Galaxy of lights celebrates 30 years of holiday tradition at Huntsville Botanical Garden

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville Botanical Garden’s annual holiday light experience, Galaxy of Lights, returns for its landmark 30th season on November 14 and runs through December 31. Recognized as Huntsville’s most beloved holiday tradition, it was voted the #2 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights the last two years by USA Today’s 10Best Travel Awards. Galaxy of Lights is presented by Damson Automotive, Publix, and Country Financial.

Guests will enjoy the rich traditions that Galaxy of Lights is known for, along with exciting new features. With traditional light displays and special effects throughout the experience, there will be surprises for first-time guests and long-time visitors alike.

With both walking and driving experiences available, the award-winning event offers guests of all ages the chance to share in the beloved tradition and make memories together.

• Walking Nights: November 14–26, 28–30 (closed Thanksgiving Day), December 3–6 , 17–24, and 26–27 (closed Christmas Day)
• Dog Walking Nights: Every Monday and Tuesday during Walking Nights (November 17 & 18, November 24 & 25, and December 22 & 23)
• Driving Nights: December 7–16 and 28–31

The event will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Ticket prices for Walking Nights range from $13 to $25 for adults and $7 to $15 for children. Discounted tickets of $3 each are available to those who qualify through Museums for All (limit of four tickets). Advanced purchase of tickets for Walking Nights is strongly recommended as gate tickets are not guaranteed to be available.

Tickets for Driving Nights range from $30 to $45 per vehicle with 10 or fewer occupants. Driving Nights tickets can be purchased in advance or upon arrival.

The Garden has added two new ways to enjoy the show: from the comfort of the Evergreen Express or during Sensory Hours.

Guests are invited to hop aboard the Garden Tram and enjoy a guided 45-minute tour through the lights, complete with festive storytelling and cozy views. Tours depart every hour from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., leaving on the half-hour. Each ticket includes the tram ride and one free hot chocolate from Fern & Feast Bistro. Evergreen Express tickets are a $4 add-on to Walking Nights admission. Seating is limited and includes one ADA-designated space for guests using a mobility device.

Sensory Hours are two specially designated times for guests with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the magic in a more comfortable setting. During these hours, in collaboration with Autism Support of Alabama (ASA), the lights will shine bright, but all music will be at a reduced volume to create a calmer experience. ASA will provide earplugs for those who need further noise reduction, while supplies last. A limited number of sensory toys will be available for checkout at the Admission Desk (first come, first served).

• Evergreen Express: Nov. 14-16, 20-23; December 4-6, 18-21, and 26-27
• Sensory Hours: November 30 at 4:30 p.m. and December 3 at 4:30 p.m.

“For thirty years, Galaxy of Lights has been a beloved tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the magic of the season,” said CEO Susan L. Wagner. “This milestone year is especially meaningful as we honor the memories and moments that have made Galaxy of Lights so special, while introducing new experiences that will delight guests in fresh ways. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or continuing a cherished tradition, we invite you to join us in celebrating three decades of lights, laughter, and connection at the Garden.”

Galaxy of Lights has plenty of new surprises for guests of all ages. Garden staff have worked behind the scenes all year to provide an exciting and innovative experience that captures holiday favorites with new technology, light show elements, and special effects.

In addition to the Evergreen Express and Sensory Hours, new features for this year’s light show include:

• Reimagined Icicle Forest – This area has long been a favorite among walking and driving customers alike. This year the area has been given a glow-up befitting the 30th anniversary!
• Dream Stream Pathway – Step into an interactive projection pathway where each movement transforms the lights around you.
• Light Show at Cocoa Castle – A dazzling new beam-light technology experience, redesigned to complement the whimsical Hot Cocoa Castle.
• Fresh Musical Selections – Enjoy new musical choices woven throughout the walking night experience.
• Dreamscape Interactive Tablets – Two new 32-inch screens let you draw your own light patterns and see them mirrored back in real time.
• Candlelight Cabin – A new light show experience at the trading post location.
• Additional Concessions – Enjoy a delicious selection of food and beverages from any of the five concession points:
  • The Fern & Feast Bistro: Serving popcorn, chips, and hot beverages.
  • The Frosted Flora Bar: Serving a hot alcoholic beverage as well as some cold ones.
  • Glow Bar located in the Gathering: Serving all cold alcoholic beverages.
  • The Festive Fern located in the Gathering: Serving S’mores kits, burgers, and additional fares
  • The Cocoa Castle: Serving cookies, hot cocoa, and alcoholic add-ons

Tickets to Galaxy of Lights are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Garden front desk during regular business hours or online at hsvbg.org/galaxy. Bulk tickets are also available for groups of 20 or more and can be purchased by emailing tickets@hsvbg.org. All proceeds directly support the mission of the Huntsville Botanical Garden, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Refunds are not available for Galaxy of Lights tickets and rescheduled tickets incur a $5 fee. Parking for Galaxy of Lights is free.

Wagons, strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters are welcome. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for guest use, free of charge, first come first served. An extensive FAQ section is available at hsvbg.org/galaxy for answers to most questions.

Absolutely no outside alcohol is permitted at Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Galaxy of Lights 5K and 3K Fun Run registration is also open and details can be found on HBG’s website.