A favorite tradition featuring millions of lights, botanical decorations, model trains, festive dinners, warming fire, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more!

LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS

Part of the magic of winter nights is how a twinkle of light can transform the darkness. Light up your nights this holiday season with a visit to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

What’s New: Rhythms of Nature Theme

Enjoy the Garden a glow as you experience nature and the rhythmic seasons of life that connect us all. Learn more about this year’s theme and numbers.

Millions of lights line garden paths and twinkle in trees under the night sky. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a walk-through experience designed so you and your loved ones and friends can relax, have fun and make special memories in a magical outdoor setting.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES RETURN

A cut, live tree in the Conservatory. Decked out in a botanical theme, this tree promises to be a favorite photo opportunity.
Model trains return to the Kelly Education Center nightly 4-9:45 p.m.

Trees decorated by Henrico County Public Schools students brighten the Lora Robins Library; botanical decorations also grace the cozy Library Reading Room.

The Kelleher Warming Fire in the Children’s Garden is a great spot to warm up, drink hot chocolate, and roast s’mores (available for purchase at the nearby Carriage House).

Dried botanicals and Fairy Houses displayed in the Robins Visitors Center, the Kelly Education Center, and the Lora M. Robins Library Reading Room.

SPECIAL NIGHTS

FREE NIGHTS FOR MEMBERS: Nov. 17-19 and Jan. 1-7

GARDENFEST FOR FIDOS:

Monday, Nov. 20
Monday, Nov. 27
Monday, Dec. 4

PERFORMANCES:

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 6:30-8:00 p.m.  The Concert Ballet of Virginia presents a short version of The Nutcracker (Cochrane Rose Garden)

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 6-8:00 p.m. VCU Vox Concordia and Vocal Chamber Ensemble (Conservatory); Deau Eyes (Cochrane Rose Garden)

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 6-8:00 p.m. The Greater Richmond Chorus (Cochrane Rose Garden)

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6-8:00 p.m. Henrico High School Choir (North Wing of the Conservatory)

Friday, Dec. 29 6-8:00 p.m. SPARC’s Touring Ensemble will be caroling around the Garden (various locations)

Tuesday, Jan. 2, 6-8:00 p.m. James River Ringers (Cochrane Rose Garden)

FOOD AND DRINK

The Restaurant at Lewis Ginter (Garden Cafe) has sit-down dining; the Jingle Bar and Grill (Tea House) has grab and go casual fare and a bar.

The Restaurant at Lewis Ginter (location: Garden Cafe)
Make your GardenFest visit extra special with a festive holiday dinner.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Jingle Bar & Grill (location: Tea House)
Your “go-to” for food and drink at GardenFest.

Espresso-A-Go-Go (location: Children’s Garden) Hot drinks and s’mores kits

On Select Nights: Pop-Up Jingle Bar (location: Cochrane Rose Garden)

Santa Brunch: Delicious brunches on Saturdays and Sundays in December with an opportunity to meet Santa. These reservations fill quickly; make yours today! Dec. 2 & 3; Dec. 9 & 10; Dec. 16 & 17; seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

GardenFest Dinners with Santa: Make GardenFest an extra special experience with dinners on select evenings and a chance to meet Santa. Dec. 17, 18 & 19; seating at 5 p.m.

Date: November 20, 2023 - January 7, 2024

Time: 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm

Location: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23228

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