Glowing Gardens walk-through light display at Jacksonville Arboretum
Take a tour of Glowing Gardens, the Jacksonville Arboretum’s walk-through holiday light display featuring lighted displays, exhibits and more.
The Glowing Gardens holiday light show returns to the Jacksonville Arboretum.The show will be open Nov. 28-Dec. 28.
The odds of getting into a good snowball fight in Jacksonville aren’t real good this holiday season, but the inflatable igloo at Glowing Gardens, the walk-through holiday light show that returns to the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, is about as close as you’ll get.
The igloo, filled with soft fabric “snowballs,” is just one of the holiday events in Jacksonville that bring a touch of winter to the Sunshine State. The pathways of the arboretum (which is still open during the day for those who really admire plants) have been decorated with lights, lasers and the coolest teeter-totters you’ve ever seen.
Here’s what you need to know about Glowing Gardens.
What is Glowing Gardens?
Glowing Gardens is a walk-through holiday light display. Visitors will walk through lighted tunnels, through forests of lighted hummingbirds and snowflakes, over a multicolored river of light and have lasers and dragonflies projected onto their bodies.
When is Glowing Gardens open?
The holiday lights event is open 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 28.
Where is the Jacksonville Arboretum?
The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is in Arlington, just off the Monument Road exit from I-295. The address is 1445 Milcoe Road.
How much are tickets for Glowing Gardens?
Tickets are $22 for adults, $15 for kids. Discounts are available for arboretum members.
How long should I expect to spend at Glowing Gardens?
It takes about an hour to walk through the entire display, but you are free to spend as much time as you like once you are inside the gates. Tickets are sold on a timed basis to limit the number of people who are inside at once, and officials request that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. They cannot guarantee entry if you arrive late.
How many lights are we talking about?
No one is sure of the total number, but Dana Doody, CEO of the arboretum, said, “It’s got to be in the millions.” The arboretum put on a rented light show for several years, but purchased its own equipment for Glowing Gardens last year.
Is Glowing Gardens accessible for visitors in a wheelchair?
Almost all of the displays can be accessed from paved pathways, but a few areas have unpaved paths.
Glowing teeter-totters?
The snowball igloo sits in an area clearly designed with kids in mind. Nearby, you’ll also find lighted hoops hanging from the trees that are perfect for swinging, and internally illuminated teeter-totters that should keep kids entertained all night.
What if I need a snack?
New this year are make-your-own S’Mores. Visitors can buy a prepackaged kit that includes marshmallow, Graham cracker and chocolate, then whip up their own S’mores over the nearby firepits. Beer, wine, coffee and cocoa are also available.
Where do I park for Glowing Gardens?
The arboretum lot is not large enough to handle all parking for Glowing Gardens, so they’ve set up remote parking and shuttles. Visitors can park for free at Fort Caroline Baptist Church, 11428 McCormick Road, and take a free shuttle to the arboretum. Parking in the arboretum lot is $12 and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if it rains?
If the weather turns foul, the arboretum will close Glowing Gardens and notify ticket holders about how they can reschedule. Tickets will not be refunded, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your scheduled time.
Can I bring my dog?
Only authorized service animals are admitted.
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