The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden are ready to light up those long winter nights with the sixth annual Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Winter Lights Festival and simultaneously show off the new Bunka Centre set to open Nov. 26 with the festival.
There are approximately 170,000 lights all over the Nikka Japanese Garden, reflecting the theme of Kamakura.
“It means igloo in Japanese,” said Nikka Yuko Marketing and Events Manager Melanie Berdusco, noting there are five mini igloos that kids can crawl into.
“Igloos bring people together,” Berdusco continued.
Last year nearly 20,000 visitors enjoyed the Winter lights festival in two months despite Covid 19 restrictions.
The Nikka Yuko just received a $90,000 grant from Travel Alberta to build an adult sized igloo featuring 360 projection system which will be constructed by January.
Weather permitting, there will also be ice sculptures at Nikka Yuko.
Tickets will be sold online for specific times with a limit of 150 people per half hour.
Proof of vaccination will not be required to see the Winter Lights Festival, but will be required for entry into the Bunka Centre.
Last year the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens welcomed nearly 20,000 people throughout the run of the Winter Lights Festival.
“We’re really pleased to add a little light to the season,” Berdusco said.
Admission is $12.50 adults, $9 Yuki and Hana Students age 12-16 and Komodo Children age 6-12.
Guests can purchase tickets for the Winter Lights Festival at www.nikkayuko.com/tickets.
— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
