DIWALI LIGHTS 

Hosted in partnership with India Society of Worcester
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 4–10 PM

Kick off this season of Night Lights with a special cultural celebration! In partnership with the India Society of Worcester, join us in celebrating Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights.’ Enjoy a wonderful evening of Indian cultural programs, delicious Indian food, local vendors, henna, and more – all set against a backdrop of thousands of lights. 

  • Drum performers at Diwali event
  • Vendors at Diwali event
  • Henna tattoo artist drawing on a visitor arm during Diwali event
  • Vendors at Diwali event

TICKETING INFORMATION

ACTIVITIES

  • Rangoli Art Display
  • Indian Culture Table Display
  • ISW Info/Registration Table
  • Henna
  • Chess
  • Southeast Asian Plants Scavenger Hunt
  • Art Activities for All Ages
  • Bazaar Artisan Vendors

5-9 p.m. — Cultural Programming with Dance and Music

*Please note: Limited tickets are available for Diwali Lights.

NON-MEMBER PRICING Diwali Lights
ADULTS $26
SENIORS (65+) $23
NON-MEMBER CHILD (4–12) MEMBER CHILD (4-18) $16
CHILD (3 and UNDER)  Free *Tickets required
Members save 25% off listed prices! Become a member today.

If your Garden membership is set to expire before your desired Night Lights ticket date, you may receive an error message and will have to renew your membership to purchase tickets at the member discount rate.

FAQs

Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated in India. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik. Diwali or Deepavali gets its name from the row of diyas (clay lamps) that Indians light in their homes to illuminate their way to knowledge. On Diwali, houses are decorated inside and outside with flowers, lit diyas (clay lamps), and lights. In addition, the floors inside and out are covered with rangoli, consisting of elaborate designs made with colored sand or flower petals. People dress up in Indian traditional outfits, light sparklers, enjoy a feast with family and friends, and share mithai (Indian sweets) and gifts with each other on this joyous festival. 

Diwali Lights features the same light displays as all other evenings of Night Lights, but also includes additional activities, food, and programs that celebrate Indian culture and Diwali traditions. All visitors are welcome to attend Diwali Lights and participate in the festivities! 

At New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, the lighted experience is through the formal gardens and conservatories.  

Indoors, visitors can enjoy programs and performances showcasing Indian culture, including shopping local artisan vendors, Indian food, music and dance performances, henna, and more.

We have staggered visitor arrival times in 30-minute increments to make for a better visitor experience. Once you are checked-in, you may stay until the event closes at 10 p.m. When you select an arrival time, you are choosing what time you would like to walk through the main entrance of the Visitors Center. There will be timed performances that occur throughout the event, though the exhibit will stay the same and many other activities will be available throughout the whole evening. The café, Garden Shop, and restrooms are not accessible before your arrival time. 

We ask that you arrive as close to your selected arrival time as possible. We cannot guarantee entry if you arrive more than 30 minutes late. 

After parking and gathering your party, proceed up the path and into the Visitors Center. Please have your printed or digital email confirmation ready for our front desk staff to check you in. 

Indian food and drink specials will be available for purchase during Diwali Lights. Menu coming soon. 

Please note that seating is very limited during this event and we do not recommend bringing a picnic dinner. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. 

Enhance your visit with a S’mores Kit, the quintessential Night Lights treat! The S’mores Kit includes fresh ingredients for one delicious s’more, including graham crackers, chocolate, and a marshmallow. Sticks will be provided at each fire pit. Stay tuned for more details. 

Tickets for Diwali Lights are non-refundable and only valid for entry on the date and time listed on the confirmation email. If you are unable to attend at your selected time you do have a few options: 

  • If tickets are available for another evening of Night Lights, you can reschedule your tickets by calling 508-869-6745. There is a $10 transaction fee for all rescheduled tickets. Tickets may only be rescheduled by 5 p.m. the day before your ticket date and for as long as there are tickets available on a different date. Once we are sold out, tickets cannot be rescheduled. 
  • Give your tickets to someone else. Please note that individual tickets may only be redeemed for Night Lights tickets of equal or lesser value. For example: Four adults can redeem four adult tickets. Child tickets can also be upgraded to adult tickets for an additional cost. Refunds will not be issued for difference in cost if a child redeems an adult ticket. If using gifted tickets, please call our Night Lights Hotline at 508-869-6745 in advance of your visit to make any necessary upgrades.   
  • Return your tickets to New England Botanic Garden as a donation to our nonprofit and receive a tax-deductible receipt in return. To take advantage of this offer, you must email development@nebg.org no later than the visit date listed on your confirmation email. 

GENEROUSLY SPONSORED IN PART BY

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