Blooming’ good job!

By Lethbridge Herald on October 22, 2025.

HERALD PHOTO BY JOE MANIO The 2025 Winter Light Festival at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden will have many displays like these large kokeshi dolls nestled beneath the cherry sakura (cherry blossom) trees near the garden entrance The garden is currently closed while preparations are underway for the 10th anniversary of the festival which opens to the public on November 29.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the 10th anniversary of the Winter Lights Festival just around the corner, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden received a rating of 5 Blooms – Bronze – and a special mention for the Winter Lights Festival at the 31st annual Communities in Bloom National and International Awards Ceremonies in Stratford, Ontario on Oct. 18.

The event recognizes the efforts of communities from Canada, Ireland, Italy, and Slovenia in community beautification. Nikka Yuko participated in the Special Attractions Evaluated category and also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for the WinterLife Award.

“The WinterLife Award is very important because it’s about having a festival through the winter months for our community,” says Nikka Yuko Executive Director Michelle Day-Miles. 

“And to do that, it embraces and it gives our community a better quality of life. So to be recognized on a national level for the work that we’re doing here, and to be also featured in the Municipal World Magazine, it gets Nikka Yuko elevated to that national level.”

This recognition for the Winter Lights Festival comes on the heels of the first-ever Yosakoi Festival in North America, which was hosted at Nikka Yuko in September. This historic international event brought together 14 dance teams from all over North America and Japan.

Since its inception in 2015, the annual Winter Lights Festival, which usually runs from the end of November and through the end of February has become an annual family event for both locals and visitors…a place to go with family and friends, and to bring out-of-town visitors. 

“It also excites the community, and I’m looking forward to the festival growing, and the importance of our community engaging and activating the Winter Light Festival, our community through the winter months, developing that Winter Light Festival products. And then in return, we’ll have a great visitor economy. We’ll get more money for our community,” says Day-Miles.

The Communities in Bloom program celebrates the collaborative efforts of municipalities, businesses, and volunteers in enhancing the beauty and livability of their communities. 

Evaluations are based on several key criteria, including Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape, and Plant & Floral Displays.

Over the summer, trained volunteer judges travelled to participating communities to evaluate the overall contributions of municipal council and departments; industry; businesses and the private sector–including volunteer efforts–regarding the following criteria:Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & Floral Displays.   

Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Larry Hall and Christine Isaac wrote about the festival:“Each year, the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden undergoes a spectacular transformation from a serene summer retreat into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Dedicated staff and volunteers carefully weave thousands of sparkling lights throughout the garden, accentuating its natural beauty and cultural features.”

“For many, the illuminated gardens have become a cherished holiday tradition—an experience of wonder and warmth where families and friends gather to marvel at the lights, sip seasonal beverages, and enjoy festive activities. 

“More than just a visual delight, the Winter Lights Festival offers a place to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories in the heart of winter.”

The garden is currently closed while crews set up displays and string-up lights for the Winter Lights Festival. Day-Miles says that for the 10th anniversary there will be many new additions both small and large; the details of which she is keeping a surprise for opening night.

“We’re a Canadian garden done in a Japanese style, but it is an authentic experience. The garden is going to radiate brightly for our 10th anniversary.” 

The Winter Lights Festival opens to the public on Nov. 29, and will run until February 28th. Tickets will go on sale approximately two weeks before opening.