The Garden of Lights - Seasons of Light
Winter Garden Walk
November 28, 2008 - January 4, 2009
NEW! Now open every night except December 24 & 25.
Nessie © Judith MacArthurVivaldi may have composed the music called the "Four Seasons", but Brookside Garden brings the four seasons to life with more than 700,000 colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays of giant summer sunflowers, falling autumn leaves, winter snowflakes, spring flowers, rain showers, and more. As you walk along the easily accessible paths you'll see what sets this light show apart from others, it’s the hundreds of wrapped trees and shrubs, beautifully lighted gazebos, cascading fountains, and the individually formed displays in the shapes of blooming flowers, and wild animals. This festive, secular light show now in its 12th season is a popular family tradition in the Washington, DC area drawing close to 40,000 visitors each winter to the sights and sounds of the interactive displays. One visitor, Jeannine from Hyattsville, MD had this to say about her visit, “wouldn't miss it! and I always tell all my friends to come”.
Enjoying the lights from the Gazebo.Inside of the Conservatory, a winter display of holiday poinsettias, flowering plants and evergreens are combined in bright and bold combinations to provide a colorful landscape for the garden railway trains to travel through. Afterwards, take a break from the excitement and warm your toes at the Visitors Center while you listen to local musicians perform in the auditorium. Light refreshments may be purchased and enjoyed during the entertainment. While you’re here, do a bit of holiday shopping at our gift shop, Marylandica. A Holiday Wreath and Centerpiece Sale sponsored by the Friends of Brookside Gardens will also be held in the Atrium of the Visitors Center on the evenings of November 28 & 29 and December 5 & 6.
Schedule of Musical Performances
The Conservatory Winter Display: Colors of the Season with Train Exhibit is open from December 6 through January 4.
New this year! Join us on New Year’s Eve as we celebrate our version of “ First Family-Friendly Night ” by keeping the Garden of Lights open until 10:00pm, with the last car being admitted at 9:30pm. What better way to say goodbye to the old year and an early hello to 2009 than by bringing your family and friends to our magical, winter wonderland of lights. We will have crafts and give-a-ways available for the kids while supplies last. All for the same low weeknight discount rate of $15.00 per car or van.
New Light Show Dates
Rose Garden.For your convenience we are now open each night from Friday, November 28, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009 (with the exception of December 24 & 25th). The Conservatory Winter Display with Train Exhibit is only open from December 6 through January 4.
Hours
5:30 to 9:00pm, with the last car admitted at 8:30pm
NOTE: December 31st, last car admitted at 9:30pm for “First Night” celebration.
Admission
NOTE: Pedestrians cannot be admitted due to safety regulations. Visitors must drive to the entrance gate. After paying at the gate, visitors drive into the parking lot, park their vehicle, and walk through the light show display.
- Cars/Vans (Monday - Thursday - weeknight discount rate): $15 (cash only)
- Car/Vans (Friday - Sunday): $20 (cash only)
- Advance Sale Tickets: $15 (available starting November 1). Tickets are good for any night and may be purchased in advance at the Conservatory or Visitors Center Gift Shops during posted gift shop hours, using cash, check or credit. Advanced ticket holders must enter the gardens after 5:30 p.m. with normal flow of traffic (no early admission.)
- Buses please register in advance at 301-962-1457.
Bus Fees:- 15-24 passenger buses: $50
- 25-35 passenger buses: $75
- 36-57 passenger buses: $120
Gazebo.Garden of Lights Hotline: 301-962-1453
Toy & Food Drive
Please bring an unwrapped toy and/ or non-perishable foods to support our local charity drives. Donation boxes are located in the Visitors Center lobby.
