Hailed by Forbes Magazine as one of the most dazzling holiday light displays in the country, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is an attraction every Atlanta apartment resident should seek to visit at least once a season. Great for dates, family outings, and solitary strolls spent appreciating the illuminated work of skilled artists, the display has something for everyone.
But what else would you expect from more than one-and-a-half million carefully strung and arranged lights spread out over 30 acres of well-maintained gardens? Here are some old and new highlights of Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Starry Night Walk
Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting, the Starry Night Walk exhibition is an indisputable favorite. Visitors can slowly meander along a walkway lined with beautiful camellia trees, admiring the swirling stars with a twinkle that may bring to mind thoughts of a particularly well-known children’s nursery rhyme.
Radiant Rainforest
The Fuqua Conservatory is one of the most popular sections of the Atlanta Botanical Garden all year long. During Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, however, holiday lights transform this jungly zone transforms into something that is nothing short of magical. Just outside the Radiant Rainforest, an intricately arranged poinsettia wall and grand poinsettia tree offer good tidings for those who admire them.
Choreographed Light Show
If you’ve seen and enjoyed the dancing fountains at The Bellagio in Las Vegas or any other light shows choreographed to music, a special treat awaits you. The orchestral orbs at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights have emerged as a one-of-a-kind attraction worth writing home about. Observers have been known to marvel at the forest-enshrouded light show for song after song.
S’mores Roasting Pit
From model trains to luminescent unicorns, there are plenty of attractions to capture children. One attraction especially enjoyable for most little ones is the s’mores roasting pit. Adults, too, can enjoy this taste of camping in an illuminated garden paradise. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, soups, and other warming snacks are also available.
Volunteer Opportunities
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights provides Atlanta apartment residents looking for a short-term volunteer project with a great opportunity to give back to the community. Duties include answering common questions about directions and displays, guiding guests through the show, and providing other assistance.
If you wish to volunteer, you must be able to attend a two-hour training session the evening of November 10, 2014 and commit to manning three three-hour shifts between November 15 and January 3, 2015. All you have to do to get started is register online. Volunteers receive free tickets and a coupon for hot cocoa or a soft drink.
Member Premiere
Atlanta Botanical Garden membership holders enjoy a host of benefits throughout the year. One of these is the opportunity to get a sneak peek of the Fourth Annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights display before it’s open to the public. The member premiere is scheduled for November 13 from 6 to 10PM.
General admission for the event kicks off on November 15, 2014 and runs nightly through January 3, 2015. Adult ticket prices range from 5 to 0 and can be booked online in advance. Discounted tickets are available for members and children, and little ones aged three and under are welcome to join you for free.
This holiday season, do something special. Take a break from your busy work schedule and any holiday preparations to admire the beautiful work of passionate light artists in one of Atlanta’s most beautiful exhibition venues. If you happen to live in AMLI Ponce Park, AMLI Old 4th Ward, AMLI Parkside, AMLI Lindbergh or another downtown or midtown Atlanta apartment home, it’s a quick drive to the Atlanta Botanical Garden at Piedmont Park.
Have you attended Garden Lights, Holiday Nights in the past? What was your favorite exhibit or feature at the even?
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst