Planning Your Visit
Is this a walking only event? How long is the route?
The event route is approximately one mile long and though this is a WALKING event, it is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility assistance devices. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis in our Visitor Center. For your safety and maintenance requirements, the light show route will close at 4pm and will reopen at 5pm. Guests will need to have their pre-purchased Dominion Energy Garden of Lights ticket scanned at the Visitor Center. Members and guests are welcome to enjoy other portions of the Garden until 5pm when the Garden is closed for daytime visitors.
Some of our paved pathways are permeable pathways that are essentially packed gravel. These paths are a little tricky to navigate with wheelchairs, strollers, or wagons but doable. There are portions of the permeable pathway that are on a slight incline/decline including the road from the back of Baker Hall to the Rose Garden, the road from Rose Garden bridge to NATO Bridge and the road from Rose Garden Bridge to Wildflower Meadow.
Mobility Restrictions?
The event route is approximately one mile long and though this is a WALKING event, it is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility assistance devices. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis in our Visitor Center. If you need further assistance, please call our Visitor Services desk to ask about our Mobility Shuttle that runs every evening at 757-441-5830 ext 0. Advanced reservations required. Private vehicles are not permitted to enter the light show.
What are the days and hours of operation of Dominion Energy Garden of Lights?
Entry to the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights is every evening Friday November 8th – Sunday January 5th. Hours of Operation vary based on whether you are visiting on a Value or Premium Night. On Value Nights we are open 5:00PM to 8:00PM (last ticket entry is at 8pm) and on Premium Nights we are open 5:00PM to 9:00PM (last ticket entry is 9PM). This includes holidays such as: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Did you know that the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights is an award-winning light show?
NBG has been lighting up your holidays for 30 years!
The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights was named a winner in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights – multiple years!
Named “One of the 12 Magical Christmas Destinations You Need to Add to Your Holiday Bucket List” by Simplemost.com
Anything I should know about parking?
Parking is limited. Please consider carpooling. Parking is free of charge, but please expect a wait of approximately 20 minutes to find a spot. Our team works hard to park guests as soon as spots become available. If there are traffic/parking delays we will honor a ticket that is slightly earlier or later than your scheduled arrival time. We appreciate your patience.
Tickets
How do I purchase tickets? Online only?
Tickets must be purchased online. You do not have to print out your e-ticket! Tickets can be scanned directly from your smartphone! *Please make sure you have the original ticket pulled up, we are unable to scan screenshots.
Tickets are limited. Purchasing online RESERVES your date and time. If available, walk-up tickets incur an additional $5 fee per ticket.
Is there a limit to how many tickets I can purchase as a Garden member?
Members are welcome to purchase as many tickets as they would like, however the number of discounted tickets varies based on your membership.
- Individual members receive a discount on 1 ticket.
- Garden Family, Garden Family & Friends and Garden Patron Level members receive a discount on a total of 6 tickets.
Do you have discounts?
For the biggest discount we recommend becoming a member and purchasing a ticket online for a Value Night. We offer Military discounts online on Value Nights. We offer in-person discounts on Value Nights for Dominion Energy and City of Norfolk employees. We offer in-person discounts every night for for Museums for All and Norfolk PowerUp!. Please show your SNAP, EBT, WIC, or Medicaid card with a valid ID. Guest passes and AHS reciprocal benefits are not accepted for this special event. There are no group discounts.
What if I can’t use my ticket?
The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights is a rain or shine event. Tickets are non-refundable. Cancellations will be announced on the Garden’s website as well as Facebook in the case of severe weather. Please contact Guest Services at VS_Supervisors@nbgs.org or 757-441-5830 ext. 0 48 hours in advance to reschedule your tickets.
Is my ticket purchase helping the Garden? Is NBG a non-profit organization?
Yes! Norfolk Botanical Garden is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Dominion Energy Garden of Lights is our largest fundraising event of the year.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Your ticket purchases help us as a non-profit fulfill our mission:
IMMERSE VISITORS IN A WORLD OF BEAUTY. LEAD THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION. INSPIRE THROUGH EDUCATION AND CONNECTION TO NATURE.
During Your Visit
Where do I park for the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights?
Parking is limited. Please consider carpooling. Parking is free of charge, but please expect a wait of approximately 20 minutes to find a spot. Our team works hard to park guests as soon as spots become available. If there are traffic/parking delays we will honor a ticket that is slightly earlier or later than your scheduled arrival time. We appreciate your patience.
As you stroll through the dazzling displays of the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, we’ve made sure your holiday cravings are covered! Along the way, you’ll find festive food trucks serving up sweet treats and cozy sips to keep you in the holiday spirit. A huge thank you to Bear House Coffee Roasters, Spicy Latina, Duck Donuts and Classic Kettle Corn of Chesapeake for bringing the flavors of the season to life! So grab a snack, warm up with a drink and let the magic of the lights (and goodies!) fill your night with cheer!
Will the Garden Gift Shop be open during the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights?
Yes! Our Gift Shop located in the Baker Hall Visitor Center will be open until 8PM on Value Nights and 9PM on Premium Nights.
Can I take photos? What about selfie-sticks?
Yes, we encourage you to take photos – use the hashtag #NBGLights2024. Visitors may also use monopods or selfie-sticks with care.
May I bring a pet to the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights? What about on Sunday Dog Days?
We are allowing dogs to visit the lights on Sundays. ADA service animals are always welcome.
Am I allowed to smoke during the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights?
The Garden is a nicotine-free environment.
Can I walk into the Garden from the main road to see the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights?
Due to the safety of our guests, we will not allow guests to walk into the Garden from the main entrance road after 5pm.
Are there restrooms available?
There are 2 sets of restrooms available for guests. One is in our Baker Hall Visitor Center near the Gift Shop before you get your ticket scanned and the other is about halfway through the walk at our Butterfly House.
Can I walk through multiple times?
No, each ticket allows guests to enjoy one magical walk through the holiday light show.
Can I tailgate in the parking lot?
No, for the safety of our guests we do not allow tailgating in our parking lot.
Still have questions?
Please email vs_supervisors@nbgs.org or call 757-441-5830 ext. 0.
