November 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026
TICKET TIMES FOR ENTRY: 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm
Tickets are timed in 60-minute increments to stagger visitor parking for the best experience.
Entry will not be permitted after 8:15 pm. Nights with only 6 pm and 7 pm time slots will have the last entry at 7:15 pm.
HOLIDAYS: LIGHTS will be closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
GARDEN DAY TIME HOURS DURING LIGHTS: 11 am - 4 pm
DATES & TIMES
TICKETS
Prices vary based on the day of the week and date you select.
Parking is included in the ticket price.
DIGITAL GIFT CARDS
Give the gift of LIGHTS at Fernwood! Purchase a digital gift card for friends, family, or colleagues. How about your mail carrier or house cleaner? Tickets to LIGHTS also make great gifts for teachers!
CONCESSIONS
Hot chocolate, hot cider, chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, s'mores, and other snacks will be available for purchase.
Souvenirs include plush woodland animal toys, glowing merchandise, and LIGHTS-branded apparel.
Choose to add Irish creme or apple brandy to your hot beverages on the following nights. LIGHTS ale, brewed by River St. Joe, will also be served.
Friday, November 28, Saturday, November 29
Friday, December 12, Saturday, December 13
Friday, December 19, Saturday, December 20
Friday, December 26, Saturday, December 27
LIGHTS Pale Ale
This 2025 River St. Joe Brewery collaboration with Fernwood Botanical Garden is a pale ale brewed with autumn olives and lavender foraged at Fernwood. Dry-hopped with Chinook hops from Flatwater Farms, just two miles down the road. Aroma and flavor notes of pineapple, pine, and a touch of lavender. A pleasant bitterness with a slight tartness from the autumn olives and a touch of sweetness on the finish.
ACTIVITIES
In addition to enjoying the winter air and the enchanting light show, create even more memories by exploring the various activities at LIGHTS!
SEASONAL KIDS CRAFT: Visit the craft tables in the Education Center, where kids can create their own souvenir cardinal ornament to take home!
LIFE SIZE LITE-BRITE: Do you remember playing with a Lite Brite when you were younger? You know, the toy where you got to make fun pictures that lit up and looked magical? Guess what - we have one here at Fernwood! Check it out in the Sims Education Center during LIGHTS.
FATHER WINTER: A special visitor from the north will be making a stop at Fernwood this year, bringing with him all the magic and wonder of the winter season. Don’t miss your chance to get a photo with Father Winter! He’ll be roaming the LIGHTS paths on December 7, 14, 21, and 23.
GLOW SWINGS: Enjoy the refreshing winter breeze in your hair as you happily swing on our amazing glow swings! It's a fun experience you won’t want to miss!
FIRE PITS: Warm up your hands and face at one of our custom-made fire pits throughout the LIGHTS path.
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
Purchase tickets ahead of time online!
Follow your designated arrival window to avoid waiting or missing your entry time. Entry will not be permitted after 8:15 pm. Nights with only 6 pm and 7 pm time slots will have the last entry at 7:15 pm.
Have your ticket ready to show to the team at the ticket hut to expedite entry.
This outdoor event will be held rain, snow, or shine. Please dress for the weather.
Have fun making memories while supporting your public garden - Fernwood!
More questions? No problem! Check out our fun Frequently Asked Questions page.
VOLUNTEER
LIGHTS at Fernwood has become a staple of community celebration. Being involved in this festive spectacle is a thrill.
Bring your family, friends, or co-workers along. LIGHTS is a fun, memory-filled opportunity that we hope you join to experience firsthand.
Reach out to cmoeller@fernwoodbotanical.org if you have questions before registering.
Make your marriage proposal unforgettable by choosing LIGHTS at Fernwood. Our team will provide a tour in advance, helping you select from a variety of stunning locations throughout the grounds to propose to your loved one. Then, take your partner on a surprise journey through our winter wonderland to your chosen spot and create a magical memory that will last a lifetime!
PROPOSALS
HOLIDAY PARTIES
How exciting would it be to host your holiday party at Fernwood and enjoy a special, private viewing of LIGHTS? Now is the perfect time to start planning! We offer catering options. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (December 2–17) are reserved for celebrations where we’ll turn on all the light-up magic just for you!
SPONSOR
As a valuable LIGHTS event sponsor, you or your company will gain brand visibility and recognition throughout the show, creating additional awareness and appreciation of you and your wonderful brand.
LIGHTS at Fernwood, including event sponsors, is diversely promoted throughout the region. Thousands of visitors from near and far attend LIGHTS during the winter holiday season.
We are grateful for your support and look forward to collaborating with you!
2025 LIGHTS SPONSORS
ADDITIONAL LIGHTS SUPPORTERS
