Dec
The Dominion GardenFest of Lights is underway at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden!
Every evening, enjoy half a million holiday lights transforming the garden into a holiday wonderland. It is open nightly from 5 – 10 p.m.
Some of the special events during GardenFest:
- Merry Mondays: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26, Jan. 2 & 9; 5 – 8 p.m. Storytime fireside with the Garden Keeper and visits from the Butterfly Fairy in the Library Reading Room; Santa “sightings” in the Conservatory on Mondays through Dec. 19.
Caroling Tuesdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Jan. 3.; 6 – 7:30 p.m. Barbershop Quartets from the Virginians Barbershop Chorus stroll and sing throughout the Garden; guests are invited to join in the caroling, too! The full chorus performs on Dec. 20.
Musical Thursdays: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & Jan. 5; Acoustic musicians perform festive entertainment in the Library.
Dominion GardenFest for Fidos: Select Thursdays, Dec. 1; Dec. 8 & Jan. 5. Leashed pets allowed; suggested $2 pet admission benefits the Richmond SPCA.
Greater Richmond Children’s Choir Concert: Sunday, Dec. 11; 4 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic: Saturday, Dec. 31. Family fun with live music by the “Ululating Mummies” plus make-and-take crafts.
Tips about visiting GardenFest
Admission fees -
General Public: $11 adult; $10 senior; $7 children (ages 3 – 12); children under 3: free
Garden Members: $5; Child on Membership (ages 3 – 18) $4.
There are a few discounts available:
Times-Dispatch Press Pass: Visitors can present the press pass coupon and get a “buy one, get one free” ticket (adult, senior, child & member) on select nights only. Coupon must be presented at the Garden’s Visitors Center for discount, no photocopies accepted, no other discounts apply, one free admission per coupon. “Free” ticket must be equal or lesser value. Press pass coupon runs in Thursday Weekend section; is good for the following Sunday ONLY on these dates ONLY:
Runs: Thursday, Dec. 1; VALID Sunday, Dec. 4
Runs: Thursday, Dec. 8; VALID Sunday, Dec. 11
Runs: Thursday, Jan. 5; VALID Sunday, Jan. 8
ValPak: Visitors can present the Metro Richmond area ValPak coupon and receive $3 off one GardenFest ticket (adult, senior, child; does not apply to members). Good Dec. 2 – 8, 2011. Offer valid with coupon only. One coupon per person. May not be used in combination with any other discounts including member discounts. No photocopies.
Members receive free admission on selected Member Nights – There is one remaining in 2011, on January 9.
The Garden Cafe also offers various dining specials from 5-8pm on certain days:
- Merry Mondays – Kids eat free, 1 free kid’s meal (under 12 years old) with a minimum adult purchase of $7.00 ($5.00 value)
Two for Tuesday – 2 dinner specials for the price of 1 ($8.95 value)
Wednesday Wine & Cheese – 2 wine splits and 1 cheese and cracker plate $10.00 (value $13.95)
“Thirsty” Thursday – free hot or fountain beverage with the purchase of soup, salad, sandwich or entrée. (value $1.75 & free refills)
Sunday Supper – Early bird special – 15% discount on all purchases from 5:00 pm – 6:00 p.m. *excluding alcohol
CONTEST:
Enter to win a 4-pack of tickets to Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights! Just leave a comment about whether you have visited GardenFest before, and if so, how many times (guess!).
Contest ends Monday, December 5 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and have 48 hours to respond.
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84 Responses to “Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights Discounts and Giveaway”
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We have been to the GardenFest of Lights, but not for about 5 years. We would love to return this Christmas.
Despite living less than a mile from the Botanical Gardens we have never been to GardenFest before! We would love to go and my girls would love it!
We have visited Lewis Ginter a few times during the spring and summer and think that the gardens are absolutely beautiful. We have not however visited during the Christmas season but have heard that it is fantastic. Would love to take my children to see the lights!
My husband and I took our 8 yo grandson and 3 yo granddaughter last year one evening. The joy on their little faces, looking at the lights, the train display, etc was priceless!
we lvoe the gardens by day, but have never been there for the holiday light festival – would love to try it this year with the kids!
We have never been and this is my first time hearing about it! We would love to go. My 3 year old would love it!
We love Gardenfest! We have already been once this year, and have gone each year for the last 4 years. I would love to win the tickets to go again
We have been to see the lights at LG three or four times — they are fantastic. Richmond should be proud!
Its always fun to see what new creations the staff comes up with. Its a nice evening to spend together.
My family LOVEs Gardenfest. We go every other year and this is the year for us to go! 4 times I believe could be more. Both kids love the lights and hot chocolate!
We have never been to the GardenFest of Lights. My son is obsessed with Christmas lights this year, so I think he would really enjoy it.
I love going to GardenFest. I love seeing familiar lights, and am delighted when new lights appear. One year when it was REALLY cold, we discovered the fire near the lake. That was really nice. I love climbing up and looking out over the gardens from the children’s play area! It would not be winter without a trip to GardenFest.
My husband and I married at the Gardens 9 years ago. We said we would visit each year around our anniversary and have neglected to do so.
The GardenFest is so special as we can share our wedding memories with our 3 young children. They love to see where I “walked down the aisle” and where we stood when we were wed. It gives them such insight into a time that is hard for them to imagine and at such a special time of year when family is even more of a focus-such a treat. We have been the past 3 years and would love to visit again this year!
We have two boys age 4 and 5 that LOVE the lights. We are making it a family tradition to go every year. We’d love to win!!
We have been to LG, but never for the Garden Fest. I am sure it’s an experience to remember. Thanks for offering the tix in this contest!
Can’t wait to introduce the boyfriend to the beatiful holiday lights. I have been many times – this Christmas will be his first.
We went when we first got married 6 yrs ago. I’d love to go and take my 2 little kids. Thanks for the chance!
Our family has not visited Gargen Fest of Lights yet. Weve been wanting to for a few years. This year my grandmother is coming from New York and we really want to show her how beautiful Christmas is in Virginia.
We have never been. Would love to take my three boys this year!
We went a few years ago but have not been since my son was born. We would love to go again!
I have been once and now have 4 kiddos. I would love to take them! Our littlest one is celebrating her first Christmas.
We’ve been once before and LOVED it! My kids had the best time in the maze of lights.
We have been about 3 times so far. My favorite was several years ago just after a light snow had fallen which add an extra sparkle to lights!!! Just beautiful!
We have never visited Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens before. We would love to be able to see the Gardenfest of lights this year. We have heard that it is beautiful!
Never been…boo hoo
I’ve been twice, I believe. The most memorable was the first year I went with my now-husband soon after we started dating. We were married in Lewis Ginter almost 3 years later! Beautiful.
We would love to come to the Gardens. We have heard so many nice things about you. Thankyou for this opportunity.
I’ve only been to the Gardens once, but I loved it!
I’ve been to the GardenFest twice and we had a great time. Can’t wait to go out there again this year.
I have heard how beautiful the Garden Fest lights are & would love to take my husband, mom & her friend!
At least 3 times…so fun!
Haven’t been in a few years!!!
We have never visited Lewis Ginter before, but I have always wanted to take my family. My husband actually had a meeting there for work this past summer, but they were not able to tour the place they were there for business only! I would love to see the GardenFest of Lights, I know my children would really enjoy that.
Yes! We love it, but have only been one time!
I have been only once to Gardenfest of Lights and this year cant wait to take my baby boy for his first Christmas to see the lights!
We’ve been twice over the years & would love to go this year.
I have never been. I would love to take my 1 year to see the pretty lights.
I’ve never been! How is that possible?
I have lived here for 3 years and have not been and want to show my 2 1/2 year the lights.
Never been to Gardenfest before but would love to go with my kids!!
My husband and I have not visited Lewis Ginter since 2003. Since then he has been deployed and back and forth on orders. I would love to go this year and see what has changed from the beautiful landscape to lights. I hope we win!:)
Been twice. Fabulous both times!!
We just moved to this area a year ago and haven’t even heard of this great spectacle! I want to take the entire family this year!
Thanks for the giveaway.
We have been every year for about the last 4 or 5 years and our 8 year old loves it! It made her list of “MUST DOS” for this season!
We usually go every year, and have a great time with the kids. We love to roast marshmallows and see the trains. I hope to find time to go this year, too.
I love Lewis Ginter at Christmas! I have not been in a few years, but I am ready to see all the pretty lights this year!
I try and go once a year if I can. The last 4 years I have brought my beagle on the Fido nights.
We’ve been once and froze, but it’s still fun to see all those lights. Thanks for the chance!
We’ve been to the Lewis Ginter light show once and it was wonderful. I’d love to go again this year!
We try to go every year. The Press Pass coupon is a big savings for the overall cost. THere are ALWAYS items in the gift shop that have to go home with us
Never been! (I’ve only been in Richmond 2 or 3 years, so I have an excuse.) But we’re going to try and make it this year.
I have never been to the GardenFest of Lights but, I know my three kids would be in aww if we won these tickets!!!
We have been before my son was born, but now that he’s a toddler we can’t wait to get back and show him the magical lights!!
Our family has been here for almost three years and we haven’t had a chance to attend. I hear this is the “must see” during Christmas. Would love to win a few tickets!
haven’t been but now with kids 3 and 5, there’s no reason we shouldn’t.
We try to go a few times a year, and would love to head out this Christmas season!
This is my third year living in Richmond, and I have never been to the Garden Fest of Lights! Maybe this is the year!
I have never been to Gardenfest, but now that my children are older I hope to make it their this year and every year afterwards. Their favorite part of Christmas is driving around to look at decorated houses, and I’ve heard so many friends with nothing but amazing things to say about the lights I’m sure they will absolutely love every minute we spend there.
I have yet to check out the Gardenfest of lights but I’d love to see it soon! The gardens are amazing during the day. I can’t even imagine how beautiful they’ll be at night with all the lights.
My family and I have made this a family tradition. Every year we go see the lights. From Great Grandmother to a new born girl. We would love to be able to save a little money this year.
We’ve never been. Only passed by. Would love to take my 6 year old daughter!
Been only once and LOVED IT! We would love to go back!
We’ve only been once many years ago and would love to go again!
We have visited a few times in years past with our cub scouts. It’s been freeeezing but awesome! We have new family living in VA now and would love to share this with them!!
I have only been once but I loved it!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!! I used to sing with my high school in the garden every year. I’ve been about 4 times. Would love to take my fiance for a first-time experience.
As someone new to the Richmond area, I’ve never been to the Festival of Lights. I’ve heard SO many wonderful things about it, and would love the opportunity to go!
I’ve been twice and enjoyed it both times.
I have never been to Gardenfest. I would love to win tickets.
I have only been one time, but would love to go again!
Never been but would LOVE to! Thanks for the opportunity!
We have been about 5 times, its a yearly tradition!
We have been twice over the years. The last time was 3 years ago, when we had out of town family in visiting for the holidays. While the gardens were absolutely beautiful, we had 2 young, autistic children with us who had spent the day traveling. Additionally, my sister-in-law received a dreaded phone call about her father’s health. We managed to celebrate the beauty of the gardens, the joy of just being with loved ones we had not seen for quite some time, and most of all the Reason for the season, but we were distracted by the extenuating circumstances! We would LOVE the opportunity to take it all in, in a more relaxed and leisurely way this year!
I’ve never been, but would love to take my three children!
We’ve visited it once a long time ago, but I bet it’s a lot better now!
magical after dark!
This will be our 6th year!
I haven’t been yet but would love to take my sons to see the lights!
Last year was our first year visiting the lights at the garden. The kids had so much fun!! We hope to make this an annual tradition.
Last year was our first time visiting the Festival of Lights. We took my daughter on her first birthday, 12/10. We hope to make it a tradition and take her every year on her special day!
I went two years ago and would love to go again
Never been ..but one day would like to take my kids
Ive hadnt had the chance to bring my family to the Gardens yet, i would love to come this year!!
We (my 3 children and I) have been almost every year for the past 5 years. We LOVE it!