Season’s Eat-ings at the VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights

By Ashley Lockyer

‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, freshly made goodies, and jingles you love for just a few weeks of the year. One dazzling Vancouver tradition is a visit to the famous VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights. Millions of brilliant bulbs decorate this winter wonderland and there are plenty of mitten-friendly snacks to keep your spirits just as bright.

Bring your friends and family together for tasty treats and watch wide-eyed as magical holiday memories unfold.

Holidays warm your heart while classic hot cocoa warms your hands. Dress up your cup with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. (From Cin City Donuts.)

While you sip your cocoa, marvel at the giant Wonder Tree strewn with over 2,700 lights.

Montreal smoked meat is a national classic. Enjoy it on a sandwich with tangy dill pickles, or double up the Canadian flavour and add it to a poutine. (From The Potato Tornado.)

Warning: You may be inspired to up your home’s holiday lighting ante.

The scent of crunchy, hot, so-fresh-you-watched-them-made mini donuts warms the air. (From Cin City Donuts.)

Get your red and green fix with pesto, olives, and roasted red peppers. Grab a slice of cheesy holiday cheer in the form of wood-fired pizzas. (From Community Pizzeria.)

The VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights is beaming with everything you love about the season. You can see what fun it is to ride and sing on a carousel ride at night (for ages young to shameless). Or, watch lights dance over Livingstone Lake set to your favourite festive tunes. You’ll also get a chance to exchange holiday puns with the mischievous Scandinavian elves.

All this while you indulge in enough cozy comfort food to keep you warm all winter.