FAQs for Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Planning Your Visit: Tips, Parking, Food & More
GardenFest Ticketing & Entry FAQs
DO I NEED A TICKET IN ADVANCE?
Yes, all Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights tickets are online ONLY (no walk-ups). When you purchase a ticket, you choose the date and an arrival time. Children under age 3 do not need a ticket. Garden members must reserve their tickets, too.
WHAT DOES THE TIME ON MY TICKET MEAN?
The time on your ticket is your arrival time. Arrive at the time on your ticket or up to 30 minutes after that time. Example: if your ticket says 4 p.m., arrival time is between 4-4:30 p.m.
IS THERE A GATHERING PLACE WHERE I CAN MEET MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS?
The time on your ticket is your arrival time. Arrive at the time on your ticket or up to 30 minutes after that time. Example: if your ticket says 4 p.m., arrival time is between 4-4:30 p.m.
IS THERE A GATHERING PLACE WHERE I CAN MEET MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS?
Carpooling is always strongly encouraged. There is not a designated “meet-up” area this year and the inside of the Visitors Center does not have space for meet-ups.
HOW CAN I EXPEDITE MY ENTRY TO GARDENFEST?
Help us be quick! If you can, please print your ticket and bring it with you. This will make it easier for us to collect and scan. (If you prefer, have your ticket QR code showing on your smartphone ready for scanning.)
I BOUGHT A FLEX TICKET. HOW CAN I TRANSFER MY TICKET
For questions about our new FLEX ticket or to transfer your FLEX ticket reservation please email [email protected]
• Same day ticket transfers will only be completed up to 4 p.m.
• All other ticket transfers will be completed within 24 hours
• Guests will not be refunded the difference if they select a lower-priced ticket
• Guests switching from a VALUE/BONUS night to a PEAK night will be required to pay the difference for upgrading to a FLEX PEAK ticket. (ie: Guests cannot switch from a FLEX VALUE/BONUS NIGHT ADULT ticket to a PEAK GENERAL ADULT ticket.)
CAN I GET A REFUND?
Proceeds benefit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. There are no refunds. This is a rain-or-shine event. Garden member tickets are non-transferable to non-members.
DO YOU HAVE A WILL CALL FOR TICKETS?
There is no will call this year. Meet your group in the Pedestrian Plaza before entry and be sure to forward tickets to anyone in your party who may be arriving separately.
Hours FAQs
ARE YOU OPEN ON THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTMAS EVE? WHAT ABOUT NEW YEAR'S EVE AND NEW YEAR'S DAY?
- GardenFest and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 24), December 24 & 25.
- GardenFest is open 4 – 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
WHAT IF IT'S RAINING OR SNOWING?
- GardenFest is rain or shine and is canceled only in cases of extreme inclement weather. Any closure notices will be posted to the Garden’s homepage and on social media. We do not close if it is simply raining.
- Only FLEX ticket can be transferred to another date. Restrictions apply.
Planning Your Visit FAQs
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE THE LIGHTS?
We advise guests to 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!”
DO YOU HAVE WHEELCHAIRS & STROLLERS FOR US TO BORROW?
- We have loaner wheelchairs and strollers for members and guests. They are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- You may also want to read more about the Garden’s accessibility.
IS THERE A MAP?
Yes, you can view a digital copy of the GardenFest Map (JPG) here.
DO YOU WALK OR DRIVE THROUGH THE LIGHTS?
GardenFest is a walk-through show. We encourage guests to dress accordingly in good footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
ANY TIPS FOR VISITING WITH CHILDREN?
GardenFest 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. Since the show is outdoors, it’s also a good idea to dress children according to the weather.
Come early! Arrive early and explore the Garden in twilight when it’s less busy, then watch as the sun goes down and the magic happens. Timed tickets start at 4 p.m. Hot drinks are available for purchase in the Children’s Garden.
WHERE IS THE MAZE?
Check back for details on the maze.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Leashed dogs are allowed on these select Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights nights: Monday, Nov. 20, 2023; Monday, Nov. 27, 2023; and Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. Please read our rules and guidelines for visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with dogs.
I'D LIKE TO COME WHEN IT'S LESS BUSY. WHEN ARE YOUR SLOWEST NIGHTS?
The busiest nights tend to be weekends and the week prior to Dec. 25. If you want to come when there are fewer people we would suggest purchasing tickets on a rainy evening or for a time slot at 8:30 p.m.
Food FAQs
WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS AVAILABLE AT GARDENFEST?
Look for fast-casual dining in the Jingle Bar and Grill (location: Tea House) well as drinks and snacks. The Restaurant in the Garden (location: Garden Cafe) has holiday dinners by reservation. In the Children’s Garden, Espresso-A-Go-Go sells hot drinks and cookies.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD IN?
Outside food may not be brought into the event. Feel free to bring your water bottle. We have water bottle refilling stations.
HOW CAN I ROAST S'MORES?
Hot cocoa and s’mores kits can be purchased from Espresso A-Go-Go in the Children’s Garden. We have sticks so you can roast s’mores in the Kelleher Warming fire in the Children’s Garden.
WILL YOU HAVE A WARMING FIRE THIS YEAR?
The Kelleher Warming Fire is back this year! Take a break for some hot cocoa and s’mores (for purchase) around the fire in the Children’s Garden.
WHAT ABOUT WATER?
It’s good to stay hydrated. You may want to bring water to drink (we have a touchless water bottle refilling station). Also, bottled water is for sale in the Garden Shop.
HOW TO FIND
THE GARDEN
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue in Richmond, Virginia (23228). If you are using GPS, you may want to use “Henrico” instead of “Richmond.” We’re on the corner of Lakeside Avenue and Hilliard Road in Henrico County. The Garden entrance is off of Lakeside Avenue. Map.
GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS
FACTSHEET
Wonder what’s involved in putting one of the biggest Richmond holiday traditions? Here are GardenFest facts that you won’t believe!