Changes made to how the walking and driving nights are structured

HUNTSVILLE – Galaxy of Lights, an annual holiday light experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, has returned for its 27th season through Jan. 1, 2023. This year, guests will enjoy more Walking Nights, new immersive displays and innovative designs.

The award-winning event will again offer both walking and driving experiences, but Galaxy will now have more Walking Nights than ever before, increasing from 17 dates in 2021 to 31 dates this year. The Garden increased the number of Walking Nights in response to their growing popularity and based on feedback from guests and the community.

“For several years now, we have seen a growing demand for walking experiences at Galaxy of Lights,” said Rebecca Turk, director of learning and public engagement at the Garden. “In response to that feedback, we are excited to be offering even more Walking Nights, and we are thrilled at the positive response we have received so far. There really is something special about walking among the lights at Galaxy!”

In addition to more Walking Nights, this year’s Galaxy experience will include several all-new features and innovative lighting designs. Combined with traditional light displays and special effects throughout the experience, there will be surprises for first-time guests and longtime visitors alike.

“If you haven’t been to Galaxy of Lights in a few years, particularly to the Walking Nights, you will be amazed at how it has evolved,” said Sue Wagner, chief executive officer of the Garden. “Every year, we listen to feedback and make improvements to the experience so that we can continue to dazzle our guests again and again. Galaxy of Lights is a Huntsville holiday tradition, and our team of staff and volunteers work behind the scenes all year to ensure we create a must-attend, one-of-a-kind event.”

For the past two years, Galaxy of Lights has been recognized nationally in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, winning second place in 2020 and seventh place in 2021.

Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights will take place Friday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 1, from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (time of last admission). The event will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Ticket prices range from $13 to $25 for adults and $7 to $15 for children. Discounted tickets of $3 each are available to those who qualify through Museums for All (limit of four tickets). Gate tickets for Walking Nights are not guaranteed, so guests are asked to pre-purchase timed tickets in advance.

Guests can also enjoy Dog Walking Nights on Mondays and Tuesdays during Walking Nights (Nov. 14, 15, 21, and 22; December 19, 20, 26, and 27) and the Galaxy of Lights 5K Race and 3K Fun Run on Nov. 28 and 29.

Galaxy of Lights Driving Nights will take place Thursday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (time of last admission). Ticket prices range from $20 to $35 per vehicle (limit of 10 passengers) with a $5 discount available at the gate on Mondays for active and retired military personnel with valid ID. Tickets for Driving Nights can be pre-purchased for any date or purchased upon arrival.

Tickets to Galaxy of Lights are available now at the Garden front desk during business hours or online at hsvbg.org/galaxy. All proceeds directly support the mission of the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Galaxy of Lights is presented by the Damson Automotive Group.