ATHENS, Ga. — The State Botanical Garden of Georgia will again light up the night as Winter WonderLights opens tonight, Nov. 21, transforming the gardens into a glowing, half-mile trail of holiday displays through Dec. 30.
Tickets for the fifth annual event are now on sale at wonderlights.uga.edu. The show, presented by the University of Georgia Office of the President, helps fund the garden’s conservation and outreach programs.
The lights display has become a major Athens attraction, drawing more than 65,000 visitors last year and selling out on 17 nights.
“We’re delighted that Winter WonderLights has become a beloved tradition in the Athens community,” garden director Jenny Cruse-Sanders said in a statement. “As we gear up for this year’s show, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to experience the garden illuminated at night. Support for Winter WonderLights allows us to continue working toward our mission to create and nurture an environment for learning, inspiration and engagement.”
Visitors will walk an accessible trail featuring more than 2 million lights, including themed areas such as Jingle Bell Lane, Northern Lights, a Frosted Forest with 30 glowing trees, and a tunnel illuminated by 50,000 multicolored bulbs. The visit typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Tickets cost $15 per person. Children 3 and under are admitted free, and Friends of the Garden members receive a 10% discount. Tickets must be purchased online in advance; no on-site sales will be available.
Free off-site parking and shuttle service will be provided from UGA’s Turner Soccer Complex on South Milledge Avenue. Limited paid parking at the garden must be purchased when buying tickets.
This year’s sponsors include the Georgia Lottery, Barron’s Rental Center, Trumps Catering, Condor Chocolates and other community partners.
Inside the Alice Hand Callaway Visitor’s Center, guests can shop a holiday market for gifts and souvenirs. S’mores, hot chocolate from Condor Chocolates and coffee will be sold along the route.
The garden will also offer WonderLights Disco Nights on Jan. 2–3 and Jan. 9–10, 2026, featuring the full trail synchronized to disco music. Tickets are the same price as regular admission and are available now.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is located at 2450 S. Milledge Ave., about 50 miles south of Cornelia.
