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The Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden is one of North Alabama’s most loved holiday traditions, and this year there are more ways than ever to experience the magic! From November 13th – December 31st, 2026, the Garden will become an enormous holiday light show filled with coordinating music, interactive displays, photo ops, food, hot cocoa, and more.
Some nights are for those who desire to experience the event on foot; Other nights are for those who prefer the comfort of their vehicle via the driving experience. The calendar also includes dates with dogs, a quiet Sensory Hour, a tram ride, and even a RACE!
Your first job is to choose how you want to view the lights this year, so take a look at the official 2026 calendar and put your desired date in your family’s calendar now! Read on to learn about the differences between all of your options.
If you want to explore, I would recommend choosing a WALKING NIGHT.
Those who prefer to visit the Garden on foot will navigate a 1.75-mile path at their own pace! Stop for pictures, check out the interactive displays, and of course, don’t miss the hot cocoa!
Walking Nights let you travel through the Garden at your own pace. In my opinion, this is the best choice for families whose children will enjoy wanting to spend extra time with their favorite displays and move at a leisurely pace. And yes, strollers and wagons are welcome!
Wheelchairs are welcome as well, though please note that the route does include some brick and gravel areas.
Please plan for at least one full hour to navigate the entire Walking Night path. Ticketed entry ends at 8:45 pm nightly.
November 13th-25th, November 27th-29th, December 2nd-5th, December 16th-24th, December 26th-27th
Pay extra close attention to the calendar when selecting your Walking Night because there are three different pricing tiers:
Your most affordable option is twofold: Choose a Walking Night on a NON-PEAK date, PLUS purchase your tickets online at least one day in advance.
Compare dates and prices before choosing your Walking Night!
This is such a fun option if cruising through the lights while listening to holiday music sounds up your alley! This experience is ideal for cold or rainy evenings, very young children, or those who cannot comfortably walk 1.75 miles.
December 6th-15th, 28th-31st
PRICING FOR DRIVING NIGHTS: Admission is priced per car (up to 10 people per vehicle), and the line closes at 9 p.m.
Note: The entrance is different from the traditional Garden entrance. Please enter from Phantom Road.
Personal recommendation from someone who has attended a half dozen DRIVING NIGHTS: Consider opting for a Sunday through Thursday, or attending earlier in the holiday season for shorter wait times. A Friday or Saturday night closer to Christmas Day, after dinnertime, is typically when the wait will be longest.
RIDE THE EVERGREEN EXPRESS: This is an incredibly desirable hybrid option between DRIVING NIGHTS and WALKING NIGHTS that offers a guided, 50-minute open-air tram ride! Your tram ticket includes Walking Night admission (you may walk the regular path after riding), the tram ride itself, and a hot cocoa voucher. One ADA-accessible space is available per departure, and limited seats will fill quickly! View EVERGREEN EXPRESS dates (note the tram icon on the calendar).
BRING YOUR DOG: There are six opportunities to bring your four-legged (leashed) besties! Each dog requires a $5 admission (if purchased in advance) or $6 at the door. If your dog would enjoy crowds, lights, music, and other dogs, bring them along for a nighttime stroll! View dog days on the calendar!
CHOOSE A SENSORY HOUR: These sensory hours offer small crowds and quieter music. There are four sessions (November 28th-29th and December 2nd-3rd) that begin at 4:30 pm.
RUN THROUGH THE LIGHTS (one of Huntsville’s most sought-after official races!): The timed Galaxy of Lights 5k is on Monday, November 30th, while the 3k Fun Run is on Tuesday, December 1st. Both require advanced registration (don’t sleep on this as it will fill up!). View race details and sign up!
Even if you went last year, you will see a new show this year! The Garden’s team redesigns and completely reprograms Galaxy of Lights every year with new music and all kinds of creative elements! This year, Winter’s Edge + Crystal Glade add about a quarter mile to the Walking Night route.
Did you know that Galaxy of Lights is celebrating its 31st season?! This is the Garden’s largest annual fundraiser, with its own staff that works year-round to make the magic happen!
Ready to check out the official Galaxy of Lights website?! You’ll see the 2026 calendar, all of the designated experiences, loads of pricing options, and so much more.
Put a date on the calendar and absolutely make this a priority this holiday season!
Galaxy of Lights runs November 13 through December 31, 2026. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Walking and driving experiences are offered on different dates.
Walk if you want pictures, interactive displays, food stops, and time to explore. Drive if you prefer to stay warm, have mobility concerns, or want an easier experience with small children or grandparents.
The Walking Night route is approximately 1.75 miles. Most visitors should allow 60–90 minutes.
The drive takes about one hour on average, but busy nights may take two hours or longer. Earlier arrivals and Sunday-through-Thursday visits often have shorter waits.
Dogs are permitted only during the six designated Dog Walking Nights in 2026. A separate dog admission is required, and dogs must remain leashed.
Yes. The Walking Night route accommodates wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons, but it includes paved, brick, and gravel surfaces. Evergreen Express departures include one ADA-accessible space.
Galaxy of Lights is rain or shine. If severe weather causes a delay or cancellation, Huntsville Botanical Garden posts an update and emails ticket holders by approximately 3:30 p.m.
Galaxy of Lights is at Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, Alabama 35805. Walking guests enter through the Propst Guest Center. Driving guests enter from Phantom Road.
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