Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Visitors follow a half-mile illuminated trail showcasing dazzling displays such as a Winter Wondercave, Jingle Bell Lane, the Northern Lights, and a Cone Tree Forest. Along the pathway, guests can roast marshmallows for s'mores over open fires. Hot chocolate, coffee, and other refreshments are also available along the route.
What to Expect
Half-mile accessible light trail voted Athens' best local event.
Event Details
Duration
About an hour.
Ages
All ages
Organizer
UGA Office of the President
Food & Drink
S’mores, hot chocolate, coffee, bottled water, and other beverages are available for purchase at specific locations along the trail; payment is cashless.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light-show fans
Vibe
Festive and glowing
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $15 per person, plus taxes and vendor fees; $18 per person on Peak Nights. Children ages 3 and younger are free. – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking for the show is available at the Turner Soccer Complex, 2330 S. Milledge Ave. Athens, GA 30605. Shuttles to the show begin at 5:25 p.m. On-site VIP and Premium parking are available when purchasing tickets.
- Accessibility: The half-mile light show trail is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed; service animals are permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your entry time, which leaves enough time to park and ride the shuttle over to the garden.
- Bring a credit or debit card for s'mores and drinks along the trail, since the event is cashless.
- Call or email ahead to request free accessibility parking at the garden, because it has to be arranged in advance.
- Consider adding ticket flexibility if your plans might change, because regular tickets are non-refundable and can't be moved to another night.
- Share your single QR code with your group, since it holds every ticket and parking pass and your party doesn't need to arrive together.
Special Events & Promotions
- Peak Nights on Dec. 11–13, 20–23 and 26–30 have a higher ticket rate.
- Friends of the Garden members get 10 percent off tickets.
- Ticket flexibility, an extra-fee add-on, lets you move your tickets and parking to another night once, based on availability.
- A limited number of on-site VIP and Premium parking passes are sold separately each night.
- New this year: private events can be booked at the garden's facilities during show evenings.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets ahead of time?
Yes. Each timed entry has limited capacity, and tickets are sold only in advance through the online vendor.
How long should we allow?
The half-mile trail takes about an hour. Your entry slot only sets when you go in; after that you move at your own pace.
Where do we park?
Free parking is at the UGA Soccer/Softball Complex (Turner Soccer Complex) on S. Milledge Ave., with a free shuttle to the garden. You can add on-site VIP or Premium parking passes when you buy tickets or later through Manage Your Booking.
What is there to eat and drink?
Spots along the trail sell s'mores roasted over an open fire, hot chocolate, coffee, bottled water and other drinks. The event is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card.
Is there help for guests with sensory needs?
Yes. You can borrow a free KultureCity sensory bag at the ticket scan by leaving an ID. Each bag has fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and a feeling thermometer. There's also a quiet area in the Visitor Center and Conservatory.
More Christmas Events Near Athens
More Christmas Events near Athens
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.