Luminaria 2024
The Essential Luminaria Returns this December
After a one-year hiatus and input from many repeat patrons, we’ve learned how much our guests care about Luminaria, and what they love the most about it. So, we’re bringing it back to the fundamentals.
In a return to Luminaria’s simple, natural roots, we’re unplugging (most) of the electric lights and celebrating the elemental – candlelight, starlight and firelight – during the darkest nights of the year.
You can slow down and share a moment of serenity with the people you love in a stroll along the candlelit pathways of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Warmed by fires and hot apple cider, take in the sounds of a capella singers, light a candle in memory of a loved one and mark the essence of the season in a ritual of peace and beauty.
We welcome you back to the feeling that’s inspired by nature’s embrace – at the essential Luminaria.
Three weekends only
To maintain a peaceful and unrushed atmosphere and to ensure adequate free parking at the Garden, we are offering a limited number of tickets. By comparison, in previous years we offered up to 30,000 tickets – this year we are limiting capacity to 8,100 guests over the course of nine evenings.
We anticipate that Luminaria will sell out quickly this year.
Dec. 13-15 | Dec. 20-22 | Dec. 27-29
5-10 p.m. Last entry at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets must be booked in advance.
GET TICKETS
Ticket sales start Nov. 5 for Garden Year-Round Members only (new and existing).
If any tickets remain after the Members-only Pre-sale, they will go on sale to the general public as early as Nov. 25.
Already a Year-Round Member? Fantastic! Check your inbox for an email with a link to book tickets.
Step One: Become a Garden Year-Round Member
Along with admission to the Garden in all four seasons, enjoy cost-saving benefits for a year from date of purchase. As a Year-Round Member, you get FREE Luminaria tickets for every person on your membership PLUS the option to purchase up to four more tickets at a reduced price.
Learn more about all the Year-Round Membership benefits here.
Are you a Summer Member and want to upgrade to a Year-Round Membership? Give us a call at 780-492-3267 or email uabg.info@ualberta.ca and we'll help you.
Step Two: Book Your Luminaria Tickets
Book your free Luminaria tickets to ensure your spot, PLUS purchase up to four more tickets at a reduced price. Don’t delay – because of limited spaces, we expect Luminaria to sell out.
Existing Year-Round Members - check your inbox for an email from us with a link to book tickets
New Year-Round Members - you will receive a link to book tickets with your Membership confirmation.
If any tickets remain after our Year-Round Member Pre-sale, they will be available to purchase as early as Nov. 25, 2024.
Luminaria Ticket Prices (after Nov. 24, 2024)
Adult: $25
Senior (65+): $20
Youth/Students: $20
Children 3-12: $12
Children 2 and under: free
The Garden is pleased to partner once again with the Spruce Grove Kinettes, who will be on-site during Luminaria accepting donations for their Christmas Hamper Program. They are accepting monetary donations, grocery store gift cards, and new, unwrapped gifts or gift cards for children 17 and under.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I ordered my Year-Round Membership and booked my Luminaria tickets. What happens now?
We will mail your Membership Package to you, or you can choose to pick it up when you come to Luminaria - we will get in touch after you register to confirm these details. On the night you are booked for Luminaria, simply show your Membership card and Luminaria ticket confirmation at the Gate. If you haven’t received your membership card yet, we will ask for your ID.
How can I get to Luminaria? What about parking?
The only way to get to the Garden is by vehicle. Parking is free.
Can I bring my dog?
Although we welcomed dogs this past summer, they are not permitted at the Luminaria event, in order to keep tails and paws safe from ground-level candles (and to keep the lovely white snow... not yellow). Certified service dogs are an exception.
What is the cancellation policy?
Tickets are non-refundable. You can transfer your tickets to another date up to 24 hours in advance if there is any availability.
It's supposed to be cold on the night of my ticket. Is the event still running?
Luminaria is an outdoor winter event. If the weather is cold, we recommend you dress warmly, enjoy a hot drink and warm up by a fire – embrace the season! If the event is running, there are no refunds for tickets.
However, if there is a severe weather warning issued by Environment Canada or the temperature drops below a certain threshold, the Garden may cancel the evening's activities. If we cancel the event, we will post information on our website, notify the ticket purchaser by email and refund tickets. Please check this website for the most current updates.
How much time should I allow to enjoy Luminaria?
Please plan to arrive within the entry time you have reserved. Once you arrive, you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish. We find that most people spend between one and 1.5 hours at Luminaria.
Is there anything to eat or drink?
Beverages and light packaged snacks will be available for purchase at the licensed “Candlelight Cafe”. Complimentary hot apple cider will also be available.
Is Luminaria wheelchair accessible?
Most areas of the event are accessible by paved and cleared pathways. However, Luminaria is subject to winter weather conditions, which might include freezing rain, compacted snow etc. Guests should be aware there are some areas with grades where assistance is recommended for wheelchairs. Loaner wheelchairs are available in limited quantities.
What should I wear?
Luminaria is an outdoor experience. To maximize your enjoyment, please dress for winter conditions. You'll be glad you wore your winter coat, mittens, hat and warm boots!
Can I use coupons or passes?
Coupons and regular admission passes are not eligible for the Luminaria event.
Can I take my wedding or engagement photos during Luminaria?
We are not able to accommodate any photo bookings during this special event.
Where is the Garden located? Are you on the U of A campus?
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is located in Parkland County, five kilometers north of Devon on Highway 60, approximately 15 minutes from SW Edmonton. We are not located on the U of A campus.
For more information, contact uabg.info@ualberta.ca or 780-492-3267.