Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Visitors wander through light displays showcasing fantastical creatures, whimsical tales, and landscapes inspired by legends and imagined futures. Inside the Conservatory Exhibition Hall, guests can explore an enchanting Fairy Village, while the Kelly Education Center hosts miniature model train displays. Along the pathways, guests can warm up around fire pits, roast s'mores, and explore the Garden Shop.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Food and drinks are available throughout the Garden, including grab-and-go fare at the GardenFest Café, food and adult beverages at the Jingle Bar & Grill, hot chocolate, coffee, seasonal treats, and s’mores kits.
Parking
Parking at the Garden is limited and can be busy, especially on peak nights. Carpooling or rideshare is encouraged. Allow extra arrival time; staff help guests park as spaces become available. If Garden traffic or parking delays cause a guest to miss the scheduled arrival window, staff will work with them on arrival.
Pets
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited on the listed GardenFest for Fidos evenings only.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Reserve tickets online ahead of time because arrival-window tickets are limited and popular dates can sell out.
- Have your ticket QR code, confirmation email, or order number ready when you arrive.
- Allow extra time for parking and traffic, or carpool or use rideshare; staff will work with guests delayed past their arrival window by Garden traffic.
- Dress for the weather because GardenFest takes place rain, shine, or snow.
- Make an online reservation for complimentary member nights, as advance reservations are required for those evenings.
Special Events & Promotions
- Members have an exclusive preview weekend November 20–22.
- Members receive complimentary admission November 23–24, December 30, and January 1–3; advance online reservations are required.
- Members receive discounted GardenFest admission on other nights.
- GardenFest for Grownups is adults-only on December 2, 3, and 30; the December 30 member night is for ages 18+.
- GardenFest for Fidos welcomes well-behaved leashed dogs on November 23 and 30 and December 7, 14, and 28.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GardenFest suitable for children, and are there adults-only evenings?
GardenFest is for visitors of all ages. GardenFest for Grownups is adults-only; the December 30 member evening is specified for ages 18 and older.
Should I book tickets ahead, and are walk-up tickets available?
Advance online booking is strongly encouraged because arrival-window tickets are limited and popular dates can sell out. A limited number of walk-up tickets may be available, but same-day admission is not guaranteed.
What can visitors see and do around the Garden?
Explore the light displays, the Fairy Village in the Conservatory Exhibition Hall, and model train displays in the Kelly Education Center. Fire pits and the Garden Shop are also part of the visit.
What food and drink can I get during GardenFest?
Options around the Garden include hot chocolate, seasonal treats, s’mores, café and grab-and-go food, coffee, and adult beverages at Jingle Bar & Grill.
Can I bring a dog, and on which evenings?
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on GardenFest for Fidos evenings: November 23 and 30, and December 7, 14, and 28.
Browse Christmas in Richmond
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.