Garden of lights at brookside gardens is a magical holiday paradise at Brookside Gardens in Maryland. Learn about its History, what to expect, how to visit, ticket details, and FAQs for one of DC’s most beautiful holiday light shows.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As the days get shorter and the chill of winter sets in, the world around us picks up a much more languid pace. But for some, the holidays cast a magical warmth that glows on even the coldest nights. This spirit is captured in the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County, Maryland. Every holiday season, this spectacular drive-through event transforms the area surrounding the Gardens into a winter spectacle, including twinkling trees and whimsical displays.
If you’re considering going or just wondering what all the fuss is about, check out this guide to the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens. We’ll explain its backstory, what you can expect to see, how to get tickets, things to bear in mind on your visit, and more.
The History Behind the Garden of Lights
The Origins
Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park has been a favorite public garden since its commencement in 1969. Featuring over 50 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens , walking paths, and several conservatories, it’s a year-round destination for nature lovers and horticulture enthusiasts. But then, come winter, something extraordinary happens.
The Garden of Lights was introduced in the late 1990s as a way to attract visitors to the gardens during the off-season and to provide the community with a merry, family-friendly holiday event. What began as a humble glimmer has expanded over the decades to become one of the area’s most eagerly anticipated light displays, attracting visitors from Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia.
The Community Spirit
Volunteers, local artists, and garden staff spend months crafting the designs, constructing the displays, and installing the lights. Much of the installation is handmade, and every year, new themes and surprises are added to the mix. This spectacle isn’t only an exhibition of twinkling lights but a celebration of imagination, effort, and community spirit.
Why is Garden of Lights extraordinary?
Artistic Light Displays
Unlike other commercially driven light shows that concentrate purely on scale or animated razzle-dazzle, the event at Brookside Gardens is famous for its artistry and nature-based creativity. Expect to see:
- Flowers & Butterflies: Enormous glowing blossoms and colorful butterflies pay tribute to the gardens’ botanical heritage.
- Woodland Creatures: Squirrels, foxes, deer, and other animals twinkle among the trees.
- Seasonal Scenes: Snowflakes and icicles grace the trees and build a fresh scene on every path.
- Interactivity: Some features are set to music or for visitor interaction to add to the experience.
Walk-Through Experience
Unlike drive-thru light shows, the Garden of Lights is a completely walkable experience. Guests walk leisurely through narrow garden paths while pausing for close-up views and plenty of photo shoots. Its intimate vibe makes it ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Brookside Gardens: A commitment to the environment. Many light displays feature LED bulbs, which use less energy. The gardens also seek to promote public transit and carpooling to minimize the event’s environmental footprint.
Additional Attractions
The Conservatory is open during the event to offer visitors a place to warm up on a chilly winter night. Inside, guests can check out seasonal plant exhibits, model trains, and music on occasion.
Planning Your Visit
Dates and Hours
The Garden of Lights usually takes place in late November through late December or early January. The event is available nightly, even on holidays. Please consult the official Brookside Gardens website for dates of operation and weather closure information.
Hours: Lights are usually from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., although hours can change.
Location
Brookside Gardens
1800 Glenallan Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902
There is parking onsite, though it can be a squeeze on a busy night.
Tickets and Pricing
- Admission: It requires a ticket, which you often need to buy in advance on the Brookside Gardens website.
- Pricing: Tickets for the 2024 season cost $10-$15 per person, and kids under 3 get in free. Montgomery County residents may receive discounts.
- Timed Entry: To regulate crowd size, tickets are sold in set time slots. Just make sure to arrive at your appointed time.
Accessibility
The primary trails and exhibits can be navigated with wheelchairs and strollers, but be prepared for uneven ground or the possibility of wet weather. Service animals are welcome.
Highlights and Must-See Displays What to Expect: Highlights and Must-See Displays
The Butterfly Garden
Always my favorite, this area boasts larger-than-life butterflies and flowers lit up in vivid colors, paying homage to Brookside’s famous butterfly garden.
The Woodland Walk
The Woodland Walk is lit with shimmering blues and greens, like the inside of a magical forest. Watch out for foxes, owls, and deer lurking in the trees.
Model Train Display
A model train chugs through a small holiday village inside the heat-filled Conservatory. Children and adults alike are wowed by this elaborate show, which is often themed to correspond to the year’s light display.
The Arbor Tunnel
One of the most photographed spots in the Gardens, the Arbor Tunnel is an illuminated passage where thousands of lights form a twinkling canopy overhead. It’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo or a romantic interlude.
Whimsical Scenes
From dragonflies and caterpillars to snowmen and penguins, surprises await in every path. Some displays are interactive or animated to keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Tips for a Magical Visit
Dress for the Weather
The experience is almost entirely outdoors. Layer up, wear warm hats and gloves, and choose comfortable, waterproof shoes. A thermos of hot chocolate might help the mood!
Buy Tickets Early
Peak nights (especially weekends and the week before Christmas) sell out quickly. Make Your Reservation in Advance If you already have a specific date and time for your trip, book your tickets online.
Arrive Early
Parking is scarce, and the gardens get crowded. Arriving at the beginning of your time slot will give you a head start and prevent bottlenecks.
Bring a Camera
The banners are given an eye-catching visual enhancement. Whether you’re an enthusiast or shooting from your phone, the goal is to document the magnificence and the memories.
Mind the Rules
- Bring No pets ( service animals allowed)
- No outside food or drink (though concessions may be available).
- No tripods or drones
- Remain on the pathways to preserve the gardens.
Use Public Transportation
Brookside Gardens is near the Glenmont Metro stop on the Red Line, which is also a great way to avoid parking frustration at peak times.
The Influence of the Garden of Lights
Supporting the Gardens
The Garden of Lights is a fundraiser, and its proceeds benefit the continued care of Brookside Gardens and educational programming. By showing up, you make sure this critical community resource remains viable for generations to come.
Fostering Community
The event attracts people from all walks of life—families, friends, couples, and solo adventurers. It is a place to come together, to celebrate, and to create lifelong memories.
Inspiring Wonder
Most importantly, the Garden of Lights introduc es wonder. It’s a testament to the beauty that can be found even in the darkest months and the power of creativity and the human spirit.
Questions and Answers (Q&Ans)
When is Brookside Gardens’ Garden of Lights?
The event usually runs from late November to early January. Specific dates/times vary annually; consult the Brookside Gardens website for the latest.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, timed-entry. Slots must be bought online and often get snapped up, especially on weekends and holidays.
Is the event kid- and stroller-friendly?
Absolutely! The paths are accessible by baby strollers, and the displays are meant to entertain kids of all ages.
Is there food or drink at the event?
Although they do not allow outside food and drink, concessions are open onsite or near the event, offering coffee and snacks .
What if I am disabled? Can I attend the event?
Most walkways and exhibits are accessible to wheelchair users, and service animals are admitted. Please check with Brookside Gardens prior to visiting with any specific accessibility questions.
Garden lights -Point of View
For Families
The Garden of Lights is a favorite holiday season for parents and kids. Children wonder at the luminous animals and whimsical scenes, and their parents appreciate the safe, open-air environment and an opportunity to pass along a beloved tradition. “Families come back year after year, and it adds a special memory to their holidays.”
For Couples
The romantic environment of twinkling lights and serene pathways makes Brookside Gardens a popular spot for a date night during the holidays. Couples walk hand-in-hand through the lighted gardens, stopping for photos under the shimmering arbor tunnel or near the reflecting pond.
For Friends and Groups
Share the magic of the holidays by joining visitors of all ages who make the Garden of Lights a part of their holiday tradition. Group rates may be available; visit the event website for more information.
Conservation and sustainability work
Brookside Gardens is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. The Garden of Lights event demonstrates this dedication in numerous ways:
- LED Lighting: Most displays utilize energy-efficient LEDs, which consume 85% less electricity.
- Recyclable Materials: Many of the light sculptures are reused year after year, reducing the amount of waste.
- Ecologically Responsible: Guests are encouraged to recycle, use mass transit, and consider the environment.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Combine Your Visit
You might also combine your visit to the Garden of Lights with other nearby attractions:
- Wheaton Regional Park: Play at playgrounds, picnic, and take a hike.
- Brookside Nature Center: Discover the local fauna and natural environment.
- Downtown Silver Spring: Search restaurants, shops, and more holiday events.
Gift Shop
The gift shop in the Visitor Center sells holiday gifts, decorations , and gardening books. All purchases support the gardens’ Educational programs and maintenance.
Volunteer Opportunities
If your visit inspires you, consider volunteering. Every year, volunteers from the community comprise the work crew that maintains, sets up, and tear down ‘The Garden of Lights’. It’s a beautiful way to pay it forward and be part of something magical.
A Short History of Brookside Gardens
Opened in 1969, Brookside Gardens is a component of the Montgomery County park system and the creation of one of the most ambitious public gardens in the United States. It has expanded to include:
- Formal Gardens: Rose, azalea, and perennial gardens display seasonal colors.
- Japanese Tea House and Garden Calm and Relaxation inspired by traditional Japanese design.
- Butterfly Garden: Draws local pollinators and excites butterfly fans of every age.
- Conservatory: Tropical and subtropical plants are kept here throughout the year.
Open year-round to the public, Brookside is free of charge except during special events like Garden of Lights.
Community Testimonials
“The Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens is now a family tradition of ours. Our kids are wowed every year, and we can’t get enough of what’s new. It’s the ideal way to start the holiday season!”
– The Jones Family, Silver Spring
I got engaged to my fiancée under the Arbor Tunnel! The lights made it completely magical, and we will treasure that memory forever.”
– Mike R., Takoma Park
Conclusion
Preserving a cherished tradition: MOBOT’s Garden of Lights The Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens is not just a holiday light show; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the timeless beauty of nature. If you’re a first-time visitor or a regular returnee, you will surely find wonder, happiness, and connection under the sparkly lights.
Book your visit, wrap up warm, and come on a magical adventure in a world of light and magic.
FAQs (Expanded)
When is the Brookside Gardens Garden of Lights?
As in years past, the event will be extended from late November through early January. Visit Brookside Gardens for accurate days and times.
Should I buy my tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets are generally necessary ahead of time and sold for specific time slots to manage crowd numbers. The weekend can get busy, and late nights often sell out, so plan ahead.
Is the Garden of Lights stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?
Most trails are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though uneven ground may be encountered in some areas. For more information about accessibility accommodations, please contact Brookside Gardens.
Do they have food and drinks for sale?
Do they sell hot drinks during the event? No outside food or beverages is permitted.
Can I take my dog to Garden of Lights?
No pets, except for service animals, are allowed.