Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Dates for the next GardenFest are Monday, November 20, 2023-Sunday, January 7, 2024. (Member Preview Weekend is Nov. 17-19, 2023.) Please note the information on this page reflect last year’s information and will be updated as we refine plans for the upcoming season.
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Advance tickets are REQUIRED and are available online only (no walk-ups). Tickets are limited and have timed arrivals. Popular times sell out quickly. A favorite tradition featuring lights, decorations, model trains, dinners, hot chocolate (for purchase) & more!
Garden Members, the remaining nights are free for you; however, you MUST reserve your place in advance through our ticketing system. Consider joining as a Garden member for greater availability.
GardenFest Tickets
Children under age 3 do not need a ticket.
Advance tickets are REQUIRED and are available online only (no walk-ups). Tickets are limited and have timed arrivals. Popular times sell out quickly. For pricing info click through to the type of ticket you want.
Las entradas están disponibles en línea SOLAMENTE (no se venderán en ventanilla) Cada 30 minutos tiene un límite de entradas disponibles.
Language Translation: Please note the drop-down menu at the bottom right of our website pages offering translations into different languages.
Lights & Displays
Part of the magic of winter nights is how a twinkle of light can transform the darkness. Light up your nights this holiday season with a visit to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Theme for 2023: Rhythms of Nature
How often do we stop to notice the sounds around us? Our world vibrates with sound—a breeze through the trees, the splash of rain, the song of birds. What sounds heal us? What sounds make us feel at peace? What sounds connect us with nature? If we take a moment to tune in to our surroundings, we can experience sound in many forms and feel these natural vibrations that surround us. Enjoy the Garden a glow as you experience nature and the rhythmic seasons of life that connect us all.
- Millions of lights line garden paths and twinkle in trees under the night sky. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a walk-through experience designed so you and your loved ones and friends can relax, have fun and make special memories in a magical outdoor setting.
FAMILIAR FAVORITES RETURN
- A cut, live tree in the Conservatory. Decked out in a botanical theme, this tree promises to be a favorite photo opportunity.
- Model trains return to the Kelly Education Center nightly 4-9:30 p.m.
- Trees decorated by Henrico County Public Schools students brighten the Lora Robins Library; botanical decorations also grace the cozy Library Reading Room.
- The Kelleher Warming Fire in the Children’s Garden is a great spot to warm up, drink hot chocolate, and roast s’mores (available for purchase at the nearby Carriage House).
Special Nights
FREE NIGHTS FOR MEMBERS: Nov. 17-19 and Jan. 1-7
GARDENFEST FOR FIDOS:
Monday, Nov. 20
Monday, Nov. 27
Monday, Dec. 4
PERFORMANCES: On select Tuesday Nights
GardenFest Map
Click on the GardenFest Map image (JPG) above to view or download it in a higher resoultion.
Food & Drink
The Restaurant at Lewis Ginter (Garden Cafe) has sit-down dining; the Jingle Bar and Grill (Tea House) has grab and go casual fare and a bar.
The Restaurant at Lewis Ginter (location: Garden Cafe)
Make your GardenFest visit extra special with a festive holiday dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.
Jingle Bar & Grill (location: Tea House)
Your “go-to” for food and drink at GardenFest.
On Select Nights: Jingle Bar (location: Cochrane Rose Garden)
Espresso-A-Go-Go: (location: Children’s Garden Carriage House)
Nightly
For More Dining Experiences including Holiday Rentals, please visit Holiday Events and Private Parties.
Shopping
The Garden Shop in the Visitors Center is known for its outstanding, high-quality merchandise. A great place for all your gift-giving needs!
Know Before You Go
These GardenFest FAQs provide helpful info and tips for planning your visit, parking and more. Carpool if you can!
Thank You to Our Title Sponsor
Thank You to Our Other Sponsors
Become a Member for the Best Value
Enjoy free admission on Member Nights! Receive special discounted pricing on all other nights.