Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
Visitors stroll through an outdoor walk-through display across Brookside Gardens' 50-acre grounds. The illuminated half-mile route features glimmering displays of flowers, plants, insects, animals, and other characters, accompanied by recorded music. Guests can also browse the gift shop or purchase hot drinks and light refreshments from outdoor food vendors.
What to Expect
Walk-through holiday light display across a half-mile paved garden trail.
Event Details
Duration
The walk-through exhibit is one-half mile.
Ages
All ages (5 and under free)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Montgomery Parks
Food & Drink
Outdoor vendors offer hot drinks and light refreshments for purchase; outside food and beverages are not permitted except bottled water.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Sparkling and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Off-peak Sundays–Thursdays: $13.99 per person, including a $1.99 service fee. Peak Fridays and Saturdays: $16.99 per person, including a $1.99 service fee. Children age 5 and under are free and do not require a ticket. Bus, van, and limousine access requires advance registration: 15–24 passenger vehicle $180 Sunday–Thursday or $225 Friday and Saturday; 25–35 passenger bus $300 Sunday–Thursday or $375 Friday and Saturday; 36–57 passenger bus $432 Sunday–Thursday or $540 Friday and Saturday.
- Hours: Timed entry tickets starting at 5 p.m.
- Parking: Parking is available at the main entrance at 1800 Glenallan Avenue and the Conservatory entrance at 1500 Glenallan Avenue. Ride-share users must enter at 1800 Glenallan Avenue and follow staff directions for drop-off and pickup. Bus, van, and limousine access requires advance registration.
- Accessibility: Paved pathways are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with a limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow at the Visitor Center.
- Pets: Only service dogs are allowed; pets are not permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online before you go, because none are sold at the gate and every person older than five needs a timed ticket.
- Arrive at your scheduled entry time with your QR code on screen and brightness turned up, since tickets are scanned at the lot or Visitor Center.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, because the half-mile walk is outdoors and the event runs in rain, snow or clear skies.
- Pick a Sunday through Thursday visit for the lower off-peak ticket price, since Friday and Saturday are peak nights and no discounts are offered.
- Leave snacks at home and bring only bottled water, since outside food isn't allowed and the outdoor vendor sells hot drinks and light refreshments.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sunday–Thursday off-peak tickets cost less than Friday and Saturday peak tickets
- No live music this year; recorded music accompanies some displays
- Bus, van and limousine access by advance registration only
- Garden Railway exhibit in the Conservatory is free during daytime hours from November 28 (not open during Garden of Lights)
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
No. All tickets must be bought online in advance. Each is timed for a specific date and arrival time.
Do young kids need a ticket?
Kids age 5 and under are free and don't need a ticket. Everyone older than five needs one.
Is there food and drink?
An outdoor vendor sells hot drinks and light refreshments. Outside food and drink aren't allowed, except bottled water.
Will there be live music?
No live performances this year. Recorded music plays with some of the light displays.
Can we arrive early or leave and come back?
No. The gardens close to all visitors before the event and reopen only for Garden of Lights ticket holders. Once you leave, you can't come back in that night.
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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.