Last Saturday night we were among the first guests to visit The Atlanta Botanical Garden new holiday attraction, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. And oh what a beautiful sight (it was). This is not your typical holiday light show. For one, no cars are allowed! It's meant to be a relaxing evening out - so don't plan to run through in an hour and think you've seen it all. We made the mistake of waiting til nearly 8pm to bring our kids - and they were too tired to fully appreciate the experience. If you choose to bring your children, go early. Wander through the garden displays, which include giant snowflakes and stunning crape myrtle trees wrapped in teal, blue and soft white twinkling lights. Make time to enjoy the holiday model train display (Drew said he'd like one of these in our basement.) I'm still amazed by the detail that goes into model trains, and this one is something to see, especially at night when it's sparkling and particularly magical for kids.
Walk a little further and you'll find a fire pit where you can roast s'mores, drink hot chocolate, hot cider (or wine!). Stop and listen to the live carolers. At every turn there's a place to sit and simply observe. (There are also quite a few fireplaces and bars with plenty of seating, making this the perfect destination for a romantic date night.)
The most spectacular spot - 200 show-stopping, color-changing topiary forms choreographed to holiday music on the Great Lawn. We watched those for quite some time. It was hard to keep Jack from running right at them.
From there we went inside the Conservatory (the greenhouse). This was actually my favorite spot. It was dark, warm, and the flowers smelled divine. The tiniest of green lights were delicately placed on the plants throughout the conservatory, and it felt as though you were walking through magical woods. Back outside, we visited the pollinators in the Edible Garden - a colorful display of bees, butterflies, sunflowers, and even a "praying Santa mantis".
And so, with two sleepy children who had VERY tired legs, it was time to go home. I'd go back in a heartbeat with my husband or friends, however, and, so long as it's not too cold, simply enjoy the sights, sounds and smells too...at my own leisurely pace.
Open nightly through January 7 (except for December 24 and 31) from 5 until 10pm, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights showcases enormous botanical-inspired light displays throughout the 30-acre Midtown attraction. Tickets are $18.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 3-12. Discounted tickets for Garden members are $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for children 3-12. Garden Lights is the first major holiday light show to debut with not only the color green but also green principles as well. It glows almost exclusively using nearly 1 million energy-efficient LED lights.
For more information, photos (mine don't do it justice) and to purchase tickets online, visit the Atlanta Botantical Garden website by CLICKING HERE.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Need turkey help? Check out MACARONI EATS! for 10 Steps to Cooking the Perfect Turkey!
Michelle
PS - Congrats to Rosalyn T. - winner of 4 tickets to the ASO Kids Christmas concert on Dec. 4!
