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Published on 11/14/23

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens opens annual December Nights & Holiday Lights Nov. 24

By Emily Cabrera
Multicolored holiday lights cover a pavilion with palm trees in the background
This year’s December Nights and Holiday Lights event is bigger than ever, covering more than 5 acres with nearly a mile of magically lit trails with an Alice in Wonderland theme.

Things are getting curiouser and curiouser at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah as staff prepare for the 12th annual December Nights and Holiday Lights event. 

From opening day on Friday, Nov. 24, and on select nights through Saturday, Dec. 23, guests will be transported to a whimsical wonderland as they are greeted with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired theme.

Visitors can follow Alice down the rabbit hole in a mesmerizing tunnel of lights, join an unforgettable tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter, and stroll through the Queen of Hearts’ dazzling rose garden. 

This year’s event is bigger than ever, covering more than 5 acres with nearly a mile of magically lit trails. Other newly created themes include Once Upon a Time (with a real fire-breathing dragon), Octopus's Garden and Carnival of Color. 

Santa Claus will be visiting each night of Holiday Lights. The Dawg House Café will be open during the event offering light dinner options.

Visitors will also be treated to coffee, hot chocolate and s’mores stations. Guests are encouraged to drop in the Holly Jolly Market for holiday gift shopping.

The staff and volunteers at UGA’s Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens spend all year planning, designing and installing December Nights and Holiday Lights. All proceeds from the event support the operation of the gardens.

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens will be open rain or shine, and it takes about an hour to complete the walking tour. The event is both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

Children under 3 are admitted at no cost, and free parking is available at Southwest Middle School with continuous shuttle service to the event.

General admission is $15 per person, and tickets can be purchased at coastalbg.uga.edu.

 

Authors:
Emily Cabrera
Experts/Sources:
Arch D. Smith
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