Kick off the holidays in Huntsville with Galaxy of Lights

HUNTSVILLE — It is not Christmas in Huntsville without the eye-catching Galaxy of Lights at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. 

Embarking on its 29th year, the Galaxy of Lights display offers a path of 170 themed wireframe scenes illuminating favorite characters, nursery rhymes, and more. Visitors can enjoy the festive music and holiday cheer as they walk, drive or run through this winter wonderland.

Though this trail is a holiday tradition for many Huntsvillians, there are still several new attractions to look forward to this year. Guests can experience the Mystical Forest with more than 1,100 dancing meadow grass poles that jump and interact with the photo-op. Visitors will not want to miss out on the stroll across the Damson Aquatic Garden, which has been re-engineered with a bridge and a new light aurora canopy. 

Also new to the experience is the 30-foot tall castle sponsored by InTown Partners. The Hot Cocoa Castle of Lights will glow with more than 50,000 bulbs to welcome guests to indulge in some hot cocoa and sweet treats. Speaking of treats, there will be additional bar, concession and retail locations to help visitors avoid crowds. 

There are multiple ways to enjoy the Galaxy of Lights including Walking Nights, Dog Nights, Driving Nights, a 5k Race and a 3k Fun Run.

• Walking Nights
  Visit the Galaxy of Lights at your own pace during the Walking Nights. Guests can enjoy photo-ops, festive tunes, and cozy concessions as they wander through this dazzling display.
  The walking trail opens at 5:15 p.m. and allows visitors to make the experience their own until closing at 10 p.m.
  Ticket prices vary depending on date, visitor age, when tickets are purchased and Garden membership. View the full list of prices here. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s front desk during regular business hours. Buying tickets in advance is highly advised as there is limited availability on Walking Nights.
• Dog Nights
  Furry friends are invited to join in the fun on designated Dog Walking Nights, which take place Mondays and Tuesdays of Walking Nights — Nov. 18, 19, 25, 26 and Dec. 23-24. Tickets are $5 per dog. 
• Driving Nights
  For those who would rather sit in the comfort of their own vehicle as they enjoy the show, the Galaxy of Lights offers Driving Nights. Visitors can tune into 98.5 FM for a special Galaxy of Lights playlist to set the festive vibes during the drive through the light show.
  Driving Nights take place Dec. 9-17 and Dec. 27-31. The experience lasts an average of one hour but can last up to two hours on busy nights. Ticket prices vary based on when tickets are purchased and if the visitor is a Garden member. View ticket prices here. The tickets are per vehicle with 10 or fewer occupants with a charge of $3 applied for additional members.
• 5k Race and 3k Fun Run
  Driving or walking not quite your speed? Join in on the Galaxy of Lights 5k Race and 3k Fun Run through the trail. The 5k will take place Dec. 2 and the 3k Fun Run is Dec. 3. The 5k Race is a timed race with awards granted to winners in each division. For those wanting a fun way to experience the light display, holiday music and more, the 3k Fun Run is the perfect fit. 

In addition to the Galaxy of Lights trail, the Huntsville Botanical Gardens will house a Toys for Tots donation box in the Guest Center for any visitors who are looking for ways to give back this holiday season. Those interested can bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to the organization.

The Huntsville Botanical Gardens Galaxy of Lights is Nov. 15 through Dec. 31; it is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.