly makes a difference, even before the first twinkle catches your eye.

This 100% original, handmade light show features imaginative displays crafted by MCBG staff and volunteers. Wander through scenes sparkling with ocean waves, lighted jungle settings, shooting stars, playful jumping dogs, and a flock of flamingos. Each display is designed to enchant visitors of all ages. A treasured holiday tradition and community celebration, the Festival proudly partners with the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund and other local nonprofits to help ensure everyone can experience the magic.

Bundle up, stroll the lighted pathways, and enjoy knowing that every bright moment supports the Gardens at the Festival of Lights.

Event Tickets

Advance tickets are strongly recommended and will go on sale in the fall of 2026. Purchasing your tickets early is a win for everyone—it guarantees your spot and helps us ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience for all.

Sponsorship 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.

Event Guidelines

Dress for winter weather, the event will run rain or shine, but may be canceled due to unsafe extreme wind.
The Gardens, store, and nursery will close for daytime visitors at 4:00 PM. Doors will open for the event at 5:00 PM.
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 may not be resold through unofficial sites or third parties. To make sure your entry is valid, please purchase tickets directly from the Gardens.
Parking is free, but limited, plan to carpool or take the FREE Festival 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.
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 (service animals excluded) at home or arrange for doggy daycare.
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).

Our Wonderful 2025 Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make the Festival of Lights possible! Their support keeps ticket prices low, covers the rising costs of producing this beloved holiday tradition, and helps us invest in essential projects like multi-year electrical upgrades. Thanks to our sponsors, more than 8,000 people each year—kids, families, neighbors, and visitors—get to share in the magic of the season at the Gardens.