This year, famous works of art will come alive during Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The exhibition will reinterpret well-known works of art in a spectrum of sparkling color, inviting guests to discover how sculpture, dance, music, and paintings are informed by the natural world. Visitors 
will wander through a festive landscape alight in glimmering radiance and delight in handcrafted botanical decorations, all designed to illuminate nature and her power to inspire.
GardenFest is a rain-or-shine event; only closed for extreme weather. Pre-purchased tickets allow visitors to use Prepurchased Ticket entry on select nights for people who have tickets on their phone or in hand for all in their party. This entry will be open on nights with anticipated high visitation (Fridays, Saturdays and the week before and after Christmas). Tickets are not date-specific and may also be purchased at the Garden (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.) In order to accommodate groups and guests arriving early for GardenFest, GardenFest admission starts at four o’clock.
Visit LewisGinter.org for helpful tips for planning your visit, visiting with kids, discounts, visits during peak times, parking, food, and more.
Top 5 Tips for Enjoying Your Visit
- Buy tickets in advance. You can purchase tickets online right now. You can also purchase tickets in advance at the Garden during the day.
- Carpool! It’s always a good idea.
- Come early or come late. You can enter the Garden at 4:30 p.m. and watch the magic as the sun sets and the lights begin to shine. The Garden is also less busy after 8:30 p.m. and we stay open until 10 p.m.
- There’s a timed entrance thing that happens. When parking lots are full, the Garden will close the gates to incoming traffic for up to 30 minutes, allowing time for some guests to leave. If gates are closed, you may want to check out lights in nearby Lakeside/Glen Allen neighborhoods and return later.If you choose to park near the Garden and walk in, please be courteous to our neighbors and use caution: watch out for traffic, keep an eye out for children, bring a flashlight and please be aware the Garden is not responsible for traffic control off-site.
- Look at alternate routes. The Garden is on the corner of Lakeside Avenue and Hilliard Road. Traffic can back up on Lakeside Avenue south of the Garden; you may want to look at alternate routes. Nearby Brook Road (Route 1) connects to both Hilliard Road and Lakeside Avenue. Hilliard Road also turns into Glenside Avenue with access to major thoroughfares such as Staples Mill Road, Broad Street, and Interstate 64.
