For the past 10 years, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden’s Winter Light Festival has been a tradition for local families and visitors.
The festival celebrates 10 years of lights and friendship starting this Saturday until Feb. 28, and there’s plenty more in store.
Nikka Yuko transforms into a glowing dreamscape of lights, lanterns and warmth, as guests stroll through illuminated pathways and discover shimmering installations inspired by Japanese design.
Seasonal treats, cultural activities and unique gift shop treasures are available inside the Bunka Centre, as outdoor fire pits, photo spots and special programming on select nights make the festival a winter tourist attraction.
Marketing and Sales Manager Eric Granson says the tradition continues with the garden’s theme of celebrating the four seasons. “We’ve got the spring section, the summer, the fall and the winter section. They’re all colour-coded lights. This year, we have some extra features.”
According to Granson, the process of putting together the Winter Light Festival usually takes at least six weeks. “This year, we were about seven weeks. We’ve been lucky to have this warm weather to enable us to work around the clock. It’s a lot of work between all our collaborators. We’re all hands-on deck because we know this is a community-driven event.”
“We know how wonderful it is for the community to have those frozen memories. If we can contribute to making this enhanced in any way possible, that’s incredible because the community deserves it,” adds Granson.
Granson notes Nikka Yuko has many other activities and events scheduled throughout the winter months.
The festival, Granson says, is a brand-new experience every year. “And we enhance it every year.”
Check out Nikka Yuko’s website and social media platforms for a list of events.
“As well, we do a lot of giveaways on social media,” Granson adds. “And there are specialty coupons with discounted rates on them available throughout the city, so take a look at where those locations might be to save your family some money.”
Tickets for the Winter Light Festival can be purchased online at nikkayuko.com/event/winter-light-festival or at the Bunka Centre.
