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Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights twinkles brightly at Lewis Ginter

Posted at 9:14 AM, Nov 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-28 09:15:13-05

RICHMOND, Va. --A popular holiday event is once again illuminated. Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden opened Friday, Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 8.

Over 22 years, the scale of the event has evolved, while some of the favorite displays are still incorporated. GardenFest now features over 500,000 lights and 250 lighted forms. Over 300 volunteers and 10 staff members worked for two months to weave the theme Naturally Ever After: Stories in Lights throughout the sprawling, 50-acre garden.

Popular childhood stories told at bedtime now twinkle as the sun sets, folklore and fairy tales glow -- all lighting the way for guests to connect with nature. Fan favorites like the peacock return each year, holding court in a new spot. This year the peacock feathers transformed into a tunnel of lights for guests to walk through.

The 40-plus miles of light strands may beckon you to the garden, but there are also family activities, botanical decorations, model trains, and inside story time to enjoy.

The show runs nightly 5 – 10 p.m. through January 8, 2018 (closed Dec. 24 & 25).

Special nights include Merry Mondays, which is story time in the Library and Santa sightings in the Conservatory (through Dec. 18). There are Caroling Tuesdays which brings barbershop quartets strolling through the garden. On Crafty Wednesdays guests can make a craft. Musical Thursdays get your weekend jamming early with acoustic music in the Library.

Family canines get their chance to enjoy nature as well, with two GardenFest for Fidos nights; Thursday, Nov. 30 and Thursday, Jan. 4. Leashed pets allowed on these nights only. A $2 suggested “pet admission” benefits Richmond SPCA.

GardenFest is a rain or shine event.

Ticket prices:
• $13 adults
• $11 seniors (age 55+)
• $8 children (ages 3 – 12)
• Free for children under age 3
• $7: Garden members
• $5: Child on Garden Membership (ages 3 – 17)

For more details visit http://www.lewisginter.org/ or call 804-262-9887.