LIGHTS AT FERNWOOD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | 2026 EDITION

TICKETS & RESERVATIONS

  • You can try! But, we do not recommend it. Advance online ticket purchases are strongly encouraged due to the volume of people attending the event. However, tickets may be purchased on-site subject to availability. Check the Fernwood website for up-to-date ticket information before arrival.

  • We hate standing in long lines, don’t you? Due to the anticipated volume, we request advanced online ticket purchases to help us ensure a fun, quality experience for all and control the flow of both foot and car traffic, as parking at Fernwood is limited. Also, purchasing tickets online lets you choose the date and time slot that works best for you and your family/friends—planning ahead for the win!

  • 6 pm, 7 pm, and sometimes 5:30 pm and 8 pm. Check the ticket calendar for specific dates and times available.

  • Scroll down through your ticket confirmation email. There you will find a pdf attachment containing your tickets. You may print them and bring them with you to Fernwood OR consider saving a tree by just pulling up the ticket QR codes on the pdf (take a quick screenshot ahead of time!) for our staff to scan upon your arrival.

  • If you can't use your ticket on the scheduled date and time, you may request an exchange online.

    Submit all exchange requests through the form at fernwoodbotanical.org/lights.

    Submit requests at least 24 hours before the original ticket date and time; availability applies.

  • Bummer! We will miss you. No refunds will be given this year. However, if Fernwood cancels an evening due to extreme weather or other conditions, our staff will be happy to help you exchange your tickets to an alternative date and time. Remember, we will let you know by 2 pm the event day.

  • Look at you, being punctual. Love it. Yes, allow extra time for entry and parking, but please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your scheduled time, as space in the Fernwood parking lot is limited.

    6 pm ticket holders should be mindful that the entry gate to LIGHTS will not open until 6 pm sharp (see, we are punctual too).

    Of course, you may stay as long as you like, considering the event ends each evening at 9 pm (or 8 pm depending on the night; see ticket calendar for details).

  • We totally get it. Life happens! We will accommodate you in the next slots based on availability, but please be aware there will be no entry after 8:15 pm (or 7:15 pm the night we only have 6 pm and 7 pm time slots). LIGHTS turn off at 9:15 pm (8:15 pm some nights). And believe us - it gets very DARK here.

WEATHER & CANCELLATIONS

  • Bummer! We will miss you. No refunds will be given this year. However, if Fernwood cancels an evening due to extreme weather or other conditions, our staff will be happy to help you exchange your tickets to an alternative date and time. Remember, we will let you know by 2 pm the event day.

  • Don’t think such things! But, if that were to happen, Fernwood would decide to cancel the event for the evening based on hazardous or unsafe winter weather. The safety of our visitors is a top priority, and we will notify you of the cancellation at 2 pm the day of the event through an email to ticket holders. Updates will also be available on the Fernwood website, Facebook, and Instagram. So give us a follow if you haven’t already! Staff will work to assist in rescheduling your tickets.

LIGHTS EXPERIENCE

  • You should allow 45 – 60 minutes to tour the entire LIGHTS display, take photos, and post them on social media. Don’t forget to tag Fernwood! Stop by the Education Center for a warm-up, then browse the Visitors Center gift shop for all your holiday shopping needs!

  • Hot chocolate, cider, specially designed cookies by Calla Lily Cookie, chocolate-covered pretzels, and other snacks. 

    Savory hand pies made from scratch by The Grateful Pie Company at Fernwood. Meat and vegetarian options available. 

    Adult beverages will be available every Friday and Saturday, including the LIGHTS beer crafted by River Saint Joe Brewery. This special brew is exclusively available at LIGHTS and the River Saint Joe taproom. 

    Souvenirs, including woodland stuffed animals, glowing merchandise, and LIGHTS-branded beanies or headbands, are available for purchase in the Education Center. Pre-packaged snacks and drinks will be available in the Gift Shop in the Visitors Center.

  • You know it! Specialty items for LIGHTS will be available for purchase in the Sims Education Center. Holiday gifts are available in the Fernwood Gift Shop in the Visitors Center. Both locations will be open from 6-9 pm. Just ensure there is plenty of room in your vehicle for all the great stuff you will purchase!

VISITOR SERVICES

  • First of all, let us say, we love you for this! Anyway, during LIGHTS season, the garden will be open Tuesday - Sunday, 11 am-4 pm.

    All daytime visitors (including members) must exit the garden by 4 pm, so staff can set up and train nightly volunteers for LIGHTS to be ready to open at 6 pm. Or, you could volunteer and stay with us ALL DAY =)

    If you're looking to pass the time, we highly recommend grabbing an early dinner or enjoying a drink at either River Saint Joe or Thistledown & Row! Both are cozy, delicious local spots nearby.

  • Clothes are required ; ) This is an outdoor event, so please dress appropriately for our southwest Michigan winter weather — which means you should always carry a winter coat, snow pants, t-shirt, shorts, sunscreen, and umbrella with you at ALL TIMES.

  • The paths for the event are either paved or topped with crushed gravel. We will also work hard to keep them clear of snow and ice. But, please note, we do not have wheelchairs available for guest use at the gardens.

  • Of course! Just be sure to get our good side. Guests are encouraged to take lots of photographs. Please be sure to tag Fernwood in your posts and use #lightsatfernwood to share your fun experience. Strike a pose, say cheese, and share your memories!

  • Yes, strollers are allowed for pushing around your young ones or for filling up with all the great stuff you’ll see at the gift shop! Please be aware of weather conditions.

  • Only service animals will be admitted to the LIGHTS display. Emotional Support animals are not permitted during this time. But please feel free to show us any photos of your furry friends with us. We love them.

  • This is LIGHTS at Fernwood, not RAVE at Fernwood. There will be some lighting sequences that have some flashing lights contained within them; however, there will be no strobe lighting.

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