Botanic Gardens Lights: Top 10 Best Holiday Light Displays

Throughout the holiday season, spectacular botanic gardens lights displays brighten up gardens across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling botanic gardens lights and a range of other festivities. Consequently, these botanic gardens lights displays transform the gardens into winter wonderlands. Colorful illuminations, Christmas-themed gardens, and festive light installations create unforgettable experiences.

To find the best places to visit this holiday season, we asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite botanic gardens lights shows throughout the U.S. Then, readers voted for their top picks. Here are the 10 best botanic gardens lights displays this year.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens – Largo, Florida

With over a million twinkling lights, the Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens is a must-see botanic gardens lights display. This holiday season light display features laser lights and a series of festive light sculptures. Open from late November through December, this event creates a magical atmosphere for guests of all ages.

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens – La Cañada Flintridge, California

The Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens invites visitors to explore a mile-long route of enchanting botanic gardens lights displays. Highlights include a stained glass village and fields of flowers illuminated by multicolored, glowing lights. This winter garden illumination runs from mid-November through early January, offering a truly magical holiday experience in Southern California.

Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens – Hot Springs, Arkansas

Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is home to one of the most impressive holiday events in the country. From mid-November through December 31, over 5 million lights decorate the 200-acre gardens. This botanic gardens lights display features whimsical holiday characters, dragons, and intricate light sculptures. Consequently, it is one of the best places to experience festive lights.

Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum – Lisle, Illinois

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, lights up the holiday season with its Illumination: Tree Lights event. A mile-long walking path showcases dazzling tree illuminations synchronized to festive music. Additionally, visitors can enjoy roasting marshmallows for s’mores, making it a perfect family outing.

Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens – Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Brookgreen Gardens hosts Nights of a Thousand Candles, a spectacular botanic gardens lights display featuring over 2,700 hand-lit candles and thousands of sparkling lights. This beautiful holiday light show invites visitors to walk through the garden while enjoying live holiday music and sipping on warm cider. The warm glow of the candles provides a charming atmosphere that visitors cherish year after year.

Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden – Huntsville, Alabama

The Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden offers both walk-thru and drive-thru experiences. During walk-thru nights, visitors can enjoy over 1.5 miles of dazzling light displays. On driving nights, the display extends over an hour-long journey. Furthermore, the garden also offers special nights where visitors can bring their pets to enjoy the festive botanic gardens lights.

Illuminations at Botanica – Wichita, Kansas

Wichita’s Botanica presents the Illuminations at Botanica, where more than 2 million twinkling lights transform the garden into a luminous wonderland. Visitors can stroll through the holiday garden tours, marveling at the 62-foot Christmas tree, a lit gingerbread house, and special visits from Santa. Consequently, these magical decorations make this one of the best places to experience the botanic gardens lights in Kansas.

Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Boothbay, Maine

The Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the brightest and most beautiful displays in New England. With over 750,000 bulbs illuminating 14 acres, this winter wonderland offers visitors a chance to explore glowing displays among Maine’s scenic landscapes. Therefore, the gardens come alive with stunning light sculptures, festive installations, and sparkling trees.

Lightscape Botanic Gardens Lights at The Arboretum – Arcadia, California

In the Los Angeles suburb of Arcadia, the Lightscape botanic gardens lights at The Arboretum presents a stunning collection of garden light installations. Visitors can explore highlights like the Fire Garden, Arch of Light, Dancing Palms, and the popular Winter Cathedral. All are lit up with vibrant colors. Furthermore, the event features festive holiday light shows with live music and food trucks, making it a perfect place to spend the evening.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Richmond, Virginia

From late November to early January, the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of the best displays in the country. With over a million LED bulbs lighting up the gardens, this stunning botanic gardens lights display is a must-see. Guests can enjoy model trains at the Kelly Education Center and roast s’mores at the Kelleher Warming Fire while exploring this winter wonderland.

These holiday botanic gardens lights displays across the U.S. create a breathtaking spectacle of color, light, and festivity. Whether you’re looking for a holiday tour, a magical winter experience, or just a fun night out with family and friends, these festive lights are sure to inspire awe and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on these winter illuminations this holiday season!