Glowing Gardens
Visitors wander through the arboretum after dark along trails illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, curated light sculptures, and a glowing river display. The experience features a Laser Forest, appearances by holiday characters on select weekends, and festive concessions including hot cocoa, beer, and wine. Children can enjoy interactive activities such as a glowing dance floor, a giant inflatable igloo, and light-up swings and see-saws.
What to Expect
Floridian winter wonderland featuring illuminated trails and a Laser Forest
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Organizer
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Food & Drink
Festive concessions include hot cocoa, beer, and wine.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and enchanting
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adult pricing is for ages 16+. Children 3 and under are free. Member Presale (Aug. 17–23): adults $15, children $10. GA Presale (Aug. 24–31): adults $15, children $10. Early Bird (Sep. 1–Nov. 26): JABG member adults $18, member children $10; non-member adults $20, non-member children $12. Nov. 27–Jan. 3: JABG member adults $19, member children $12; non-member adults $22, non-member children $15. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Parking: Free off-site parking is available.
- Pets: Dogs are permitted only on select nights; the page does not identify which nights.
Tips & Advice
- Buy Early Bird tickets before November 26, since prices go up once the show opens on November 27, and JABG members pay less.
- If you're bringing your dog, choose one of the select dog-friendly nights, because dogs aren't allowed on other evenings.
- Plan a weekend visit if your kids want to meet the holiday characters, who appear only on select weekends.
- Children 3 and under get in free, so you only need tickets for older kids and adults, and adult pricing starts at 16.
- Let little ones play at the glowing dance floor, inflatable igloo, light-up swings and see-saws between walks along the lit trails.
Special Events & Promotions
- Dogs are welcome on select nights.
- Holiday characters appear on select weekends.
- Early Bird pricing runs through November 26, with lower prices for JABG members.
- In its third year, the show has been expanded with new displays and experiences.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What will we see on the trails?
Thousands of twinkling lights, illuminated trees, light sculptures and a glowing "river" display line the Arboretum's trails after dark. The Laser Forest is a guest favorite.
What is there for kids?
Kids can play on a glowing dance floor, a giant inflatable igloo, light-up swings and see-saws. Holiday characters visit on select weekends. Children 3 and under get in free.
Can we get food and drinks?
Yes. There's beer, wine, hot cocoa and festive concessions.
Can I bring my dog?
Only on the select dog-friendly nights marked on the event calendar.
Where does the ticket money go?
Glowing Gardens is the Arboretum's biggest fundraiser of the year. All ticket sales go back into the nonprofit, its trails and gardens, and its education programs.
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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.