Christmas means Christmas lights. The evening comes in early at this time of year and the lights spread a glow that warms the heart, even while our breath is chilled to steam in the cold air. There are many light festivals and tree lighting at this time of year, but one of Vancouvers most well known and beloved is the Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens.

The Festival of Lights runs from November 30th to January 5 from 4 til 9.30 pm, and has an incredible array of lights in different themed zones. Areas like the Dancing Lights, which plays music and has a kind of light show every 30 mins, or the Lantern Alley, where each tree is filled with glowing lanterns. The strings of lights cover everything, it’s mindblowing the sheer number of globes and the creativity with literally drips off every limb and branch. Entry is also only $19, which is a total steal, and once you’re inside there’s plenty of food and drink at really smart points scattered around, and it’s reasonably priced too.

As well as lights, there’s Santa and Mrs Claus ready for a photo op, the Make A Wish Foundation wishing cabin where you can make a wish of your own, and a local makers market where you can pick up last minute gifts or keepsakes for yourself, and much more. I was really impressed with the level of forethought and organisation. But most of all, the lights really blew me away. They’re insanely pretty and fun. There are very limited tickets left, but take a look HERE if you want to try to snag one.

Style Notes:

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Two things you need if you’re going to be wandering around in the cold: a really toasty coat with a hood, and a good lip balm to protect your lips from cracking in the cold. My coat is from Laundry By Shelli Segal in the colour bone and retails for around $155 at Hudsons Bay HERE though they only have size Large left in stock. It’s got a fur trimmed hood that’s fleece lined, and the stiching means that the lines don’t make you look super bulky. Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter range is soft and nourishing and protects lips, but best of all has a pop of colour so that you can wear a balm and skip the lipstick. And the colour lasts too! Look into shade Acai Berry, it’s a soft wearable red that’s not too bold. They retail for about $10 at your local drug store (take a look at Shoppers Drug Mart HERE)

Thank you everyone for reading my blog and for your support, comments and more this year. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, if you celebrate it, and a truly wonderful New Year.