Winter WonderLights returns to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

More than 2 million lights will illuminate the State Botanical Garden of Georgia this holiday season, as Winter WonderLights returns to Athens for its sixth year. The annual light show opens Nov. 19 and runs on select nights through Dec. 30, featuring illuminated displays throughout the garden. Trees, pathways and outdoor spaces become part of the light display, giving visitors a chance to experience the grounds in a different way during the holidays. “What sets us apart from other experiences is that we really highlight the beauty of the garden with our lights,” said Laurel Clark, communications manager at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. What’s on display Among the displays this year are new additions to the garden’s “Creatures Stirring” collection, including a pair of illuminated flamingos. Winter WonderLights also features other animals, like a polar bear, elephant and giraffe, along with illuminated birds, such as a cardinal, an owl, a goldfinch and a bluebird, hanging from trees. Holiday music will play throughout the garden, adding to the seasonal atmosphere. One of Clark’s favorite parts of the display is the cone tree forest near the end of the trail, where multicolored lights illuminate cone-shaped trees. How to view Visitors will follow a half-mile trail through the garden, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete and is accessible to people using wheelchairs and strollers. Along the way, they can stop for hot chocolate from local vendor Condor Chocolates or pick up a s’mores kit to roast marshmallows at spots station around the garden. “We encourage people to stop, admire the show, get photos with your family, have a hot chocolate and roast a s’more,” Clark said. Since its debut in 2021, Winter WonderLights has continued to draw larger crowds, growing from about 45,000 visitors in its first year to more than 67,000 in 2025. “We just love that we’re here in Athens, and that the community really supports us and has made this a family tradition for a lot of people in Athens,” Clark said. January Disco Nights Winter WonderLights will also return for select nights in January with Disco Nights . The January events will feature a disco-themed playlist throughout the garden and a light-up dance floor inside the conservatory. Special theme nights include nonprofit night Jan. 9; jersey night Jan. 15; and education night Jan. 16. Educators, students, school staff and families can purchase $10 tickets for education night using a discount code on the garden’s website. Before the regular season begins, the garden will host a Winter WonderLights Season Premiere Nov. 12, with tickets priced at $75 per person. It’s the first time the event opens to the public. The preview was previously held for garden staff and sponsors only. Tickets include VIP parking, food from local restaurants, two drink tickets and a s’mores kit. The garden began closing to daytime visitors at 4 p.m. Nov. 10 to prepare for the preview evening and will continue to close early through Jan. 18, 2027. Timed entry begins at 5:30 p.m., with additional entry times every 30 minutes through 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person on regular nights, and $18 on peak nights. Children 3 and younger get in free. Free parking and shuttle service is available at UGA’s Turner Soccer Complex on South Milledge Avenue, with on-site VIP parking available for $25. A new lot offers limited parking for $10, along with a shuttle to the garden.