Tickets for VALUE NIGHTS (Nov. 23-Dec. 17, 2020): SOLD OUT!

If you are looking for tickets for PEAK NIGHTS (December 18, 2020 - January 3, 2021) please visit: https://gardenfestlight.eventbrite.com

If you are looking for tickets for BONUS NIGHTS (January 4-10, 2021) please visit: https://bonusnights.eventbrite.com

Recent Executive Orders have set very limited capacities for botanical gardens as a result of COVID-19. As a result:

• Tickets must be prepurchased and are available online only.
• Tickets have a timed arrival. The time on the ticket is the start of a 30-minute arrival window.
• Guests are asked to limit visits to one hour; the show is all outdoors and this should provide ample time.
• Some pathways make social distancing challenging. Masks are required at all times for guests over age 5 (except while eating and drinking).
• There are no refunds. Tickets cannot be transferred to another date and time. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Garden’s mission.

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While many things are different in 2020, one of the region’s favorite events returns: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, Nov. 23, 2020-Jan. 10, 2021. Closed Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Dec. 24-25.

This is a rain or shine event. There are no refunds. Proceeds benefit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

The popular light show has made adjustments during this time of COVID-19 and is focused on safety as the top priority. Prepurchased tickets are required of all visitors.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Tickets are available ONLINE ONLY (no walk-ups).

• The number of tickets is limited and tickets have an arrival time. Children under age 3 do not need a ticket.

• Face masks are required. Exceptions are children under age 5 and those with medical conditions. (Those without masks due to medical conditions must physically distance from others at all times by at least 6 feet).

• This year’s show is all outdoors; however, restrooms in indoor spaces will be available.

• Physical distancing protocols are in place. These include directional signage, one-way traffic flow in the Visitor's Center, and separate entry and exit points. There will be no indoor spaces to "meet up" with friends and family; please plan accordingly.

• Please pay special attention to Garden communications. There are many new procedures in place and they may adjust as needed. Read the information carefully, including Answers to Frequently Asked Questions below. It's always good to visit the website at lewisginter.org and follow on social media for any updates. Please pay attention to signage, staff and volunteers during your visit. We thank you for your understanding and flexibility!

• Members receive special discounts and free nights. Learn more about the benefits of Garden Membership.

LIGHTS & DISPLAYS

• Thousands of lights will line garden paths and twinkle in trees under the night sky. The Garden will highlight displays from previous GardenFests, allowing guests to search for favorite forms, including giant flowers, the peacock, unicorn and dragon! Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is designed so you and your loved ones and friends can relax, have fun and make special memories in a magical outdoor setting.

• NEW THIS YEAR: an outdoor model train display! Look for the trains chugging around the Garden Keeper's Cottage in the Children's Garden.

• This year's show is all outdoors. A number of facilities and activities from previous years, such as the Conservatory, Library, warming fire, indoor model trains, storytelling, and music and crafts, make physical distancing challenging and are not part of this year's show, but should return next year. Portions of the Children's Garden, including the Tree House, also are closed due to the fact that they are high-touch areas.

SPECIAL NIGHTS

• Free Member Nights: Jan. 4-10, 2021: Admission is free for members on these evenings.
• GardenFest for Fidos: Thursday, December 3, 2020, and Thursday, January 7, 2021: Leashed dogs are allowed on these nights only.

DINING & SHOPPING

• Restaurant dining in the Visitors Center: This year, dining will be in the restaurant in the Visitor's Center. These seated meals require an online reservation that you will need to time to coincide with your ticket arrival window. (Example: if your dining reservation is for 5 p.m., your ticket needs to be for 5-5:30 p.m. arrival). Since visitor flow is one-way in the Visitor's Center, you will need to dine before entering the Garden.
• Grab & Go from the Tea House: Once you are inside the Garden, "Grab & Go" food and drink options are available for purchase at the Tea House. These items will include hot soups, chili and beverages that can be carried to available outdoor dining spots or enjoyed while walking.
• Espresso-A-Go-Go: Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, etc.) and snacks will be available for purchase in the Children's Garden.
• Jingle Bar: On select evenings the Jingle Bar will be set up in the Rose Garden with drinks and snacks available for purchase.
• The Garden Shop will be open during GardenFest. The Visitor's Center has one-way routing this year, so if you don’t shop before seeing the lights, drop in after seeing the lights using our new Shop entrance located near the exit gate! Please be aware that if the Shop reaches capacity, we will ask you to please wait for other shoppers to leave before you are able to enter.

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• GardenFest and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), December 24 & 25.
• The attractions are all outdoors and it is a walk-through show. Please dress accordingly.
• The event 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.
• Proceeds benefit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. There are no refunds. This is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets cannot be transferred to another arrival time or night. If you miss your arrival time window, we will not be able to provide entry if capacities have been met. Garden member tickets are nontransferable.
• Garden members must be prepared to show a member ID card.
• Those purchasing "General Admission" tickets through the "Museums for All" initiative must be prepared to show SNAP or WIC card.
• 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.)
• Parking is free, but it is limited.
• Busiest nights tend to be weekends and the week prior to Dec. 25.
• Outside food and other items may not be brought into the event.
• Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we are currently not able to provide loaner strollers or loaner wheelchairs. Please bring your own stroller or wheelchair if you need one.
• For questions about the event, please call (804) 262-9887 or email contactus@lewisginter.org
• During the ticket purchase process, anyone using an email address that is not recognized by the Eventbrite system will be asked to set a password the first time. If you have previously purchased tickets on Eventbrite you will not need to do this. You can access your GardenFest tickets from your email confirmation and either print them or show them on your smartphone when you arrive. There is no need to login to Eventbrite or use the Eventbrite App unless you would like to do so, or for some reason are unable to retrieve your email tickets.