Nikka Yuka Japanese Gardens light up the sky in Lethbridge
You can either count lights all night or take our word for it; the Nikka Yuko Winter Lights Festival in Lethbridge, Alberta, has over 114,000 lights shimmering in the annual display. Bring the family or make it a date night to slowly stroll through the bright displays.
Sorry Santa, there are no glowing reindeer or candy cane lanes here. Keeping in touch with the natural beauty found during the summer, the winter light show highlights the trees, the bridges and the buildings. Just like the summer, the path meanders through the gardens, taking you deeper into the Japanese Gardens. Watch for the Romance Tree with it’s snow and ice theme. The lights are timed to make it look like the icicles are dripping. The crab apple trees are lit with perfect pink lights to make you almost wish spring was here with the blossoms. New this year is an enormous glowing Mount Fuji rising from a stand of Mugo pines. With the dark Henderson Lake in the background, Mount Fuji looks even bigger!
Stop in the 4 Seasons Home Comfort heating lounge or pick up a hot chocolate from the Sugar Shack to wrap your hands around while you walk.
During the Winter Lights Festival, you can take part in several Japanese holidays and special events, including The Emperor’s Birthday, Joya No Kane (New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing Ceremony), and sleigh rides, free with paid admission.
The Winter Lights Festival runs from Dec. 1-3, 8-9, 14-23, and 28-31, 2017; and select dates from Jan. 4 - Feb. 2, 2018. Please note that Nikka Yuko will be closed if the temperature drops below -25C.
For more information about the spectacular light show, read the FestivalSeekers feature story here.
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