GardenFest of Lights: Voted Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the US!

GardenFest of Lights is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and it's first holiday season as the winner of Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the US (as voted by USA Today)!

This self-guided, illuminated experience fills Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia with more than a million lights! This walk-through experience has glowing displays, Christmas trees and Jingle Bar & Grill! While it’s mostly outside, you can warm up inside watching model trains, in the conservatory with the prettiest Christmas tree or by the fire with s’mores. The garden is ADA accessible, and it’s a beautiful multigenerational event!

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What's new for the 2024 event?

This year's theme is Homes & Habitats. You will find millions of lights decorating the garden that celebrate the beauty of nature, starting with the illuminated flowers lining the parking lot. The light displays showcase the wetlands near the Tea House, forest around the Conservatory, savannah near The Rose Garden, and you'll even find illuminations celebrating the world of fantasy in The Children's Garden!

In the Children's Garden, you will also find a pink illuminated path up to the treehouse. My children think this is the best spot in the entire garden to see the lights! The splash park also has an interactive light experience - jumping on the mats controls the lights on the splash park. Children can hop from mat to mat, causing the lights to change around them!

You will also find Lewis Ginter's beautiful Christmas tree in front of the Conservatory this year instead of inside. It looks as beautiful as always!

While you're on your self-guided tour, you can also look for Pokemon light forms in each habitat. Ponyta, Ivysaur, and many others are waiting for you and your family to find them!

Where is GardenFest of Lights?

GardenFest of Lights is at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside.

The address is: 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23228

When is GardenFest of Lights?

This special event is open to the public between November 18, 2024 and January 5, 2025.

The Member Preview Weekend is November 15 through 17. During these dates, only members can visit. This is a free weekend for members too.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets cost between $12-$17 for youth (3-18) and $22-$25 for adults (18+). Members receive a $2 discount on tickets. You can purchase your tickets here.

Museums for All Non-Member Adult or SNAP/EBT Recipients cost $1 for adults, and all children under 18 receive free admission.

Advance tickets are required. There are no walk-up tickets available, and weekend tickets usually sell out.

If you have a membership, the FREE NIGHTS FOR MEMBERS are on November 15-17, and from December 30 to January 5.

Is this event stroller friendly?

Yes! Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is completely ADA accessible and stroller friendly. The paths are paved or have an aggregate surface. Please note that some of the pathways are dark.

*Check here to learn more about visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with kids.

When is GardenFest for Fidos?

There are 5 special nights during GardenFest that are pet-friendly. On these select nights, pets are welcome on a leash.

1. Monday, November 18

2. Monday, November 25

3. Monday, December 2

4. Monday, December 9

5. Monday, December 16

When are the special performances at GardenFest?

Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 7-6pm -- Pungmulnori Korean Festive Performance on The Main Garden Walk

Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 6:30-8pm -- The Nutcracker performed by The Concert Ballet of Virginia in The Rose Garden

Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6:30-8:30pm -- SPARC’s Touring Ensemble will be caroling around the Garden in The Rose Garden

Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 6-8pm -- Hanover High School in The Rose Garden

Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 6-8pm -- Henrico High School in The Rose Garden

More Things to know about Garden Fest of Lights at Lewis Ginter:

1. This event is from November 18-January 5, 2025.

2. Tickets range from $12 to $25 depending on the type of ticket & night.

3. Children under 3 don’t need a ticket.

4. Museums for All price is $1 for adults & under 18 are FREE.

5. Fridays & Saturdays are the most popular. Attend on weeknights or arrive after 8pm for a smaller crowd.

6. You will probably spend around 2 hours at the event.

7. The garden trails are about 2 miles, but you can always cut it shorter.

8. Dinner, drinks & treats are available for purchase. Prices are $2-$6. We usually purchase the hot chocolate for $5 and s'mores kits for $5. My kids love roasting marshmellows by the fire pits!

9. The Warming Fire is in the Children’s Garden - this is where you can roast s’mores.

10. Bring your stroller for little kids! Strollers & wheelchairs are also available to borrow for FREE!

11. Dress comfortably & for the weather.

12. There are multiple bathrooms around the property.

13. If you have an early time slot, visit the trains in the Kelly Education Center & the tree in the conservatory first. There won’t be a crowd & then the sun will be setting once you start exploring outside.

Looking for more festive fun? You can find 25+ free and festive activities on my RVA Christmas Bucket List!

Ready to get your kiddo's picture with Santa? Check out this guide for where to find Santa around Richmond.

For more things to do with kids around Richmond, follow @thewestendmom on Instagram!