Which botanical garden has the best holiday lights? Vote now!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other festivities.
We asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite light displays at botanical gardens throughout the U.S., and now we need your help naming the winners. Which botanical garden puts on the best seasonal lights show?
You decide by voting once per day until polls close on Monday, December 2 at noon ET. The top 10 winners will be announced on Friday, December 6.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other festivities.
We asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite light displays at botanical gardens throughout the U.S., and now we need your help naming the winners. Which botanical garden puts on the best seasonal lights show?
You decide by voting once per day until polls close on Monday, December 2 at noon ET. The top 10 winners will be announced on Friday, December 6.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other... Read More
Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Nominees
Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo (C) Scott Dressel-Martin
Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver, Colorado
From mid-November through early January, the annual Blossoms of Light display uses hundreds of thousands of holiday lights to illuminate the winter beauty of the Denver Botanic Gardens. Guests can grab a holiday treat or a warm beverage from the Hive Garden Bistro while taking in this wonderland, which is comprised of a mile-long path through the garden's dazzling plant collection.
Photo courtesy of Tom Hennessy
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights
Richmond, Virginia
From late November to early January, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia, lights up with over a million LED bulbs for the annual Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. Check out model trains at the Kelly Education Center, roast s'mores by the warming fire, and explore some of this year's new features.
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
La Cañada Flintridge, California
On the outskirts of Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens puts on the Enchanted Forest of Light event, which illuminates the grounds from mid-November through early January. Visitors can explore the mesmerizing ambient music and light displays, including a stained glass village, a field of flowers made of multi-colored glowing lights, and the illuminated Ancient Forest.
Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville, Alabama
Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden features stunning pathways filled with festive cheer. With walking and driving options, this event is perfect for families, couples, and friends of all ages — even dogs can join in the festivities on select dog-walking nights! Designed and engineered 100% in-house, Galaxy’s 1.5 miles of sparkling light displays, choreographed music, and interactive elements immerse guests as part of the holiday magic.
Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri
The popular Garden Glow takes place at the Missouri Botanical Garden, complete with over 2 million sparkling lights that transform the space into a true winter wonderland. Check out the holiday flower and train show while you're there, get your photo taken with Santa or the Winter Sisters on select evenings, and enhance your experience with extras like a private fire pit rental, scrumptious snacks and beverages, or even a Dine and Glow package where you can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Tory Paxson photo.
Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Boothbay, Maine
Gardens Aglow at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens ranks among the biggest and brightest light displays in New England. More than 750,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs illuminate the grounds, including the enchanting forest, where guests might find two of the garden's trolls.
Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens
Galveston, Texas
Moody Gardens is a nonprofit educational and leisure facility on Galveston Island, Texas. Their Holiday in the Gardens festivities bring locals and visitors plenty of fun, activities, and attractions all season long. Guests can take train rides, go down the Arctic Slide, make some fireside s'mores, take a spin in the ice-skating rink, sit back and watch holiday films, stare in wonder at the Festival of Lights, or enjoy dinner or breakfast with Santa.
Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is where you’ll find Garvan Woodland Gardens and its holiday light installation, which is on display mid-November through the end of December. The grounds are decorated with millions of lights, and the opening tree-lighting ceremony kicks off the season with free hot cocoa and cookies.
Photo courtesy of Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation
Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens
Largo, Florida
A million twinkling multicolored lights have been placed around Florida Botanical Gardens as part of its annual holiday light show. Taking place from late November through the end of December, the event also includes laser lights and other brilliant lighted figures.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, Illinois
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum in the Western Chicago area celebrates winter and the holiday season with 50 acres of dazzling lights and music. While walking along the ADA-accessible mile-long path, visitors can also enjoy fireside warmth, roast marshmallows for s'mores, and stop for concessions, then have dinner while viewing a laser-light finale from the Ginkgo Restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Rick McPherson
Illuminations at Botanica
Wichita, Kansas
Illuminations at Botanica in Wichita, Kansas, features nights illuminated by over 2 million twinkling lights. A 62-foot Christmas tree also helps set the scene, Santa is on-site to collect wish lists and take photos with guests, and there are both new and returning features to explore.
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden
Naples, Florida
Just because you're in Naples, Florida, doesn't mean you can't enjoy some winter magic! At Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden, immerse yourself in beautiful holiday light displays, live musical performances, special exhibits, and seasonal food and drink specials, all highlighting the stunning Florida plants and flowers in the Naples Botanical Garden.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona
Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, transforms into a glowing winter paradise for Las Noches de las Luminarias. Walk through trails lined by luminarias and holiday light displays, and be sure to check out Light Bloom by Hybycozo, the stunning geometrical light exhibit. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment, drinks, and snacks throughout the garden, book a reservation to dine at Patio Cafe or Gertrude's Restaurant, and purchase a luminaria tribute bag in celebration of a loved one.
Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Overland Park, Kansas
Luminary Walk at Kansas' Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will get you in the spirit of the season in no time, thanks to its illuminated garden paths, live music, fairytale villages, train rides, woodland walkways, and photos with Santa. There are Adults-Only Candlelight Strolls offered on select nights throughout the season — a great holiday date idea. And for those in need of a low-sensory experience, the arboretum also offers the Electric Glow experience, which hosts fewer guests and only uses electric lights for a more controlled environment.
Photo courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens, by Austin Bond Photography
Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
On select nights in December, Brookgreen Gardens celebrates the holiday season in the glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights. Visitors can walk through the display with a warm cup of cider in hand and enjoy the sounds of live holiday music.
Photo courtesy of Seth McGaha, Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Redding Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Redding, California
This holiday season, spend an evening meandering through 10 acres of botanical gardens at the Redding Garden of Lights in Turtle Bay Exploration Park. In addition to shopping, eating and drinking seasonal treats, and enjoying the 2 million lights that set the grounds aglow, guests can swing on glowing swings, chill in private igloos, and explore the Enchanted Forest and Peppermint Portal.
Season's Greenings at United States Botanic Garden
Washington, D.C.
Season's Greenings at the United States Botanic Garden is a stunning holiday display and hard-to-beat highlight of the season. Peruse thousands of poinsettias, follow the model trains traveling throughout the gardens, admire the pollinator sculptures, and enjoy the countless twinkling lights.
Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden
Boise, Idaho
There's something for everyone at Winter Garden aGlow, Idaho Botanical Garden's festive spectacular featuring mesmerizing holiday displays, sparkling lights, fire pits, plus the chance to write a letter to Santa. There's also live entertainment, a Snow Globe Bar serving delicious drinks, a stocking-stuffer station, and locally-made goods sold at the Winter Market.
Winterlights presented by Bank of America at Newfields
Indianapolis, Indiana
Winterlights in The Garden at Newfields is a beautifully immersive experience — guests can take in a stunning display of 300,000 LED bulbs while listening to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra play special renditions of The Nutcracker and other quintessential holiday hits. This event also features countless ornaments that adorn the plants and trees, and guests can enjoy treats like gingerbread popcorn, spiced ciders, and peppermint cocktails at the Culinary Campsite.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Derek Perry
Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the... Read More
Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the world's largest ride enthusiast group, American Coaster Enthusiasts. Derek first joined ACE as a kid with his parents and twin brother on a roller coaster-riding road trip after unexpectedly being at a park the same day as an ACE event. In addition to his love of travel, he is one half of The Perry Twins, a DJ and music production duo with his brother, Doug. They have written, produced and remixed many songs, including their original songs that topped Billboard Magazine’s dance chart. He has been lucky to combine his love of amusement parks with traveling for DJ gigs and has ridden over 1,200 unique roller coasters around the world and share their adventures on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Derek Perry
Derek Perry is the Communications Director for the world's largest ride enthusiast group, American Coaster Enthusiasts. Derek first joined ACE as a kid with his parents and twin brother on a roller coaster-riding road trip after unexpectedly being at a park the same day as an ACE event. In addition to his love of travel, he is one half of The Perry Twins, a DJ and music production duo with his brother, Doug. They have written, produced and remixed many songs, including their original songs that topped Billboard Magazine’s dance chart. He has been lucky to combine his love of amusement parks with traveling for DJ gigs and has ridden over 1,200 unique roller coasters around the world and share their adventures on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer... Read More
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
Melody Pittman
Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing. Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok, Youtube, IG, and FB. After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of Read More
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Nicky Omohundro
Nicky Omohundro is the founder and editor of LittleFamilyAdventure.com, the popular family travel & lifestyle website that inspires families to leave no child left inside. Since 2013 LFA has been providing inspiration to get families outdoors, eat well, and travel everywhere from their own backyard to around the world. Always up for a family adventure, she has traveled to 37 states and 6 countries to zip-line through a Costa Rican rainforest, see Finland’s Northern Lights, and go camping throughout the US. Nicky is the co-founder of Tourism WorX a travel consultancy group. Connect with her Twitter and Instagram.
Nikky J
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The... Read More
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast.
Nikky J
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She currently resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast.
Skye Rodgers
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell... Read More
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell in love with Tampa, Florida over a decade ago and has since made it her home base. Originally from Canada, Skye traded snowy winters for sunny beaches and now enjoys sharing her adventures with readers worldwide. Whether she's uncovering hidden gems in Tampa Bay or jetting off to exotic destinations, Skye's passion for exploration shines through in her engaging travel narratives. Follow her journeys and discover the best of Tampa and beyond on her Facebook page @BestofTampa.
Skye Rodgers
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell in love with Tampa, Florida over a decade ago and has since made it her home base. Originally from Canada, Skye traded snowy winters for sunny beaches and now enjoys sharing her adventures with readers worldwide. Whether she's uncovering hidden gems in Tampa Bay or jetting off to exotic destinations, Skye's passion for exploration shines through in her engaging travel narratives. Follow her journeys and discover the best of Tampa and beyond on her Facebook page @BestofTampa.
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea... Read More
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .