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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. If you can secure your tickets early, your wallet will thank you, and you will step into the magic with ease. 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. 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).
