LIGHTS at Fernwood transforms the garden into a magical holiday experience after dark. Wander through glowing gardens, enjoy festive treats and activities, and make memories with family and friends surrounded by thousands of sparkling lights.
November 27, 2026 - January 2, 2027
TICKET TIMES FOR ENTRY: 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm
Tickets are timed in 60-minute increments to stagger visitor parking for the best experience.
Entry will not be permitted after 8:15 pm. Nights with only 6 pm and 7 pm time slots will have the last entry at 7:15 pm.
HOLIDAYS: LIGHTS will be closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
GARDEN DAY TIME HOURS DURING LIGHTS: 11 am - 4 pm
DATES & TIMES
TICKETS
Member pre-sale begins October 1. General public is November 1.
Parking is included in the ticket price.
Ticket Exchanges
All tickets are non-refundable unless Fernwood cancels an evening show. See Weather Cancellation policy.
Tickets can be transferred. Consider giving them as holiday gifts to friends and family.
If you can't gift or use your ticket on the scheduled date and time, you may request an exchange online.
Requests should be made at least 24 hours before the original ticket date and time and are subject to availability.
NEW! Date Night at LIGHTS
Experience an unforgettable DATE NIGHT at LIGHTS!
Tickets are just $21.50 each ($42 per couple)—bring your special someone for a magical evening! (Must be 21+ to purchase.)
Each ticket includes admission to the dazzling LIGHTS experience and a complimentary drink ticket (choose from hot chocolate, cider, beer, or wine).
Enjoy a special signature cocktail (or mocktail) available for purchase, dance to a live DJ in the Education Center, sing along with a festive holiday group in the gallery, and capture memories in our fun photo booth!
Treat yourself to delicious charcuterie boxes and classic s'mores supplies, available for purchase at concessions.
Members-only pre-sale: October 1. General public ticket sales begin November 1.
CONCESSIONS
Hot chocolate, hot cider, chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, s'mores, and other snacks will be available for purchase.
Souvenirs include plush woodland animal toys, glowing merchandise, and LIGHTS-branded apparel.
Choose to add Irish creme or apple brandy to your hot beverages on the following nights. LIGHTS ale, brewed by River St. Joe, will also be served.
ACTIVITIES
In addition to enjoying the winter air and the enchanting light show, create even more memories by exploring the various activities at LIGHTS!
SEASONAL KIDS CRAFT: Visit the craft tables in the Education Center, where kids can create their own souvenir cardinal ornament to take home!
LIFE SIZE LITE-BRITE: Do you remember playing with a Lite Brite when you were younger? You know, the toy where you got to make fun pictures that lit up and looked magical? Guess what - we have one here at Fernwood! Check it out in the Sims Education Center during LIGHTS.
FATHER WINTER: A special visitor from the north will be making a stop at Fernwood this year, bringing with him all the magic and wonder of the winter season. Don’t miss your chance to get a photo with Father Winter!
GLOW SWINGS: Enjoy the refreshing winter breeze in your hair as you happily swing on our amazing glow swings! It's a fun experience you won’t want to miss!
FIRE PITS: Warm up your hands and face at one of our custom-made fire pits throughout the LIGHTS path.
LIVE MUSIC
2026 LINE UP COMING SOON!
VOLUNTEER
LIGHTS at Fernwood has become a staple of community celebration. Being involved in this festive spectacle is a thrill.
Bring your family, friends, or co-workers along. LIGHTS is a fun, memory-filled opportunity that we hope you will join to experience firsthand.
We make it easy to learn about and sign up for a LIGHTS shift online!
Reach out to volunteers@fernwoodbotanical.org with questions before registering.
Make your marriage proposal unforgettable by choosing LIGHTS at Fernwood. Our team will provide a tour in advance, helping you select from a variety of stunning locations throughout the grounds to propose to your loved one. Then, take your partner on a surprise journey through our winter wonderland to your chosen spot and create a magical memory that will last a lifetime!
PROPOSALS
HOLIDAY PARTIES
How exciting would it be to host your holiday party at Fernwood and enjoy a special, private viewing of LIGHTS? Now is the perfect time to start planning! We offer catering options.
Make This Year’s Holiday Party Unforgettable!
Treat your team to a magical evening at Fernwood! Book your corporate holiday party for one of only six exclusive nights this season (Tuesdays & Wednesdays: December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, or 16) from 6–9 pm.
Enjoy a private event—no general public on site.
Admission to the breathtaking LIGHTS at Fernwood for every guest.
Gather inside the cozy Sims Education Center with tables and chairs included.
Optional catering available to suit your tastes (not included in rental price).
Space is limited—choose the package that fits your group:
• 1–40 people: $2,000
• 41–100 people: $3,500
• 101–200 people: $5,000
LIGHTS is a fun, memory-filled opportunity that you must experience firsthand. Don’t miss your chance - book your exclusive holiday party at Fernwood today!
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
Purchase tickets ahead of time online!
Follow your designated arrival window to avoid waiting or missing your entry time. Entry will not be permitted after 8:15 pm. Nights with only 6 pm and 7 pm time slots will have the last entry at 7:15 pm.
Have your ticket ready to show to the team at the ticket hut to expedite entry.
This outdoor event will be held rain, snow, or shine. Please dress for the weather.
Have fun making memories while supporting your public garden - Fernwood!
More questions? No problem! Check out our fun Frequently Asked Questions page.
SPONSOR
As a valuable LIGHTS event sponsor, you or your company will gain brand visibility and recognition throughout the show, creating additional awareness and appreciation of you and your wonderful brand.
LIGHTS at Fernwood, including event sponsors, is diversely promoted throughout the region. Thousands of visitors from near and far attend LIGHTS during the winter holiday season.
We are grateful for your support and look forward to collaborating with you!
MORE INFO COMING SOON
LIGHTS 2026 POLICIES
Ticket Exchanges
All tickets are non-refundable unless Fernwood cancels an evening show. See Weather Cancellation policy.
Tickets can be transferred. Consider giving them as holiday gifts to friends and family.
If you can't gift or use your ticket on the scheduled date and time, you may request an exchange online. All exchange requests must be submitted through the form at fernwoodbotanical.org/lights. Requests should be made at least 24 hours before the original ticket date and time and are subject to availability.
Entry Time
Please do allow extra time for entry and parking, but do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the entrance time printed on your ticket. Your entry time is a 15-minute window from the time printed on your tickets (e.g., 6 – 6:15 p.m.). After you are admitted, you may stay until the event ends for the night.
Food/Drink/Smoking
Fernwood is a smoke-free property. Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes or similar devices, is not permitted in the garden or the parking lot.
Due to Michigan state law, no alcohol may be brought onto the grounds or into our facilities. Prohibited alcohol will be confiscated. Violators may be asked to leave the premises.
To support Fernwood’s concession sales, outside food or beverages cannot be brought into the garden. Leave beverage containers inside vehicles in the parking lot. Tailgating in the Fernwood parking lot is not permitted.
Weather Cancellation
The safety of our visitors is a top priority. If Fernwood cancels an evening show due to extreme weather or other conditions, we will email ticket holders to notify them of the cancellation at 2 pm the day of the event. Staff will work with ticket holders to transfer their tickets to an alternative date. Updates will also be available on the Fernwood website, Facebook, and Instagram.
EVENT FAQ: Still have questions about this event? Click here to view our LIGHTS FAQ!
