Illustration of a light display scene (Gardens Aglow)
Christmas Lights

Gardens Aglow

Visitors stroll through expansive garden grounds featuring glowing tunnels, upcycled flowers, firefly lights, and a model train display. Inside the galleries, guests can visit Santa seated in a 1913 Ford Model T, ride a historic 1908 Looff carousel, and view antique automobiles alongside Currier & Ives winter scenes. Outdoor festivities also include roasting marshmallows, embarking on a reindeer scavenger hunt, playing with giant building blocks, and enjoying seasonal treats.

What to Expect

Light displays, carousel rides, antique cars, and Santa in a Model T.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Heritage Museums & Gardens

Food & Drink

Roast marshmallows outdoors or purchase seasonal treats from Lilly’s Café and the Cape Cod Donuts truck.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and enchanting

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Heritage Museums & Gardens
67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA 02563
Sandwich, MA
02563

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: General Admission Timed Tickets: non-members adults $30; youth ages 3–17 $20; children 2 and under free. Members: adults $28; youth ages 3–17 $18; children 2 and under free. Day-of tickets, if available and not guaranteed: non-members adults $60, youth ages 3–17 $40, children 2 and under free; members adults $56, youth $36, children 2 and under free. Flex Anytime Tickets (one visit on any date or time during the 25 scheduled nights): non-members adults $60, youth ages 3–17 $40, children 2 and under free; members adults $56, youth $36, children 2 and under free. Gold Pass (multiple visits): non-members adults $150, youth ages 3–17 $100, children 2 and under $10; members adults $140, youth $90, children 2 and under $7. Children 2 and under must have a reserved ticket even when it is free. The separate Santa VIP Experience is $59 per person, children 2 and under free; Avant Glow is $75 per person, children 2 and under free. – Get tickets
  • Hours: Gardens Aglow: 4:30pm–8:30pm nightly, with last entry at 8:00pm. One section gives ticket entry times as 4:30–5:45 pm, 5:45–6:45 pm, and 6:45–8:00 pm nightly. Another section lists timed windows as 4:30–5:30 pm, 5:45–6:45 pm, and 6:45–7:45 pm; guests may enter during their timed window and stay until 8:30 pm.
  • Parking: The page directs visitors to another page for directions and parking information.

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase timed tickets online well in advance because attendance is limited, timeslots sell out quickly, and walk-up sales are not guaranteed.
  • Heritage Members should set up a Portal before buying to access the member pre-sale and member-priced tickets.
  • Reserve a ticket for every child age 2 and under, even though admission is free, because advance reservations are required.
  • Arrive within your selected entry window; tickets are date- and time-specific, but visitors can stay until the grounds close at 8:30 p.m.
  • Dress for rain, snow, and cold evening conditions, since the event runs in all weather except major safety-risk emergencies.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa VIP Experience (separate ticket) before each scheduled night except Dec. 26 and 27: meet Santa, hear a story, join a sing-along, make crafts, and have cookies and hot cocoa.
  • Avant Glow (separate ticket) on Dec. 26 and 27 only: early entry, early parking and a private lodge-style lounge in the Auto Gallery with mulled wine, spiked cider or mocktails and a charcuterie board.
  • Flex Anytime Tickets: one visit on any date or time during the 25 scheduled nights.
  • Gold Pass: visit as many times as you like during the season.
  • Member pre-sale with member-priced tickets. Heritage Members must set up a Portal account first.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get tickets?

Tickets are sold online only and are good only for the date and entry window you pick. Benefit package holders and Supporter Level members get first access on Oct. 7, all members on Oct. 14 and the public on Oct. 21. Timeslots sell out, and walk-up tickets at the door aren't guaranteed.

Do children 2 and under need a ticket?

Yes. Their ticket is free, but you still have to reserve one so Heritage has an accurate attendance count.

What happens if it rains or snows?

Gardens Aglow goes ahead in all weather, including light rain or snow. A night is canceled only for a major weather event or another emergency. If that happens, ticket holders get an email and an automatic refund, but rescheduling isn't offered.

Can I change my ticket to another night?

You can email or call to ask about an exchange to another available date or time, but exchanges aren't guaranteed. No exchanges are made less than 24 hours before your ticket time, into sold-out slots, or because of mild weather.

Where can we get food?

Lilly's Café and the Cape Cod Donuts truck sell seasonal treats, and you can roast marshmallows outdoors.

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlySanta visitsfestive foodseasonal activitiescommunity celebrationlight displaysholiday traditioninteractive displays

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team