This winter, visitors can experience the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia as it transforms into a wonderland of lights for the fourth year of Winter WonderLights. Tickets are now available at wonderlights.uga.edu. Ticket sales support the garden’s conservation and outreach work.

Winter WonderLights, presented by the UGA Office of the President, has become a beloved Athens tradition. For the third year in a row, it was named the best local event in the Athens Banner-Herald Community’s Choice Awards. The show attracted over 63,000 visitors last year.

The show will run on select evenings from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30. Visitors will travel through a Winter Wondercave, along Jingle Bell Lane, into the Northern Lights and through a Frosted Forest, among other dazzling features.

The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor’s Center will be transformed into a holiday market where guests can shop for gifts and souvenirs. S’mores, Condor Chocolates’ hot chocolate and coffee will be available for purchase throughout the light show.

The garden will also offer a special event for the new year, WonderLights Disco Nights, on Jan. 2-5, 2025. Disco Nights will allow visitors to experience the light show trail while grooving to disco hits. Ticket prices and entry times will be the same as Winter WonderLights, and tickets are on sale now.

“We are thrilled that Winter WonderLights has become a tradition for the Athens community, and we’re looking forward to the fourth year of the show,” said Jenny Cruse-Sanders, State Botanical Garden director. “Support for Winter WonderLights allows us to continue working towards our mission to create and nurture an environment for learning, inspiration and engagement through horticulture, conservation, science-based programs and lasting partnerships.”

The half-mile trail is fully accessible and will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. Tickets are $15 per person, and children three and under are free. Friends of the Garden members will receive a 10% discount. There are no door sales available, tickets must be purchased online ahead of time at wonderlights.uga.edu.

The show is presented by the University of Georgia Office of the President. Premium sponsorship is provided by the Georgia Lottery. Other sponsors include Athens Ford, Barron’s Rental Center and valued members of the local community.

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia 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 a UGA-owned and controlled lot off South Milledge Avenue. Paid parking at the garden is available for a limited number of vehicles and must be purchased when you buy tickets to the show.