Beginning Dec. 1, the University of Georgia will host its first Winter WonderLights show with a Garden of Delights, Candy Cane Lane and Cone Tree Plaza, among other magical features, along a half-mile trail at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens.
Lighted displays will delight children and adults every evening through Jan. 9, 2022. The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center will be transformed into a holiday market, where guests can shop for gifts and souvenirs. Refreshments such as cookies, s’mores, bottled water, hot chocolate and coffee will be available throughout the light show.
(Photo by Shannah Montgomery)
“Winter WonderLights will be a way for us to engage with people from across the state and beyond,” said Jenny Cruse-Sanders, State Botanical Garden director. “Our focus is to connect people to places and nature, and we are committed to being a leader in botanical education, horticulture, research and conservation. This new family friendly outdoor event gives us a way to show off our world-class botanical garden and generate support for our impactful programs. In many ways it also celebrates the hard work of our talented staff and students who care for this beautiful facility.”
(Photo by Shannah Montgomery)
The half-mile trail will take from 45-60 minutes to complete and is fully ADA accessible. Tickets are $15 per person, free for children under 3. Members of Friends of the Garden will receive a 10% discount, as will groups of 20 or more people. Tickets, for designated dates and times to visit the show, will be available for purchase at the State Botanical Garden website wonderlights.uga.edu starting in September.
(Photo by Shannah Montgomery)
The event is presented by the University of Georgia. Sponsors include Friends of the State Botanical Garden, Trumps Catering, Synovus, Condor Chocolates, Barron’s Rental Center, Westminster Christian Academy and members of the community.
The botanical garden is located approximately 70 miles east of Atlanta, at 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia. Free off-site parking and shuttle services will be provided in two UGA-owned and controlled lots off of South Milledge Avenue.