What can I expect during an evening of Fairies Aglow?
Fairies Aglow is a special ticketed event that invites you to experience the Enchanted Forest exhibition in a whole new light. It is a walking experience that takes place mostly outdoors in the Ramble and features the fairy houses illuminated at night, in addition to colorful, whimsical lighting in the surrounding trees and plants. Throughout your walk, you can also enjoy listening to ethereal music, participating in drop-in crafts and activities, and interacting with our real-life fairy friends. Please note that our other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during these evenings.

How is this experience different from seeing Enchanted Forest during general admission hours or attending Fairy Fest?
There are many ways to enjoy the Enchanted Forest exhibition. The exhibit is included with general admission, meaning you can visit any time during our general admission hours to see the fairy houses displayed in the Ramble (open daily 10am-5pm, with last admission of 4:30pm).

Fairies Aglow is a special after-hours ticketed event that invites you to see the fairy houses illuminated at night, with additional whimsical lighting throughout the Ramble, music, and drop-in activities.

Fairy Fest is a larger-scale, weekend-long event that spans the whole property and allows you to see the fairy houses during the daytime, while also enjoying additional entertainment, artisan vendors, and workshops that differ from the activities offered during Fairies Aglow. While Fairy Fest is included with general admission, some activities may have an additional fee.

If I attend at the later ticketed entrance time, will I miss out on any event activities?
No, all event activities will take place throughout the entire evening. Ticketed entrance times help stagger visitor arrival times in increments to make for a better visitor experience. You won’t miss anything if you arrive during a later entry time.

Will there be anything to eat/drink during this event?
Drinks and light bites will be available for purchase during the event, including hot beverages, beer, wine, cider donuts, pretzels, pizza by the slice, and snacks. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. Click here to view the menu.

Will the Garden Shop be open?
Yes! The Garden Shop will be open selling magical mementos and gifts.

Can I explore other gardens and trails during this event?
Fairies Aglow only takes place in the Ramble. Our other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during these evenings.

What should I wear?
The majority of this event takes place outdoors, so we recommend dressing for the weather, including coats, boots, hats, gloves, and umbrellas as necessary.

Are pets allowed at this event?
While we love our furry, four-legged friends, pets are not permitted during special after-hours events like Fairies Aglow. Leashed dogs are allowed to visit the Garden year-round during our general admission hours. Service animals are welcome throughout the property during all open hours.

What happens in the case of inclement weather?
Fairies Aglow takes place in all weather conditions, but in cases of extreme weather, New England Botanic Garden may decide to cancel an evening. If so, you will be notified about the cancellation by email as soon as possible on the day of your visit. In the case of inclement weather, some activities may be moved indoors or canceled.

Can I reschedule or get a refund for my tickets?
Tickets for Fairies Aglow are non-refundable and are only valid for the date and time selected. Tickets can be rescheduled to a different evening of Fairies Aglow for a $10 fee but may only be rescheduled if tickets are still available for a different evening. Ticket holders must call 508.869.6111 x174 to reschedule by 5 p.m. the day before the date on their original ticket.

How does check-in work and do I have to bring my printed email confirmation to the event?
Please arrive as close to the entry time listed on your ticket as possible. After parking your vehicle, proceed up the path into the Visitors Center. Please have your ticket/confirmation email printed or available to show on your phone for our front desk staff to check you in.

Can I come and enjoy the gardens before the event begins?
New England Botanic Garden will be closed from 5–6 p.m. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until 6 p.m. If your tickets are for later in the evening, please arrive as close to the entry time listed on your ticket as possible. Doors open at 6 p.m. when the event begins.

If you are visiting during general admission hours but have tickets to Fairies Aglow that evening, we ask that you please exit the property and return at the time listed on your event ticket.

Is there parking? Can I use a rideshare service?
We have a large, well-lit parking lot on site. There is no charge for parking.

Accessible parking is located closest to the building in the first parking lot on the right. You can learn more about accessibility at the Garden here.

If you choose to use Uber, Lyft, or another taxi service, please note that our entry gate on French Drive will close automatically for arriving vehicles at the end of the event. Please plan to be picked up before the event end time at 8:30 p.m.