Festival of Lights

The 15th annual Festival of Lights dazzles every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 28 through December 21, 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.

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This 100 percent 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.

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The FOG Holiday Cafe will be open with hot cocoa, apple cider, and sweet treats (cash and Venmo accepted). Santa will also be waiting each Sunday (11/30, 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21) in the cozy and cheerful canopy for a festive photo to remember.

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Dazzle & Dance Sundays

Join us for a little extra cheer on December 7 and 14, featuring face painting, a lively dance zone, photos with Santa, warm drinks, sweet treats, and delicious fry bread tacos from Turtle Island Tacos. It is a recipe for joy, and we fully encourage second helpings.

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

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Event Tickets

Advance tickets are strongly recommended. Timed entry options include 5 PM, 6 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7 PM. Adult tickets are $16.48 when purchased in advance online or at the Gardens. Guests using EBT or WIC may present their card at the Store ahead of time to receive the Museums for All rate of $11.00 per adult. At-the-door prices increase to $26.78 for all adults. Children ages 16 and under enjoy free admission every night.

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Purchasing your tickets early is a win for everyone—it guarantees your spot and helps us ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience for all.​ To get advance tickets online, simply select your preferred date and time and purchase one ticket per adult. You may also buy advance tickets in person at The Garden Store, open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.

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Ticket rates:

Advanced Ticket Prices — Limited availability per time slot. Act now to secure tickets for the date and time you want!
Adults ages 17 and older — $16.48  ($15.00 price + $1.48 service fee)
Museums for All  — $11.00  ($10.00 price + $1.00 service fee) in-person advanced purchase only; present EBT or WIC card
Children ages 16 and younger — FREE

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Door Price — Ticket cost will increase at the door and will not be sold when the event is at capacity.
Adults ages 17 and older — $26.78 ($25.00 price + $1.78 service fee)
Children ages 16 and younger — FREE

 

​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 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 ticket prices low. 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.​​

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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 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 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). ​