Garden d’Lights
Visitors stroll along a 3/4-mile outdoor walking route to view over half a million sparkling lights crafted into botanical and wildlife shapes, including flowers, birds, animals, and cascading waterfalls. Guests can follow a scavenger hunt map to spot hidden glowing critters and plants tucked among the garden displays. Musical entertainment enlivens the gardens on select evenings, and holiday shopping is available at the Trillium Store.
What to Expect
Over half a million lights shaped like plants, flowers, and animals.
Event Details
Duration
The walk is about 3/4 mile.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
Food & Drink
Each guest may bring one individual beverage and a small snack; larger food items are not permitted.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of festive light displays
Vibe
Whimsical and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: General admission: ages 11 and older $10 per person; kids 10 and under free. Special $5 nights: ages 11 and older $5 per person; kids 10 and under are always free. Bellevue Botanical Garden Society members receive a free pass for one with an individual membership, or a free pass for four with a dual and above membership.
- Hours: General admission nights: first entry 4:30 pm, last entry 9:00 pm, lights out 9:30 pm. Special $5 nights: first entry 4:30 pm, last entry 8:00 pm, lights out 8:30 pm.
- Parking: Premium parking in the Garden’s lot costs $5 per vehicle, cash or card, first come-first served; the lot often fills. Parking in that lot is free for vehicles with a disability parking permit. Free parking is available at Wilburton Hill Park, 1/4 mile east of the Garden. Rideshares, shuttles, and buses may use the Garden loading zone for drop-off and pick-up; bus and shuttle parking is not permitted at the Garden, and large vehicles must park at Wilburton Hill Park.
- Accessibility: Pathways near buildings are paved, while most lights follow sloped ADA-compliant packed gravel paths with accessible restrooms and free permit parking available.
- Pets: Dogs and other pets are not allowed at Garden d’Lights or anywhere in the Garden; service animals are permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive within your half-hour entry window, not before or after it, and leave enough time to park and get through the ticket scanning line.
- Park free at Wilburton Hill Park, a quarter mile east of the Garden, because the Garden's paid lot often fills.
- Wear non-skid shoes and dress for the weather, because most of the route is gravel with puddles and the lights stay open in the rain.
- Pick a Monday-to-Thursday night in the first two weeks for reduced admission, but remember that last entry is earlier on those nights.
- Book Tuesday, December 8 for Sensory Friendly Night, which has no live music and only half the usual crowd for a calmer walk.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sensory Friendly Night on Tuesday, December 8: all lights on, no live music, and attendance capped at half capacity; tickets required.
- Reduced-price nights Monday through Thursday, November 30–December 3 and December 7–10, with an earlier last entry.
- Garden Society members get a free pass, for one with an individual membership or for four with a dual and above membership, mailed in mid-November with no reservation needed.
- Live music on select evenings, with the schedule posted in mid-November.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
The Garden's own lot has paid premium parking on a first-come, first-served basis, and it often fills. Free parking is at Wilburton Hill Park, a quarter mile east on the south side of Main Street. Vehicles with a disability permit park free in the Garden lot.
How long does it take to see the lights?
The route is about three-quarters of a mile. Most visitors take 30 to 45 minutes, so allow at least 45.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Each guest can bring one individual drink and a small snack. Larger food items aren't allowed.
What happens if it rains?
The lights stay open in the rain. Snow, ice, high winds or a power outage can cancel a night. Cancellations are posted on the Garden's website, Facebook and Instagram.
Can a large group come together?
There are no group reservations, and each transaction is limited to 10 adult tickets. Groups larger than 10 must buy separately and enter in parties of 10 or fewer. Everyone on one QR code must arrive together.
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