GardenFest of Lights

TIPS FOR VISITING GARDENFEST


HOW TO FIND THE GARDEN
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue in Richmond, Virginia (23228). We’re on the corner of Lakeside Avenue and Hilliard Road in Henrico County. This year, there is a lighted form of a holiday tree on the corner and two huge butterflies flank the entrance gate on Lakeside Avenue. More about hours, admission and directions.

DO YOU WALK OR DRIVE THROUGH THE LIGHTS?
GardenFest is a walk-through show. We encourage guests to dress accordingly with good footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. We do have wheelchairs and strollers but they are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THE LIGHTS?
Depends on how much you want to see! We advise guests allow AT LEAST an hour for their GardenFest visit (this would mean arriving by 9 p.m. since GardenFest ends at 10 p.m.). For those who don’t want a lot of walking, there is much to see in the Central Garden (between the Visitors Center and Conservatory); however, there are many lights along the Garden’s pathways and in the Children's Garden for those who want to "experience it all!".

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
Again, it depends on your preferences. The number of visitors increases as we get closer to Dec. 25, especially once local schools get out (Dec. 18). As you’d imagine, visitation is usually greater on the weekends and is also highly weather dependent. (Please remember we are closed Dec. 24 & 25.) GardenFest of Lights runs til Jan. 11.
You may arrive as early as 4 p.m. for your GardenFest visit. There is much to see and do before dark (Garden Shop, Conservatory, Library, Children's Garden) and early arrival also means you can experience the "magical time" when the skies darken and the lights begin to shine.

WHAT ABOUT PARKING?
Parking is free and available on-site. However, as mentioned above, the number of visitors increases as the season progresses. We do not have unlimited parking and sometimes there may be a wait for a parking space. If you see a long line at the intersection of Lakeside and Hilliard, you may want to allow 30 minutes or so and come back. We post signs saying "30 Minute Wait for Parking" to let people know the lots are full.
There is some parking available in nearby neighborhoods; however, this parking is at your own risk. Having a flashlight handy is recommended.
If you are meeting people at the Garden, please be aware that on busy nights there can be a lot of people in the Visitors Center; you may want to carpool or have a plan ahead of time about meeting up.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS AVAILABLE AT GARDENFEST?
The Garden Cafe offers casual dining (including a kid-friendly menu) as well as drinks and snacks. The Tea House has holiday dinners during GardenFest (reservations are highly recommended). In the Children's Garden, Espresso-A-Go-Go sells hot drinks, cookies and s'mores (s'more kits are $3 and make 2 s'mores). Espresso-A-Go-Go accepts cash and checks.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
We only close GardenFest in cases of extreme inclement weather and notices will be posted on our website and phone message system. We do not close if it is simply raining. If guests would like a break from the elements, we do have indoor displays in the Education and Library Complex and Conservatory.

WHAT'S HELPFUL TO KNOW IF I AM BRINGING CHILDREN?

  • GardenFest of Lights is a family-friendly event! If you are bringing small children, please note there is walking involved, so you may want to bring a stroller. We do have a limited number of strollers available, but they are on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Since much of the show is outdoors, it's also a good idea to dress children according to the weather.
  • Come early! You can arrive as early as 4 p.m. and there is much to see and do before dark.
  • There is a kid-friendly menu in the Garden Cafe.
  • Children especially enjoy the train displays -- we have two! -- one in fhe Education and Library Complex and one in the Conservatory. In the hallway of the Education and Library Complex we have chalkboards for children to draw on and in the Conservatory is also a delightful display inspired by the Little Miss Spider children's book series.
  • The Children's Garden is a must with a bonfire, two mazes of lights, and a wheelchair accessible Tree House 13 feet off the ground! Hot drinks, cookies, s'more and more are available for purchase in the Children's Garden.
  • There are also some special events geared for families and children at GardenFest

WHY IS THERE A CAR AS PART OF THE DISPLAY?
The Garden is raffling off a brand-new silver Subaru Impreza! Raffle tickets are only $10 and chances of winning are greater than or equal to 1 in 5,000. The car is compliments of Subaru of Richmond in celebration of the Garden’s 25th year; proceeds support the Garden’s educational mission. (Drawing will be on December 31 at 4:30 p.m. as part of the Garden’s New Year’s Eve Family Frolic Event. Participants need not be present to win.) Buy your tickets when you come to GardenFest or find out more about the raffle including how you can also purchase tickets by mail.

WHY DO YOU CHARGE ADMISSION? ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE?
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a non-profit organization focused on public education. We're not in the money-making business, but we must have income in order to continue operating. This income comes through areas such as admission, membership, Garden Shop sales, facility rentals and fundraising. We must earn 70% of our income (only 30% comes from endowment) so we have to work hard in order to be operational. While we are grateful for the funding received through sponsorships and grants, these amounts are not enough to cover expenses. Also, we do not rely on government funding to operate.
The Garden's "reason for being" is to help make this world a better place by educating people (including thousands of schoolchildren each year) about the importance of plants and the natural world in our lives. GardenFest of Lights is a wonderful event, but it is only a part of what we do. We hope those visiting for GardenFest will come back throughout the year and experience the wonder of the Garden at other times. If you do plan more than one visit to the Garden this year, you may want to consider Garden Membership as it can be more cost effective.

COUPONS AND DISCOUNTS

Ukrop's: Visitors can receive $1 off one ticket (any category including membership) when presenting a Ukrop's Valued Customer card.

Richmond Times-Dispatch Press Passes: Look for Press Pass coupons in the Richmond Times-Dispatch's Weekend Section with a "buy one, get one free" GardenFest ticket offer.
Running: Thursday, Jan. 7; Valid: Sunday, January 10 (Sunday).

*Since GardenFest of Lights is considered a separate "ticketed" event, discounts such as AAA and the Entertainment Book do not apply.

Tickets for Need-Based Organizations
The Garden has some tickets available for need-based organizations. Please be aware this is a limited number and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify, an organization must submit a request in writing on letterhead and fax to (804) 553-3178. Requests must be received at least five business days before the planned visit. The Garden reserves the right to turn down requests based on the availability of tickets.