Discover Lights, Connection, and Joy in Nature this Winter

By Liz Nye, New England Botanic Garden staff
November 2025 

During the darkest months of the year, cultures around the world celebrate the power of light to bring people together. Light-centered festivals featuring candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and fireworks date back thousands of years to ancient origins when a light in the dark offered warmth and hope in difficult times. Today, rich traditions of illumination continue to brighten communities and fill people with joy. Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden is among those cherished traditions in the region. 

The Garden’s annual winter light display, began in 1997 as “Holly Days,” a small, mostly daytime event. Over the years, it was reimagined as more and more people showed up to celebrate the winter season with friends, family, and lights at the Garden. By 2018, the Garden team started focusing on illuminated outdoor displays, showcasing the unique beauty of the botanic garden, its plants, architecture, and landscapes. Night Lights is now one of the region’s top winter light displays and a must-see holiday experience that thousands of visitors of all ages and backgrounds look forward to each year. 

“One of my favorite things about Night Lights is seeing the joy on people’s faces and in their voices as they experience the magic of the event,” says Dawn Davies, the Garden’s formal gardens manager.  

Davies has been with the Garden for more than 25 years and has seen the organization, its garden spaces, and this annual celebration of light and nature in winter evolve. This year, Night Lights will span more garden spaces than ever and feature a record half a million lights. Despite the growth, Night Lights maintains the special collaborative and creative qualities that drew people in years ago. Garden staff apply their intimate knowledge of plants and garden spaces to design artful light displays that change each year and celebrate the wonder of the natural world. One year, for example, displays evoked icy mountaintops, scenic meadows, and even jelly-fish-filled seascapes. Volunteers help bring the team’s one-of-a-kind visions to life through hundreds of hours of crafting and tree wrapping.  

“It takes a community,” says Davies. Volunteers also act as Garden ambassadors welcoming visitors to Night Lights each evening. In between offering guidance about where to find fire pits for roasting s’mores or the most spectacular spot for a photo, volunteers also share the important mission Night Lights supports—connecting people with plants.  

“For many, Night Lights is their introduction to the Garden,” Davies says. “We hope everyone who joins us feels a sense of joy and connection in nature and that they leave inspired to learn more about the educational programs and opportunities we offer year-round.”  

Night Lights runs from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Here are a few things visitors can look forward to this year: 

Diwali Lights at the Garden
On Saturday, November 22, Night Lights kicks off with a celebration of Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights,’ hosted in partnership with the India Society of Worcester. On this special evening, visitors can enjoy a wonderful array of Indian cultural programs, delicious Indian food, local vendors, henna, and more. Learn more about Diwali Lights. 

Theme Nights Add Festive Flair
For visitors of all ages looking to add festive fun during Night Lights, the Garden has planned several themed costume nights. From Ugly Sweater Night to Vintage Glam, these special evenings make the Night Lights experience even more memorable. Explore Theme Nights. 

Ticket Sales Start Now
Now is the time to secure Night Lights tickets! Tickets go on sale for members on October 15 and for the general public on October 24. Garden members receive a 25% discount. To learn more about the Night Lights experience, obtain tickets, or plan your visit, go to nebg.org/nightlights.