Happy holidays, friends! I absolutely love this time of year–Christmas lights, holiday events, wrapping presents, and overdosing on hot chocolate. It never gets old for me! This year, we kicked off the celebrations a bit earlier than usual with a trip to the GardenFest of Lights over Thanksgiving. Who-hoo!
If you haven’t heard of the GardenFest of Lights, it’s one of the premiere holiday attractions in Richmond, VA. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Dominion Energy host this spectacular event every year, and it’s been voted one of the best botanical garden light displays in America!
GardenFest of Lights has been on my list for a few years, but we never quite made it to Richmond. But this year, it finally happened, and I’m so excited to give you all a sneak peek!
What is GardenFest of Lights?
GardenFest of Lights is a holiday event where the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden gets completely decked out for the holidays! Guests can enjoy millions of lights, hot cocoa, and model trains while strolling through the beautiful gardens.
Each garden has different lights and displays, and you’ll never know what you may discover. For example, cute frogs and ducks displays, a squirrel made out of string lights on a tree, and even Mario and Pikachu! My favorite is the Conservatory, with its cute little gnome house and giant Christmas tree!
GardenGest is perfect for families or a fun date night because holiday lights and cocoa have no age limits! With that said, bundle up your little ones because it gets cold after dark.
GardenFest FAQs
- How much does it cost? Non-member tickets start at $17 for adults and $8 for kids. Garden members can attend for free on specified nights; other nights cost $10 per adult.
- Do I have to buy tickets in advance? Yes! This event sells out very quickly, and they only take online reservations. So book your tickets online ASAP if you’re interested. You’ll have to choose a reservation time and arrive within 30 minutes of your start time.
- Can I reschedule my visit? Unfortunately, basic tickets are non-refundable or changeable. However, if you have concerns about the date you have in mind, you can upgrade to a Flex Ticket for an additional $10 per ticket.
- How long does it take to see everything? You can make your visit as long or short as you like, but I recommend at least 90 minutes to walk through everything, including the model train room and conservatory. If you plan to take lots of pictures, plan for 2 hours.
- Is there food there? Yes! Guests can treat themselves to hot chocolate and s’mores at Espresso-a-Go-Go, grab-and-go at the Hingle Bar and Grill, or a sit-down meal at the Garden Cafe (reservation only).
- Where can I park? Lewis Ginter offers free on-site parking for GardenFest guests, but it does fill up quickly. I’d recommend arriving a bit early to secure a spot.
- What are the hours for GardenFest of Lights? The event runs daily from 4 pm to 10 pm until January 7th (excluding Dec. 24th and 25th).
A Sneak Peek at GardenFest of Lights 2023
GardenFest of Lights has so much to see! I don’t want to ruin the fun, so I will just share a quick look at each of the main zones in this year’s event.
Four Seasons Garden
Fountain Garden
Kelly Education Center
Conservatory
Asian Valley and Tea House Gardens
Grace Arents Garden
Children’s Garden
Lotus Bridge
Sydnor Lake
Louise Cochrane Rose Garden
Experience More with My Vlog!
Closing Thoughts on GardenFest of Lights 2023
Overall, we had a tremendous time going through the lights here! I really enjoyed each zone, although some were certainly more decked out than others. The Children’s Garden was exceptionally bright, with many character displays, archways, and other whimsical lights. I also loved the views across Sydnor Lake from the top of the treehouse–it was so beautiful!
We also swung through the gift shop before we left and had a great time perusing all their holiday-themed garden items, ornaments, and decorations.
If you’re spending any time in or around Richmond for the holidays, I’d recommend that you check it out!
You May Also Enjoy…
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is One of America’s Best
- Holiday Lights & Magic Await at the Million Bulb Walk!
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Wishing you a very merry Christmas season and many happy travels!
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