General Information
Q: What is Galaxy of Lights?
Galaxy of Lights is a holiday tradition that takes place every November and December at Huntsville Botanical Garden. For over 25 years, we have welcomed guests from near and far to explore the magnificent lights and enjoy the Garden when it’s decked out in its holiday best. With both walking and driving experiences, Galaxy offers guests of all ages the chance to experience the magic, share in the tradition, and make memories together.
Q: Do I walk or drive at Galaxy of Lights?
The short answer is: BOTH! From November 17-26, November 29-December 3, and December 16 through December 24, Walking Nights are an opportunity to be fully immersed in the magic of Galaxy. From December 4-15, and December 26-31, Driving Nights allow you to celebrate the warmth of the holidays from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Q: When is Galaxy of Lights?
There are many ways to enjoy Galaxy of Lights from Friday, November 17, through Sunday, December 31! Check out all the dates below:
- Walking Nights: November 17-26 (Closed Thanksgiving Day), November 29-December 3, and December 16-24 (Closed Christmas Day)
- Dog Walking Nights: November 20 & 21, December 18 & 19. Mondays and Tuesdays during Walking Nights
- Driving Nights: December 4-15 and December 26-31
- Galaxy of Lights 5k Race: November 27
- Galaxy of Lights 3k Fun Run: November 28
Please note that Galaxy of Lights is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, but it is open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Q: What is new about Galaxy of Lights this year?
Galaxy of Lights has plenty of new surprises for guests of all ages. We have been working behind the scenes all year to bring you an exciting and innovative experience that captures your holiday favorites with new technology, light show elements, and special effects. With faux snow, lasers, light displays, and that one-of-a-kind Galaxy magic, you don’t want to miss out on Huntsville’s holiday event of the season! Please note that some of the new features include lighting sequences with flashing lights (no strobe lights).
This year, we have added a new experience called Whimsical Woods. Guests will see an entirely new immersive musical experience during Walking Nights and a larger-than-life drive-through experience that features lighting technology only feet away from guests cars! This location features 200 10-foot light poles, animated wrapped tree technology, and new beam lighting technology all mixed together with traditional lighting technologies. Guests will walk under our popular Snowflake archway and through an entire pathway of light.
Featured only within Walking Nights is a new feature called the Aurora Canopy. Located at the Trading Post, the Aurora Canopy will add over 6000 programmable lights over our guests as they walk through an Aurora-like light experience.
Q: How do I get my tickets?
Tickets for Walking Nights and Driving Nights are available to pre-purchase online or at the Garden’s front desk during regular business hours. For Walking Nights, please pre-purchase your timed ticket in advance to guarantee your admission! Gate tickets are not guaranteed during Walking Nights. For Driving Nights, tickets can be pre-purchased for any date or purchased upon arrival. All Driving Nights tickets are priced per vehicle, with ten (10) or fewer occupants.
Q: What is your ticket refund and exchange policy?
All tickets to Galaxy of Lights are non-refundable. Tickets for Walking Nights may be rescheduled to a different date for a transaction fee of $5 per ticket. All unused tickets are considered a donation to the Garden in support of our mission. To reschedule your Walking Nights ticket(s), please email info@hsvbg.org. We ask that you kindly allow two business days for a response to ticket inquiries, including rescheduling requests. Pre-purchased tickets for Driving Nights can be used on any Driving Night date.
Q: Is there a Galaxy of Lights 5k or 3k this year?
Yes! The Galaxy of Lights 5k Race and 3k Fun Run are your chance to experience Galaxy on a one-of-a-kind run (or walk!) through the displays. The 5k Race will take place on November 27, and the 3k Fun Run will take place on November 28. To learn more and to register, please click here.
Q: Will you be accepting donations for other charitable organizations?
We will! Beginning in November, a Toys for Tots donation box will be located in the Garden’s Guest Center. During Walking Nights, we encourage you to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. During Driving Nights, the ticket booths will be accepting donations of canned food and lightly used clothing, which will be distributed to local charitable organizations. If you make a donation at the Driving Nights ticket booths, you will receive $1 off the gate ticket price. (Please note that $1 off is the total discount, not a discount per item donated.)
Q: How can I be a part of the Galaxy tradition?
We are so glad you asked! Galaxy of Lights would not exist without the support of the community. Email volunteer@hsvbg.org to learn about volunteer opportunities at Galaxy for individuals and groups.
Walking Nights
Q: When are Walking Nights?
Walking Nights first begin on Friday, November 17, and continue through Sunday, November 26 (closed on Thanksgiving Day). Walking Nights resume on Wednesday, November 29 through Sunday, December 3. The final set of Walking Nights is Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 24 (closed on Christmas Day). Dog Walking Nights take place Monday and Tuesday during Walking Nights (November 20, 21 and December 18, 19), so you can bring your four-legged friends on those dates!
Q: Where are Walking Nights?
Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights take place at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, located at 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue in Huntsville, Alabama. Enter through the main gate on Bob Wallace Avenue, or you can follow the large “Enter Here” signs at Phantom Road near I-565. Please follow the parking team’s instructions as they direct you where to park. If you need parking accommodations, please let the parking team know.
Q: How do I get my ticket for Walking Nights?
Tickets for Walking Nights are available to pre-purchase online or at the Garden’s front desk during regular business hours. For Walking Nights, please pre-purchase your timed ticket in advance to guarantee your admission. Gate tickets are not guaranteed during Walking Nights. Proceeds from Galaxy Walking Nights go directly to support the mission of Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Q: Can I buy my Walking Nights ticket when I arrive?
With limited availability at the gate, the only way to guarantee your admission to Walking Nights is to pre-purchase your timed ticket in advance. Each date and entry time for Walking Nights has a limited capacity, so without a pre-purchased ticket, you may need to wait for availability. If tickets are entirely sold out when you arrive, you may be asked to return on a different night. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed, so we strongly encourage you to pre-purchase your tickets before arriving!
Q: What happens if Walking Night tickets are sold out on a specific date/time?
Each date and entry time for Walking Nights has a limited capacity. When pre-purchasing your tickets, you will not be able to select a date/time that is sold out. If you do not pre-purchase your tickets and tickets are entirely sold out when you arrive, you may be asked to return on a different night. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed, so we strongly encourage you to pre-purchase your tickets before arriving!
Q: Do I have to arrive at the designated arrival time on my pre-purchased ticket?
Yes, we ask that you arrive as close as possible to your designated arrival time.
Q: How much do tickets cost for Walking Nights?
Walking Nights tickets vary in price depending on the date, your age, when you purchase your tickets, and whether or not you are a Garden member. All ticket prices are listed below. (Hint: To get the best deal, pre-purchase your tickets before arriving, come on a non-peak night, and become a Garden member!) We also offer a discounted ticket price at the gate through Museums for All.
2023 Galaxy of Lights Walking Night Admission Prices
| Non-Peak (November 29, 30, December 1, 2, 3) |
Peak (November 17 – 22, 24 – 26, December 16 – 24) |
Gate | |
| Member Adult | $13.00 + tax | $17.00 + tax | $25.00 + tax |
| Member Child | $7.00 + tax | 10.00 + tax | $15.00 + tax |
| Non-Member Adult | $16.00 + tax | $20.00 + tax | $25.00 + tax |
| Non-Member Child (3 – 15) | $9.00 + tax | $12.00 + tax | $15.00 + tax |
| Museums For All | $3.00 + tax | $3.00 + tax | $3.00 + tax |
| Dogs (4 nights) | N/A | $5.00 + tax | $5.00 + tax |
Q: What happens if there is inclement weather during Walking Nights?
Walking Nights are held in the rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, Walking Nights will be canceled, and we will announce the cancellation by 3:30 p.m. on our website and social media channels. In this situation, all pre-purchased tickets can be refunded upon request. You may also donate your ticket fee to the Garden. To request a refund, please email info@hsvbg.org within five business days of the canceled date. We ask that you kindly allow two business days for a response to ticket inquiries, including refund requests.
Q: How long is the Walking Nights experience?
Walking Nights admissions begin at 5:15 p.m., and entry times are every 15 minutes thereafter. The last admission is at 8:30 p.m. The full Walking Nights path is about 1.5 miles long, and you are welcome to enjoy the experience at your own pace until 10:00 p.m.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Walking Nights?
Dogs are welcome on designated Dog Walking Nights, which take place Mondays and Tuesdays during Walking Nights (November 20, 21 and December 18,19). Tickets for dogs are $5 per pooch. Some of our four-legged guests even come dressed for the occasion!
Q: Are the paths accessible for strollers/wagons/wheelchairs?
Yes, our paths are a mix of paved roads and brick hardscape, and they are wide enough to accommodate strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs. Please note that the Walking Nights path can be dark in some areas, so we recommend bringing a flashlight to help you navigate wheels along the path.
Q: Are you offering shuttle rides or rentable wheelchairs?
Shuttle service is not available during Walking Nights. Wheelchairs will be available at the front desk on a first-come basis. To help everyone in your party have an enjoyable and comfortable experience, we encourage you to bring your own strollers, wagons, and/or wheelchairs as needed.
Q: Will there be concessions during Walking Nights?
Yes, we will have sweet treats, hot dogs, and hot beverages (with optional spirits!) available for purchase. As a reminder, outside alcohol is prohibited at the Garden.
Q: Will Santa be there during Walking Nights?
No, Santa will not be at Galaxy of Lights.
Q: Will the Gift Shop be open during Walking Nights?
Yes, it will! The Gift Shop will be open until 8:30 p.m. during Walking Nights. Stop by to see our curated selection of seasonal decorations and unique holiday gifts.
Q: Can I step off the path to take a photo with the lights?
For your safety, please remain on the lit paths. But feel free to take photos to your heart’s content! We love seeing your photos and videos, so please share with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging us with #GalaxyOfLights.
Driving Nights
Q: When are Driving Nights?
This year, Driving Nights begin on Monday, December 4, and continue through Friday, December 15. Driving Nights resume Tuesday, December 26, through Sunday, December 31.
Q: How do I get my ticket for Driving Nights?
Tickets for Driving Nights are available to pre-purchase online or at the Garden’s front desk during regular business hours. Driving Nights tickets can be pre-purchased for any date, or they can be purchased upon arrival. Proceeds from Galaxy Driving Nights go directly to support the mission of the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Q: How much do tickets cost for Driving Nights?
Driving Nights tickets vary in price depending on when you purchase your tickets and whether or not you are a Garden member. All ticket prices are listed below. Reduced-rate 5-packs of tickets can be purchased at the front desk during regular business hours. (Holiday Tip: Driving Nights tickets make great holiday gifts for friends and neighbors!) On Mondays during Driving Nights, a military discount is available at the gate to all active and retired military personnel with military ID. On any night, you may also make a donation of canned food or lightly used clothing at the ticket booth to receive $1 off the gate ticket price ($1 total discount, not per item). All Driving Nights tickets are redeemable for one vehicle (limit of 10 passengers). An additional charge of $3.00 per person will apply for all passengers over a count of 10. No additional charge is applied for bus drivers.
2023 Driving Night Admission Prices
| Pre-Purchased | Gate Prices | Gate Prices | |
| Pre-Sale per vehicle | Non-Peak (December 4 – 7, 11 – 14, 27 – 31) |
Peak (December 8 – 10, 15, 26) |
|
| Member | $25.00 + tax | $35 | $40 |
| Non-Member | $30.00 + tax | $35 | $40 |
| Member 5-Pack | $100.00 + tax | n/a | n/a |
| Non-Member 5-Pack | $120.00 + tax | n/a | n/a |
Q: Where is the entrance to Driving Nights?
The entrance to Driving Nights is on Phantom Road, located off Bob Wallace Avenue near I-565. Look for the big “Enter Here” signs.
Q: How long is the Driving Nights experience?
Driving Nights begin at 5:30 p.m., and the last admission is taken at 9:00 p.m. The Driving Nights experience lasts about an hour on average, but it can last over two hours on a busy night. Traffic at Driving Nights can vary greatly depending on the date and the time, so to beat the traffic, we recommend coming early in the week and early in the evening. (Hint: Friday and Saturday evenings after dinnertime are some of our busiest times!)
Q: What happens if there is inclement weather during Driving Nights?
Although you will experience Galaxy from the safety of your vehicle, Driving Nights require staff and volunteers to be outside. In inclement weather, traffic through Galaxy may be temporarily paused until conditions are safe for our staff and volunteers. If there is severe weather, Driving Nights may be canceled, and an announcement of the cancellation will be made by 3:30 p.m. on our website and social media channels. Pre-purchased tickets for Driving Nights are non-refundable and can be used on any date.
Q: Are restrooms available during Driving Nights?
Yes, restrooms are available at the beginning of the Driving Nights experience. If you need to use the restroom, please notify the ticket booth operator, and your car will be directed to the restrooms. Once you pass the ticket booths, there will be no restrooms available until you exit the Driving Nights experience.
Q: Can I drive through in a van/limousine/bus?
Sure! Please note that Driving Nights tickets are redeemable for one vehicle with up to 10 passengers. An additional charge of $3.00 per person will apply for all passengers over a count of 10. No additional charge is applied for bus drivers.
Q: Can I stop or get out of my car to take photos with the lights?
For your safety and the safety of our staff and volunteers, all passengers should remain in your vehicle at all times while driving through the lights.
Q: What is the radio station for Driving Nights?
You can tune in to 98.5 for a special Galaxy of Lights playlist while driving through the experience!