The Maine coastline is filled with beautiful beaches and vistas and a host of wildlife. Most people visit the region from spring through fall because temperatures are mild. However, Gardens Aglow is a very good reason to brave the frosty temperatures of Boothbay Harbor during the winter. This light display is held at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens every year and now in its 10th season.
About Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
The Gardens started as a community-driven effort and now stretches across more than 300 acres in the Midcoast, making them the largest botanical gardens in New England. The staff provides tours throughout the regular open season, which is May 1 through October 20.
What You Should Know About Gardens Aglow
What started out as the simple idea of bringing people to the Midcoastal in November and December quickly turned into an event that draws more than 100,000 people. This coming winter, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens celebrates its 10th annual Gardens Aglow from November 16 –December 31.
Every year, the light display changes, and it is popular due to the inclusion of Maine favorites like Wade the Moose and a giant Lighthouse. The light display is viewable Thursday-Sunday, plus select dates. Arrival times at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Tickets are $21 for adults, $18 for seniors and veterans, $12 for children ages 3-17, and $54 for a family pass for 2 adults and 2 children.
1. Tickets Are Available Online and Attendance is Capped
While you can make reservations for Gardens Aglow over the phone, getting tickets is easy online. Note that timeslots are limited to prevent overcrowding.
Tickets cannot be purchased in person. When you buy your tickets, ensure the date and time is correct. Exchanges can be made for a small fee. There is no refund on unused tickets.
After you make a purchase, you’ll receive an email with printable tickets. You should print them and bring them with you to Gardens Aglow.
2. Group Tickets Get a Special Rate at Gardens Aglow
Since Gardens Aglow is so popular, it gets a lot of large groups. Discounts are available for 10 people or more who use one payment method. Groups that plan to arrive on a tour bus or other oversized vehicle should call the staff to make parking arrangements before they arrive.
3. Parking Is Limited
Parking at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is very convenient, but the spaces are limited. Carpooling with family members or friends can reduce your chances of waiting for a parking spot or not finding one at all.
The Chamber of Commerce provides a shuttle on Friday and Saturday that runs between Boothbay Harbor Town Clerk and Fire Department and the Gardens. You can park anywhere downtown and go to the municipal parking lot to ride the shuttle.
If you decide to drive to the Gardens, keep in mind that it can get dark in some areas of the parking lot when the sun goes down. Those areas are the farthest away from the light display. Because of that, a flashlight can light your way through the parking lot if you arrive or leave after dark. You won’t need the flashlight to get around the Gardens, though.
4. Winter Maine Weather Makes the Walking Event Cold
When you plan to take a wintry stroll to see lights in Maine, you need to dress for the weather. The weather in November and December can get really chilly, so you should wear warm layers for the walk, which takes at least an hour. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes as well.
5. Dining options are available on site
The Cafe at the Gardens will serve hot food options and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. For grab-and-go snacks, head to the Snack Shack.
6. The Garden shop Sells Unique Boothbay Harbor Gifts
When you’ve completed your walk among the lights, don’t forget to visit the Garden shop. It’s full of unique items that can only be found in Boothbay Harbor, such as locally made honey, soaps, candles, shirts, hoodies and more. These can make great holiday gifts for loved ones. There’s even a selection of the energy-saving lights that you can take home to decorate your own display.
The Best Place to Stay for Gardens Aglow, Restaurants, Shopping, and More
One of the closest hotels to Gardens Aglow, Flagship Inn & Suites offers a range of great amenities at our year-round property. We’re family-friendly, pet-friendly, and handicap-accessible.
Our Inn even runs specials for guests who plan to attend Gardens Aglow, so give us a call today for help planning your trip to Gardens Aglow and the Boothbay Harbor area this winter!