Galaxy of Lights is Huntsville Botanical Garden’s signature holiday light experience in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring immersive light displays, holiday traditions, seasonal experiences, and new discoveries each year. Now in its 31st season, Galaxy of Lights is imagined, designed, and brought to life by the Garden’s own team. 

Guests can experience Galaxy of Lights on foot during Walking Nights, from the comfort of their vehicle during Driving Nights, or by running or walking through the lights during the annual Galaxy of Lights Races. Every visit supports Huntsville Botanical Garden’s nonprofit mission.

Galaxy of Lights takes place November 13–December 31, 2026, with select dates designated for Walking Nights and Driving Nights throughout the season. Galaxy of Lights is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

See the 2026 Galaxy of Lights season calendar to choose your experience and date. 

There’s always something new to discover at Galaxy of Lights! Here’s what’s shining brighter in 2026: 

• An all-new show: Look for new programming, music, creative touches, and displays throughout both Walking and Driving Nights—including displays exclusive to the Driving Night route.  
• Winter’s Edge & Crystal Glade: Two new areas add approximately 0.25 miles to the Walking Night route and bring new visual elements to the Driving Night experience.  
• More ways to experience Galaxy: Expanded opportunities to ride the Evergreen Express and enjoy thoughtfully planned Sensory Hours give guests even more ways to experience Galaxy in 2026.  

You’ll still find plenty of the beloved displays and traditions that make Galaxy of Lights a holiday favorite year after year. 

Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights invite you to explore an approximately 1.75-mile pathway through Huntsville Botanical Garden at your own pace, surrounded by immersive light displays and holiday scenery. Stop for photos, take in the details, and enjoy seasonal food and drinks from concession stops along the way. 

Walking Night guests enter through the Propst Guest Center. Select Walking Nights also feature Dog Walking Nights, Sensory Hours, and the Evergreen Express. 

See the season calendar for special experience dates. A special ticket is required for the Evergreen Express. 

Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights offer a cozy and convenient way to experience the Garden’s illuminated displays from the comfort of your own vehicle. Cruise through the displays at your own pace while enjoying one of Huntsville’s favorite holiday traditions with family and friends. 

The Driving Nights entrance is located on Phantom Road, just off Bob Wallace Avenue. 

See directions.

Galaxy of Lights Sensory Hours offer a more comfortable Walking Night experience for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families, in partnership with Autism Support of Alabama. 

Offered at 4:30 p.m. on select Walking Nights, Sensory Hours provide an opportunity to experience Galaxy with reduced crowds and sensory stimulation before regular evening admission begins. Music throughout the experience will be lowered or turned off to reduce auditory stimulation. 

Sensory Hours are offered November 28–29 and December 2–3, 2026. See the season calendar for details and ticket information. 

All aboard the Evergreen Express, a 50-minute open-air tram experience through Galaxy of Lights featuring holiday tales and illuminated displays along the way. The route travels through portions of both the Walking Night and Driving Night experiences, offering a unique way to see the lights. See the map to view the Evergreen Express route.

The Evergreen Express is available on select Walking Nights and requires a special Evergreen Express Walking Night ticket. Evergreen Express tickets are $6 more than regular Walking Night admission and include Walking Night admission, your Evergreen Express ride, and a cup of hot cocoa.

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as Evergreen Express tickets can sell out quickly.

Before you ride:

• Check in at the Admission Desk in the Propst Guest Center to receive your Evergreen Express lanyard.
• The Evergreen Express boards ticketed guests only at the designated Guest Center pick-up location.
• One ADA-accessible space is available for guests who need to remain in or on their mobility device.
• Strollers, walkers, and other gear may be collapsed and stored aboard the tram.
• Children ages 2 and under do not need an Evergreen Express ticket but must sit on an adult’s lap.

Galaxy of Lights tickets for Walking Nights and Driving Nights can be purchased online in advance or at the Garden’s Admission Desk during regular business hours. 

For Walking Nights, advance purchase is strongly recommended to secure your preferred date and arrival time. Popular nights and time slots can sell out, and purchasing in advance offers the best available rate. 

For Driving Nights, tickets may be purchased in advance or upon arrival. Driving Night admission is priced per vehicle for up to 10 occupants. 

• Purchase Here:
  • Member Tickets
  • Not Yet Member Tickets
  • Looking for Season Passes, group or bulk tickets, or additional ticket options? Visit the Tickets section above or email tickets@hsvbg.org for assistance.

Non-Peak, Peak, and Holiday Prime are pricing categories that apply only to Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights. Walking Night ticket prices vary based on the date, with Non-Peak dates offering the best value and Peak and Holiday Prime dates reflecting higher-demand evenings. 

These categories do not apply to Driving Nights. Driving Night admission is a flat per-vehicle rate and is the same price whether purchased in advance or at the gate. 

See the season calendar for date-specific Walking Night pricing. 

Yes. Galaxy of Lights tickets may be purchased at the gate, subject to availability. 

For Walking Nights, advance purchase is strongly recommended because popular dates and arrival times can sell out. Advance purchase also offers the best available Walking Night rate. 

For Driving Nights, tickets may be purchased in advance or upon arrival for the same price. 

Yes. Huntsville Botanical Garden is a cashless facility, including during Galaxy of Lights. Credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay, are accepted for tickets, concessions, and other purchases throughout the event.

Yes. Parking at Huntsville Botanical Garden is free during Galaxy of Lights. 

Please allow an additional 20–40 minutes for parking and entry, especially on busy Peak and Holiday Prime evenings. We encourage groups to ride together whenever possible. When you arrive, follow directions from security personnel for the safest and most efficient route to available parking. 

All Galaxy of Lights ticket sales are final and non-refundable. Unused tickets are considered a donation in support of Huntsville Botanical Garden’s nonprofit mission. 

• Walking Night tickets: Tickets may be rescheduled to another available Walking Night for a $5 transaction fee per ticket. f the Garden cancels a Walking Night due to inclement or extreme weather, tickets may be rescheduled to another available Walking Night at no additional charge.
• Driving Night tickets: Pre-purchased tickets are valid for any Driving Night during the 2026 season, so no date exchange is necessary. If a Driving Night is canceled due to inclement or extreme weather, your ticket may simply be used on any remaining Driving Night that season.

To request a Walking Night ticket change, email tickets@hsvbg.org and allow up to two business days for a response. 

Galaxy of Lights takes place rain or shine. If severe weather requires Huntsville Botanical Garden to cancel a Walking or Driving Night, an announcement will be made by 3:30 p.m. on the Garden’s website and social media channels. Ticket holders will also be notified using the email address associated with their ticket purchase. 

• If the Garden cancels your scheduled experience, pre-purchased tickets may be rescheduled to another eligible date at no additional charge. Email tickets@hsvbg.org for assistance and allow up to two business days for a response. 

Yes! The annual Galaxy of Lights races return in 2026: 

• Galaxy of Lights 5K Race: Monday, November 30  
• Galaxy of Lights 3K Fun Run: Tuesday, December 1  

Separate registration is required for each race. Visit the Galaxy of Lights Races page for registration, start times, course information, and additional details. 

Individuals and groups can volunteer to help bring Galaxy of Lights to life throughout the holiday season at Huntsville Botanical Garden. 

Email volunteer@hsvbg.org to learn more about available Galaxy of Lights volunteer opportunities.