Maine’s Botanical Family Fun

For the fourth consecutive year, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens celebrates Gardens Aglow, an all-out light festival boasting more than 650,000 LED lights strewn across 14 acres of lush gardens. The dramatic display weaves through illuminated trails and wraps around countless seasonal-themed exhibits — perfect for families looking for either a road trip north before the holiday season or a fun way to enjoy the already beloved botanical garden and scenic region of coastal Maine.

While already the largest light display in Maine, the bigger and brighter event will be even more radiant this year, Nov. 15–Dec. 31.

The kids will love the vibrant colors and festive wonderland. Begin your journey through the gardens through an Aurora Borealis display of shining, dancing lights within a dark corridor, resembling the brightly colored lights against a dark sky.

Head to Boothbay, Maine, anytime during the Gardens Aglow celebration, Thursday through Sunday, 4–9 p.m. The display and gardens will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, but tickets are limited and timed to three different arrivals, 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. — this helps guests enjoy a less crowded experience and more stress-free time through the gardens.

Prices range by age, $8–14, and the smallest guests, kids 3 years old and younger, are free to enter. Buy in bulk and bring the family of four for $36; other discounts are available for larger groups (10 or more) and CMBG member holders.

For those staying in the area, arrange a ride to Boothbay Harbor’s municipal lot and hitch a ride with Garden’s Aglow shuttle buses. Once inside the botanical wonderland, enjoy a self-guided walking tour at your own pace and leisure with family. For those visiting with limited mobility, wheelchairs and scooter assistance are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and, depending on the weather, assistance may be limited so be sure to arrange for some backup.

Winter, Maine and botanical gardens may seem counterintuitive, but the design and attention to detail Gardens Aglow exudes this time of year has become a magical mainstay for locals and visitors. In collaboration with Boothbay Lights, guests and families enjoy festive and fun music, diverse shops and dining options in addition to a slew of seasonal activities — all added to the vibrant lights and expertly designed gardens in-the-know travelers have come to expect.