From November 17, 2025 through January 4, 2026, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden transforms into a glowing wonderland. Recognized as one of the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the U.S. by USA Today, GardenFest has become a cherished ritual for families, friends, and visitors across Central Virginia.
This year’s theme, The Elements, is especially poignant. As guests wander through illuminated pathways, they’ll encounter displays inspired by the forces that shape our world: fire’s warmth, water’s flow, earth’s grounding, air’s movement, and love, the invisible energy that binds us together. It’s a reminder that the holidays are about more than lights; they’re about the connections we nurture.
Familiar Favorites Return
- Model Trains: A beloved highlight, the Kelly Education Center hosts nightly train displays, crafted with care by volunteers.
- The Warming Fire: Families gather in the Cochrane Rose Garden to sip hot chocolate and roast s’mores.
- Fairy Village: Miniature houses made from seeds, petals, and natural materials enchant children and adults alike.
- Light Tunnel & Live Tree: Perfect backdrops for holiday photos and shared memories
Special Nights & Experiences
GardenFest isn’t just about lights—it’s about community experiences:
- Performance Nights: From ballet to jazz to local choirs, music fills the air on select evenings.
November 18, 6:30-8pm – The Nutcracker, performed by the Concert Ballet of Virginia |
November 25, 6-8pm – Jazz Night (Lucy Kilpatrick on keys and Ken Kellner on bass); performance will be in the Tea House |
December 2, 6:30-7pm – SPARC Touring Ensemble Choir |
December 3, 7-7:45pm – Voices in Peace, the Weinstein Jewish Community Center Choir |
December 9, 6-8pm – Greater Richmond Choir |
December 16, 6-8pm – Henrico High School Choir |
- GardenFest for Fidos: Dog-friendly nights let families bring their four-legged companions. On select Monday evenings, well-behaved leashed dogs are invited to enjoy GardenFest with their humans. GardenFest for Fidos 2025-26 nights are November 17 & 24; December 1, 8 & 15. Please read our rules and guidelines for visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with dogs.
- Adult-Friendly Nights: New this year, evenings reserved for guests 18+ offer a quieter, grown-up atmosphere.
- Santa Brunches & Dinners: Families can enjoy festive meals and meet Santa himself.
- This year, GardenFest guests can reserve portrait sessions with professional photographer Jessica Capozzola during your visit. Photo sessions will be held on November 17, 21, 30, and December 5 from 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. The cost is $25, which includes a five-minute session, as well as one hi-resolution digital image available within 72 hours of your visit. Sessions must be reserved ahead of your visit via the scheduling link on Jessica’s website. Please note: photo sessions do not include admission to GardenFest, and event tickets must be purchase separately.
Food, Drink & Warm Gatherings
The GardenFest Café and Jingle Bar & Grill serve seasonal treats, while Espresso-A-Go-Go keeps hands warm with hot drinks. Dining experiences like the 12 Days of Dining and group buffet dinners make the event a perfect outing for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations
A Place for Giving
The Garden Shop features one-of-a-kind, top-quality gifts. It's the perfect spot to discover special treasures for loved ones.
Cost
The cost for a non-garden member is $12.00 for kids ages 4-12 and $22.00 for ages 13 and older. There's no cost for garden members and $1 for adults with Museums for All Membership.
Advance tickets are REQUIRED and are available online only (walk-ups are not guaranteed entry. If entry is available, fees will apply). Tickets are limited and have an arrival time window. Popular times sell out quickly.
GardenFest is rain or shine. Tickets are always non-refundable. Tickets are also non-transferable unless you purchase the optional Ticket Insurance. You can purchase the optional Ticket Insurance at checkout. Please note: Insurance allows for tickets to be moved ONCE. All ticket sales are final. Ticket transfer insurance is available at time of purchase that allows you to transfer your ticket to an alternate date and/or time. Ticket Insurance is non-transferrable and all tickets, with or without insurance, are non-refundable. The cost of purchased tickets that are unused, will be donated to the general operating fund of the Garden.
Please have your ticket QR code, confirmation email or order number at check-in. If you created an account when you purchased tickets through my.lewisginter.org, you can also access your tickets by logging into your account.
Parking is limited. Please carpool from home/a meeting spot or consider a ride-sharing service. Traffic can back up. We have no control over how long guests stay; our team works hard to park guests as soon as spaces become available. If there are traffic/parking delays and you miss your arrival time window, we will work with you. We appreciate your patience.
šLocation: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23228
