FORT BRAGG, CA., 11/11/26 – ’Tis the season to be glowing. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is lighting up for its 16th annual Festival of Lights, running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20.
The coastal holiday event, held rain or shine, turns the gardens into a winter wonderland of handcrafted light displays created by gardens staff and volunteers along the pathways and landscapes.
Visitors, even those familiar with the expansive 47-acre site that extends to the bluffs above the Pacific, will experience the gardens in a new light, with colors and textures of the plants, towering trees and coastal scenery offering new perspectives after dark. Displays include ocean waves, lighted jungle settings and shooting stars, along with a special ocean-inspired installation from Art Explorers. Pro tip: Sundays will offer extra festivities and smaller crowds.
People can also browse for gifts at the Garden Store or warm up with seasonal drinks and sweet treats at the Friends of the Gardens’ Holiday Café.
The Festival of Lights is one of the gardens’ most important annual fundraisers, supporting horticulture, conservation, education and community programs throughout the year.
“Our staff, volunteers and supporters pour their creativity and heart into this event each year, bringing people together while helping care for the Gardens we all treasure,” Jaime Jensen, executive director of the gardens, said in a press release. “Every visit makes a difference far beyond the holiday season.”
Doors open at 5 p.m., with the last entry at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $16 for adults ages 17 and older. At the door, adult tickets are $26. Tickets are $11 for those in the Museums for All program, available in person with an EBT or WIC card.
Children ages 16 and under may attend for free, with complimentary and discounted tickets also available to eligible adults, thanks to the event’s community sponsors. This year’s presenting sponsor is Sonoma Clean Power, which is also hosting a Community Night from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13.
Tickets are available now online at gardenbythesea.org/FOL or at the Garden Store, open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People are encouraged to buy ahead to secure their preferred evening. Tickets will not be sold at the door once the event is at capacity.
Parking at the gardens is free but limited. A free parking shuttle will run nightly from Mendocino College, 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg, with pickups from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.