Gardens Aglow
Visitors follow an illuminated one-mile walking trail through the central gardens, featuring themes that celebrate Maine's coastal heritage, natural connections, and seasonal traditions. Along the journey through the woods, guests can spot two giant wooden troll sculptures named Roskva and Lilja. Warm dining options, sweet treats, and beverages are available to purchase along the route at the Cafe and Snack Shack.
What to Expect
Illuminated with more than 750,000 LED bulbs across a one-mile trail.
Event Details
Duration
The route is approximately one mile, and most guests spend around two hours at Gardens Aglow.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Food & Drink
The Cafe serves comfort food, warm bowls, hot cocoa, coffee, and snacks; the Snack Shack and food trucks offer drinks and treats including local beer or wine, popcorn, donuts, and cookies.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors who enjoy outdoor holiday light displays
Vibe
Festive and enchanting
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 2026 tickets: Family Value / Standard / Premium — GA Adult $20 / $24 / $28; GA Senior & Veteran $18 / $22 / $26; GA Child $10 / $14 / $18. Members save 20% on listed prices; the discount does not apply to the $50-per-ticket VIP Upgrade add-on. A $2.50 per-ticket fee applies to transferring a reservation to another available date/time; VIP add-on ticket holders can exchange for free. – Get tickets
- Hours: 4–9 p.m.
- Parking: Free on-site parking, with carpooling encouraged and a limited number of first-come, first-served EV chargers.
- Accessibility: A limited number of wheelchairs and scooters are available to borrow, though winter weather may impede navigation and a small area is not accessible.
- Pets: Only service animals protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed. They must remain on a six-foot fixed leash, behave appropriately, and handlers must clean up after them. Disruptive service animals may need to leave, with no refund offered.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets in advance online or by phone, because no tickets are sold onsite and anyone without one is turned away.
- Arrive within 15 minutes of your ticketed time, since the Gardens are closed beforehand and you can't come early to walk around.
- Dress in layers and wear warm, sturdy shoes, as the route is about a mile of outdoor walking on the Maine coast in winter.
- Carpool or take the free shuttle from the Boothbay Harbor Town Office on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights to ease parking congestion at the Gardens.
- Come earlier in the season if you need to borrow a wheelchair or scooter, since snow and ice can make the garden paths hard to navigate.
Special Events & Promotions
- This year's theme, "Gathered In Maine," covers maple tapping, mushroom foraging, seed-dispersing ants, pollinators and coastal ways of life.
- VIP Upgrade add-on (extra per-ticket purchase): unlimited free exchanges, flexible arrival times, a fire pit with s'mores and Gardens Aglow swag. Passes are limited.
- Members save 20% on Gardens Aglow tickets (not on the VIP Upgrade) and get 10% off in the Gardenshop.
- Free Park & Ride shuttle from downtown Boothbay Harbor on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, for Gardens Aglow ticket holders only.
- Two giant trolls, Roskva and Lilja, can be found in the woods this year.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should we allow?
The route is about a mile of lit paths through the central gardens. Most guests spend around two hours.
Can we buy tickets at the gate?
No. Tickets must be bought in advance, online or by phone. Tickets aren't sold onsite, and anyone without one is turned away.
What is there to eat and drink?
The Cafe serves comfort food, hearty warm bowls, hot cocoa, coffee, cookies and gluten-free brownies. The Snack Shack has cocoa (with Bailey's or Schnapps if you like), coffee, local beer and wine, popcorn, donuts and Bixby Bars. Food trucks along the route sell sweet treats. To buy alcohol you need a federally recognized ID, and vertical IDs aren't accepted. There's a two-drink limit, and outside alcohol is banned.
What should we wear?
Dress in layers and wear warm, sturdy shoes. It's an outdoor walking event, and snow and ice are possible on the Maine coast in winter.
What happens if it rains or storms?
It goes ahead rain or shine and only closes for major, unsafe weather. If a night is cancelled, it's posted on the website and Facebook, ticket holders get an email, and tickets are refunded.
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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.