January 2-5, 2012, Nightly, 5 - 10 p.m. (closed Dec. 24 & 25)

Dominion GardenFest of Lights is a "rain or shine" event and is only closed for extreme inclement weather.

Admission: $11 adults; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 3 - 12; children under age 3 free; Garden Members $5; child on Membership (ages 3 - 18) $4; Member on Member Nights: FREE.

Ticket Information: Purchase tickets at admissions, on-line, or by phone at 1-800-594-TIXX (8499). Tickets ordered on-line or by phone incur a nominal service charge with pick up at "Will Call" in the Visitors Center.

Holiday tradition features more than a half million lights, botanical decorations, trains, holiday dinners, family activities and more. Visit often to fully experience Dominion GardenFest of Lights -- the region's ultimate holiday extravaganza!

See the Press Release

GardenFest's half-million holiday lights magically transform Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden into a winter wonderland of fantasy, festivity and family fun. This year promises plenty of surprises as staff and volunteers unveil yet another fascinating theme, amazing new light displays and magnificent botanical decorations...all complemented by the best in seasonal entertainment, dining and shopping!  Almost every night of the week has something special going on; see schedule below.

New this year:

• "Nature's DeLIGHTS" theme
• Caroling on Tuesday nights with barbershop quartets; you can join in the fun!
• Peppermint Lane
• Asian Valley dragon
• Walk-through peacock arch
• 250-foot tunnel of lights
• Lighting of "Diamonds in the Rough" Patrick Dougherty's towering stick sculpture
• Central Garden's dancing waters and lights
• More larger-than-life veggies and animals
• Whimsical fairy-house botanicals
• In the Library: Honeysuckle Baskets by Anne Scarpa McCauley. Unique, coiled baskets made from honeysuckle vines found in the foothills near the artist's home in Charlottesville.
• Oversized "LOVE" artwork, courtesy of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Take a photo of loved ones in front of large letters spelling "LOVE," and then share with family and friends through social media. (The LOVE artwork is approximately 16 feet wide and seven feet tall.  The artwork is part of the Virginia is for Lovers state tourism marketing campaign which promotes Virginia as an ideal destination for families. Visitors to GardenFest of Lights can take their picture with the LOVE artwork and share it on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or on Twitter and use the special hashtag #LOVEVA.)
• Returning favorites:
• Children's GardenFest Adventures: Nightly; S'more toasting at the firepit (weather permitting), challenging maze, fanciful characters & bird's eye views from the CWDKids Tree House. Warm beverages & light snacks for purchase from Espresso-A-Go-Go.
• Take your family photo at the grand Holiday Tree in the Conservatory
• Holiday train displays
• Shopping in the Garden Shop and the BLING house (items for sale in the Children's Garden.)
• Merry Mondays with the Garden Keeper and Butterfly Fairy; GardenFest for Fidos Nights, FREE Member Nights and more!