In November 2024, our family was hosted by the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston for a preview of the 2024 Night Lights exhibit. And although we haven't been able to visit for 2025 yet, we want to share this experience again - because it's back and sure to be an amazing experience once again!
The author was hosted by New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in November 2024 to view the exhibit. This article, thoughts and opinions expressed are their own and based on the 2024 visit. Some events and displays may be different for 2025.
1. Dress for the outdoors. It rained the night we were there - which made everything sparkle! Be prepared with boots (rain or snow); a jacket with a hood, or even an umbrella. Don't let the cold, rain or snow deter you from visiting!
2. Visit the Farmer and The Fork Cafe when you arrive. Get a hot chocolate or a hot cider (or adult beverage if you prefer!). There's just something special about walking around outside with a hot seasonal beverage. The kids tried hot apple cider for the first time and enjoyed it! Open nightly until 9:30 p.m. View the menu here.
3. Look for special events! Throughout the winter, the Garden hosts a variety of events inside and outside. Check the calendar for fun things to do for the whole family.
4. Find the photo ops - and create your own! There were plenty of places to stop and take photos - our kids chose trees decorated in their favorite colors, standing next to a gnome and even stopping for the beautiful wings (which is fun for adults too, see the photo!). Take more than one photo as the lights change and depending on the angle what you see may not be what you get! (This would be a fun opportunity for me to learn more about my camera - on another visit, without the kids!).
5. Plan ahead for extra options!
- S'mores Making Kits, the quintessential Night Lights treat. $3.75 per package including tax. The S'mores Making Kit includes fresh ingredients for one delicious s'more, including graham crackers, chocolate, and a marshmallow. Sticks for roasting will be provided at fire pits.
- 3D Holiday Specs, see magical images in the lights! $2.50 per pair including tax. Enhance your Night Lights experience by transforming our dazzling lights into snowflakes, stars, or snowmen with a pair of our 3D Holiday Specs.
Learn more:
November 22, 2025–January 4, 2026 | 4-10 PM Daily
Peak times and weekends book quickly, so plan ahead!
Our Night Lights support hotline is happy to assist you at 508-869-6745.
For parties of 20 or more arriving by bus, group rates are available. Click here to learn more.
Additional tips for families and visitors:
The majority of this event takes place in our outdoor lighted gardens which are accessible in clear weather but may be challenging in rainy, icy, or snowy weather. Outdoor paths are made from concrete, brick, bluestone, asphalt, or wooden decking. The indoor portion of this event is fully accessible.
A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. You are welcome to bring your own mobility scooter.
All paths for Night Lights are accessible by stroller. Small strollers with large wheels work best on our paths. Large strollers and wagons are not recommended. Scooters and other wheeled devices are not permitted.
Because this is a rain, star shine, or snow event, we advise caution when navigating potentially icy outdoor spaces. All visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be dressed for the elements.
Night Lights takes place in all weather conditions. However, if weather presents a risk to safety, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill may decide to cancel an evening. If so, you will be notified by email no later than 2pm on the day of your visit and a refund will be issued for your tickets.
View additional Frequently Asked Questions here.
