LIGHTS AT FERNWOOD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | 2024 EDITION

TICKETS & RESERVATIONS

  • You can try! But, we do not recommend it. Advance online ticket purchases are strongly encouraged due to the volume of people attending the event. However, tickets may be purchased on-site subject to availability. Check the Fernwood website for up-to-date ticket information before arrival.

  • We hate standing in long lines, don’t you? Due to the anticipated volume, we request advanced online ticket purchases to help us ensure a fun, quality experience for all and control the flow of both foot and car traffic, as parking at Fernwood is limited. Also, purchasing tickets online lets you choose the date and time slot that works best for you and your family/friends—planning ahead for the win!

  • 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm

  • Scroll down through your ticket confirmation email. There you will find a pdf attachment containing your tickets. You may print them and bring them with you to Fernwood OR consider saving a tree by just pulling up the ticket QR codes on the pdf (take a quick screenshot ahead of time!) for our staff to scan upon your arrival.

  • Yes, you can easily make the change online, but it may be subject to a service fee. This fee applies to both members and nonmembers. Please be aware that tickets are subject to availability by date and time. It’s easy - click on “Change my ticket” in your ticket confirmation email!

    If a Fernwood staff member must make an exchange, an additional $10 fee will be incurred. Ticket exchanges cannot be made after 1 pm on the event day.

  • Bummer! We will miss you. No refunds will be given this year unless Fernwood cancels an evening due to extreme weather or other conditions. Remember, we will let you know by 2 pm the event day.

  • Look at you, being punctual. Love it. Yes, allow extra time for entry and parking, but please do not arrive more than 20 minutes before your scheduled time, as space in the Fernwood parking lot is limited. Of course, you may stay as long as you like, considering the event ends each evening at 9 pm.

  • We totally get it. Life happens! We will accommodate you in the next slots based on availability, but please be aware there will be no entry after 8:30 pm, as the event concludes at 9 pm each evening.

WEATHER & CANCELLATIONS

  • Bummer! We will miss you. No refunds will be given this year unless Fernwood cancels an evening due to extreme weather or other conditions. Remember, we will let you know by 2 pm the event day.

  • Don’t think such things! But, if that were to happen, Fernwood would decide to cancel the event for the evening based on hazardous or unsafe winter weather. The safety of our visitors is a top priority, and we will notify you of the cancellation at 2 pm the day of the event through an email to ticket holders. Updates will also be available on the Fernwood website, Facebook, and Instagram. So give us a follow if you haven’t already! Staff will work to assist in rescheduling your tickets.

LIGHTS EXPERIENCE

  • You should allow 45 – 60 minutes to tour the entire LIGHTS display, take photos, and post them on social media. Don’t forget to tag Fernwood! Stop by the Education Center for a warm-up, then browse the Visitors Center gift shop for all your holiday shopping needs!

  • Hot chocolate and apple cider, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels will be available for purchase in the Education Center, and pre-packaged snacks and drinks will be available in the Gift Shop in the Visitors Center.

  • You know it! Specialty items for LIGHTS will be available for purchase in the Sims Education Center. Holiday gifts are available in the Fernwood Gift Shop in the Visitors Center. Both locations will be open from 6-9 pm. Just ensure there is plenty of room in your vehicle for all the great stuff you will purchase!

VISITOR SERVICES

  • First of all, let us say, we love you for this! Anyway, during LIGHTS season, the garden will be open Tuesday - Sunday, 12-5 pm.

    All daytime visitors (including members) must exit the garden by 5 pm, so staff can set up and train nightly volunteers for LIGHTS to be ready to open at 6 pm. Or, you could volunteer and stay with us ALL DAY : )

  • Clothes are required ; ) This is an outdoor event, so please dress appropriately for our southwest Michigan winter weather — which means you should always carry a winter coat, snow pants, t-shirt, shorts, sunscreen, and umbrella with you at ALL TIMES.

  • The paths for the event are either paved or topped with crushed gravel. We will also work hard to keep them clear of snow and ice. But, please note, we do not have wheelchairs available for guest use at the gardens.

  • Of course! Just be sure to get our good side. Guests are encouraged to take lots of photographs. Please be sure to tag Fernwood in your posts and use #lightsatfernwood to share your fun experience. Strike a pose, say cheese, and share your memories!

  • Yes, strollers are allowed for pushing around your young ones or for filling up with all the great stuff you’ll see at the gift shop! Please be aware of weather conditions.

  • Only service animals will be admitted to the LIGHTS display. Emotional Support animals are not permitted during this time. But please feel free to show us any photos of your furry friends with us. We love them.

  • This is LIGHTS at Fernwood, not RAVE at Fernwood. There will be some lighting sequences that have some flashing lights contained within them; however, there will be no strobe lighting.