The Atlanta Botanical Garden Lights is probably one of my favorite holiday light displays. It could be because the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite Atlanta attractions.
Once you see the orchestral orbs with 14 million different colors dancing to holiday music, or witness the 25-foot tall Ice Goddess – a vision of wintry radiance with twinkling lights weaving through her tresses — you’ll want to make this a holiday tradition!
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Garden Lights Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia.

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN LIGHTS FAVORITES
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ is spectacular. In fact, this amazing light display was the winner of The Great Christmas Light Fight last year on ABC!
Garden Nights, Holiday Lights began in 2010 with more than a million energy-efficient LED lights. The bulbs consume up to 80 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent light bulbs, but also have a life span of five years more.
Garden Nights, Holiday Lights will run from November 16, 2024 through January 12, 2025. While plenty of the show’s fan-favorite features return, guests can expect new twists, including an upgrade to the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound, “Nature’s Wonders.” Expect new music and choreography with more vertical lights than ever.
Also look for several of the giant plant sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns dramatically lit, including the Skyline Garden’s towering White Rabbit and nearby Chess Set, as well as the Cheshire Cat perched on Alston Overlook.
Visitors to the Garden Nights, Holiday Lights can meander among garden displays – including giant snowflakes, the tunnel of light, or get a photo taken at the Kiss Me Arch — all while sipping hot drinks and listening to strolling carolers.
Take a stroll through the Storza Woods on the Kendeda Canopy Walk — and see the beautiful light displays throughout. See the Glowing Grove, the Glittering Galaxy, and the Blooming Bulbs throughout the gardens.
One of the most loved exhibits is the Orchestral Orbs that change to 14 million different colors that dance to holiday music on the Great Lawn. Next to Nature’s Wonder, these are my favorite. I love the combination of the music and motion. You can’t help but get into the holiday spirit with the peppy soundtrack. It just makes for a great light show.
In addition, there is plenty of room for the kids (and maybe adults) to dance around while the Orbs change color to the music.
For the littles, and the little at heart, the holiday model train set up is always a favorite. The young boys doing laps around the display trying to keep up with the train reminded me of when my boys were young. And you can’t leave without stopping by the gift shop!
Warm up at the s’more roasting fire pits in front of Mershon Hall. While you are toasting marshmallows, be sure to notice the Chihuly glass sculpture in the fountain, a remnant of the very first art exhibit at the Botanical Gardens.
GARDEN NIGHTS, HOLIDAY LIGHTS TICKETS
Let’s talk tickets!
Timed tickets are on sale now to Garden members and the public for Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as most dates are likely to sell out quickly.
Get the best deal on Garden Lights tickets by visiting on one of the 12 value nights throughout the season. Value night tickets start at $29.95 for adults, $26.95 for kids 3-12.
Garden Members also save $5 on every Garden Lights ticket.
You’ll find several different types of tickets — from General Admission to Premium Tickets. In addition, pricing is determined based on dates, and you’ll find Value Nights, Regular Nights, and Peak Nights.
General Admission lets you and your crew see all the lights. Premium tickets offer the lights, plus hologram glasses, a drink ticket, and express entry to the gardens.
There’s also a Premium + ticket choice, which includes flex dates (you can change your ticket if you need to), no time restrictions (you don’t have to choose a specific time), a lighted bulb necklace, exclusive photo op and holiday treat, and hologram glasses, a drink ticket, and express entry.
7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GARDEN LIGHTS, HOLIDAY NIGHTS
- Go Early in the Season. This is a HUGELY popular attraction. It’s best to buy tickets early. The exhibit starts in mid-November and runs through early January.
- Save Money on Non-Peak Days. In addition to smaller crowds, you’ll also save money going earlier in the season or on non-peak days. Members get an additional savings.
- Dress Appropriately. This event is rain or shine, warm or cold. So once you purchase your tickets, they are non-refundable and non-transferrable (unless you do a Flex Ticket Upgrade). Atlanta weather can get cool, so dress to be outside.
- You Must Pay to Park. Depending on when you go, you’ll pay between $5 and $10 to park in the Atlanta Botanical Garden SAGE parking deck.
- Go for Dinner. Choose between a sit down meal at Longleaf or a grab and go at the Quick Cafe. Longleaf welcomes walk-in guests, but during Garden Lights, you may want to make a reservation to ensure you get in. And if you want to host a holiday special event, this is the perfect place.
- Gorgeous Views of Atlanta. In addition to the festive atmosphere, another reason I love the Atlanta Botanical Gardens Lights is the Skylights Lounge in the Skyline Garden (with one of the best views of Atlanta) and a cozy fireplace.
- Trains. My boys love watching the model trains. I remember when my youngest was still learning to talk waving backwards saying ‘lie, lie’ as they went back through the tunnel.
MORE INFORMATION FOR HOLIDAY FUN IN ATLANTA
- CHRISTMAS EVENTS: Your Guide To Only The Very Best Christmas Events in Atlanta
- CHRISTMAS TREES: 20+ Unforgettable Christmas Tree Farms in Atlanta You’ll Adore
- HELEN GA CHRISTMAS: 13 Reasons You Should Visit This Holiday Season
- HOLIDAY BARS: 9+ Festive Christmas Bars Atlanta Loves To Imbibe In For Holiday ‘Spirit’
- FREE CHRISTMAS: 19+ Free Christmas Events In Atlanta To Ring In Holiday Cheer
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN LIGHTS



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