Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Visitors stroll through illuminated grounds featuring expanded light displays along Flower Walk and a mosaiculture dragon in the Skyline Garden. The exhibition highlights Nature’s Wonders, a synchronized curtain of light and sound. Guests can also roast s'mores over fire pits and enjoy festive drinks and dining.
What to Expect
Award-winning light show featuring the world’s largest light-and-sound curtain.
Event Details
Duration
A visit usually takes 1.5–2 hours, and guests may explore the Garden for as long as they like.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Midtown
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Food & Drink
Event options include table-service dining at Longleaf Restaurant, light bites and espresso at the Quick Café, festival fare at Magnolia Bistro, drinks including hot chocolate and cider, and s’mores kits in Skyline Garden; Garden admission is required, and Longleaf reservations are highly recommended.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light-show fans
Vibe
Festive and immersive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Night Light admission after 9:30 p.m. starts at $19.95 for adults; availability is limited, and Premium and Flex Tix upgrades are available. Garden members save $5 on every Garden Lights ticket. Children 2 years old or younger do not require an admission ticket. Premium Plus includes Flex Tix, a drink ticket, hologram glasses, express entry, Holiday Hideaway access, 25% off Garden Gift Shop purchases, and one daytime Garden guest pass in 2027. Premium includes a drink ticket, hologram glasses, and express entry. Flex Tix can be purchased with General Admission or Premium tickets; it is included with Premium Plus. There is a $5 processing fee for online or phone orders. Changing General Admission or Premium tickets without Flex Tix costs $10 per ticket per change. Wheelchairs are complimentary; scooters cost $30 plus tax, with Garden members saving $5. S’mores kits are available for purchase. Parking at the SAGE Parking facility costs $20 per vehicle. – Get tickets
- Hours: Nightly until midnight; last entry at 11 p.m. Night Light Tickets are for admission after 9:30 p.m.
- Parking: Parking in the SAGE Parking facility costs $20 per vehicle, debit/credit card only; cash is not accepted. The on-site deck is shared with Piedmont Park and is extremely limited on most nights. If it is temporarily full, return 10–15 minutes later. Entry delays can sometimes be up to 30 minutes, but timed tickets will be honored after the designated slot. Guests may use the Monroe Drive entrance during delays at the Piedmont Avenue entrance, or pay to park at Colony, approximately a 20-minute walk away. Rideshare, taxis, and public transportation are encouraged. Multi-Visit SAGE Parking Passes are not accepted; there is no carpool discount. Oversized vehicles, buses, and limos cannot park on-site. Bus/shuttle drop-off and pickup have restricted hours and buses must leave Garden property after drop-off.
- Accessibility: Complimentary wheelchairs and rentable electric mobility scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tips & Advice
- Buy General Admission tickets before the day of your visit, because they aren't sold on the day and the show sells out often.
- Add Flex Tix at checkout if the forecast looks iffy, since the show goes on rain or shine with no rain checks.
- Take rideshare, a taxi or transit if you can, because the on-site deck is shared with Piedmont Park and fills most nights.
- Book your Longleaf dinner for at least 15 minutes after your entry time, and confirm by answering the text sent three days ahead.
- Bring a debit or credit card and dress for an outdoor walk, since the Garden doesn't take cash for parking, food, drinks or scooters.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Member Premiere on Nov. 12 is a private, one-night-only event for Garden members.
- Night Light Tickets give cheaper late-evening entry and are now available every night.
- New Premium Plus perks include the private Holiday Hideaway with fire pits, s'mores and private restrooms, plus 25% off in the Gift Shop and a 2027 daytime pass.
- New this year: expanded Flower Walk displays, the mosaiculture dragon back in Skyline Garden, and new choreography for Nature's Wonders.
- Extended hours this season mean you can come later in the evening.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do timed tickets work? Do I only get a short window in the Garden?
General Admission and Premium tickets can only be scanned once your time slot starts. Try to arrive within 15 minutes of it, though late arrivals are accommodated. Once you're in, stay as long as you like; most visits take 1.5 to 2 hours. Premium Plus has no time restriction.
What if it rains or snows?
It's rain or shine, and there are no rain checks. Buy the Flex Tix add-on so you can change your date if the weather turns. Premium Plus already includes it.
Where should I park?
The on-site SAGE deck is shared with Piedmont Park and is very limited most nights. It takes cards only and has a 6'8" clearance. If it's full, come back in 10 to 15 minutes, use the Monroe Drive entrance, or pay to park at Colony, about a 20-minute walk. Rideshare, taxis and transit are strongly encouraged.
What's there to eat and drink?
Longleaf Restaurant offers table service, and reservations are highly recommended. The Quick Café has light bites and espresso, and Magnolia Bistro has festival fare. Garden bars pour beer, wine, soft drinks, hot chocolate and cider, spiked if you like, and you can roast s'mores with kits in the Skyline Garden. Everything is card-only.
Are wheelchairs, scooters or strollers allowed?
Free wheelchairs are offered at the Hardin Visitor Center as tickets are scanned. Electric scooters rent first come, first served; renters must be 21 with a valid driver's license, and scooters aren't rented in bad weather. Strollers are welcome, but wagons aren't.
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