FAIRIES AGLOW
Select Fridays & Saturdays, September 19 – October 23, 2026 | 6:00–8:30 PM

On select evenings this fall, Fairy Hollow becomes even more mesmerizing with dazzling light displays and illuminated fairy houses. This special after-hours event offers a unique opportunity to see the fairy houses of the exhibit illuminated at night, providing an experience distinct from daytime viewing. The family-friendly event also includes enchanting activities, ethereal music, and real-life fairy friends. Explore the wonders of the season and experience The Ramble in a whole new light. All ages welcome. Don’t forget your wings and wands! Please note that our other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during these evenings.

A selection of hot beverages, beer, wine, and light bites will be available for purchase during the event. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. View the menu here.

Learn more about Fairy Hollow.

  • A fairy with fairy wings
  • A worker painting a child's face during Fairies Aglow
  • A character playing a harp
  • Fairies observing fairy lights
  • The Ramble pond during Fairies Aglow
  • A fairy house lit up at night

TICKETING

Tickets must be reserved in advance. General admission discounts and passes do not apply to this special event. All ticket sales are final.  

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS

Member Adult: $16; Member Youth (age 4-12): $9 
Adult: $22; Youth (age 4-12): $12 
Children 3 and under: Free (must still register)

REGISTER FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Garden Fairy Party | Ages 3-12
Sunday, September 6, 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Register here.

Fairy Houses & Gnome Homes | Ages 5-12
Sunday, September 13, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Register here.
Saturday, October 10, 2:30–4 p.m. | Register here.

Magical Mini Gardens | Ages 5-12
Sunday, September 20, 2–3 p.m. | Register here.

Fairy Magic Hike | Ages 3-8
Saturday, September 26, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Register here.
Monday, October 12, 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Register here.

Pixie Potions | Ages 7-10
Sunday, October 4, 2:30–4 p.m. | Register here.

Acorn Fairies | Ages 7-12
Sunday, October 11, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Register here.

Enchanted Botanical Besom | SAM PARADIS, Sam’s Stems
Saturday, September 12, 1–3 p.m. | Register here.

Botanical Mixology: Enchanted Elixirs | PEPPERS ARTFUL EVENTS
Thursday, September 24, 6–8 p.m. | Register here.

The Magic of Cacao | VIVIANE GONTIJO, Vivilicious Chocolates
Thursday, October 1, 6–8:30 p.m. | Register here.

The Magic of Mushrooms in Watercolor | VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.| Register here.

Pumpkin Fairy House Workshop | SAM PARADIS, Sam’s Stems
Sunday, October 11, 2–4 p.m. | Register here.

BOOK A BIRTHDAY PARTY

Celebrate your child’s special day while enjoying an evening amidst our enchanted forest on select Friday and Saturday evenings. All evening birthday party packages include admission for 15 children and 15 adults to Fairies Aglow, a 45-minute guided activity led by a staff member, and a room rental in our Youth Classroom. Party themes for the evening include, Fairy Garden Party and Enchanted Terrarium Party. Visit the Children’s Birthday Parties page to learn more.

FAQs

Fairies Aglow is a special ticketed event that invites you to experience the Fairy Hollow 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.

There are many ways to enjoy the Fairy Hollow 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 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with last admission of 4:30 p.m.). 

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. 

Weekend of Wonder 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 Weekend of Wonder is included with general admission, some activities may have an additional fee.

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 reserve a later entry time.

Drinks and light bites will be available for purchase during the event, including hot beverages, beer, wine, cider donuts, pretzels, pizza, and snacks. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. View the menu here.

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

Fairies Aglow only takes place in The Ramble. Our other outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during these evenings. 

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

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.

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.

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. Ticketholders must call 508-869-6111 x174 to reschedule by 5 p.m. the day before the date on their original ticket.

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.

New England Botanic Garden will be closed from 5 p.m. to 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.

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 property closes at 8:45 p.m. We recommend scheduling rideshares in advance.