GardenFest of Lights: A Million Lights in Richmond!

GardenFest of Lights is celebrating its 42nd anniversary, and it's second holiday season as the winner of Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the US (USA Today in 2023 and 2024)!

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 or by the fire in the Rose Garden with s’mores. The garden is ADA accessible, and it’s a beautiful multigenerational event!

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What's new for the 2025 event?

This year's theme is The Elements. You will find millions of lights decorating the garden with displays inspired by fire, earth, air, water and, a special "5th element," love. This theme is definitely the easiest theme for children to understand and explain!

Our favorite areas of the garden this year are the pathways around the Japanese Tea House and The Children's Garden.

The pathways around the Japanese Tea House have oversized, glowing flowers and plants around it. These lights reflect off the pond, making a beautifully illuminated space.

The Children's Garden takes "under water." This space is filled with white and blue lights around the play houses, the garden, and the path up to the treehouse. My children also think this is the best spot in the entire garden to see the lights! The splash park has jellyfish and mermaids, and the tree house has a waterfall coming down from it.

The Rose Garden represents fire, so you'll see the famous Cherry Blossom trees lit up like fire flames, a glowing dragon blowing fire, and the smore's pit and warming stations have also been moved to this area.

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!

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 17, 2025 and January 4, 2026.

The Member Preview Weekend is November 14 through 16, 2025. 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 14-16, and from January 2 to January 4, 2026.

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 17

2. Monday, November  24

3. Monday, December  1

4. Monday, December  8

5. Monday, December 15

*There are also nights for Adults Only. These 18+ events are on November 20 and November 21, 2025.

When are the special performances at GardenFest?

Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 6-8pm -- The Nutcracker, performed by the Concert Ballet of Virginia

Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 6:00-8:00pm -- Jazz Duo (Lucy Kilpatrick on keys and Ken Kellner on bass); performance will be in the Tea House

Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 6:30-7:00pm -- SPARC Touring Ensemble

Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 7-7:45pm -- Voices in Peace

Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 6-8pm -- Greater Richmond Chorus

Tuesday, Dec. 16 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 17-January 4, 2026.

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 free ways to celebrate the holidays around Richmond? You can find 20+ free and festive activities on this guide!

If you're looking for more Christmas fun, check out my guide to finding Santa in Richmond, 2025

If you're looking for can't miss Christmas performances, check out my guide on Holiday Magic on Stage in Richmond!

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