Review: GLOW for it at Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights

For many families in Richmond, this annual event is a tried and true holiday tradition. I love The GardenFest of Lights for all ages (this is a perfect multigenerational holiday outing). Coming here at Christmastime is kinda like seeing one of your good friends who usually wears jeans (and looks great in them) all dressed up in gala attire. “OMG! You look SO beautiful!! Well you always do, but just even more so!!”. 

 

 

My family (2 adults, and 2 children – ages 5 & 9) spent about 1.5 hours walking the entire outdoor space, before warming up inside. Once inside, make time to see the trees created by students of Henrico county, and the train display (always a favorite). Once we were warm enough, we went back around, just hitting some of the highLIGHTS one more time – the maze, ducklings and turtles by the Tea House, and the Conservatory – I LOVE the tree this year. Cardinals are my favorite bird. 

+I suggest arriving at the earliest possible time with your children, because it will be less crowded.

+Outside food/drink are NOT allowed, but there are s’mores and hot chocolate available for purchase in the Children’s Garden, where there is also a warming fire.

+Sandwiches, snacks, grown-up drinks are at the Jingle Bar.

+The Tree House in the Children’s Garden is closed for renovations.

+Check the website for dog-friendly nights, and dates for live music.

 

Lewis Ginter membership has lots of benefits, and one is the Members-Only Preview Nights. Because of how the timing fell when I bought our membership last year, we were actually able to use our membership for the GardenFest of Lights in both 2021 & 2022…what a deal! Look at purchasing the membership IF you will use it at least 3 times in one year.

 

If not a member, the most affordable dates to visit are during the “Value Nights” : 11/21 – 12/15. Lewis Ginter participates in the Museums for All Initiative, offering discounts for EBT/SNAP recipients.

 

Lindsay Garrison loves Richmond and is proud to raise her own family here. As a teacher for 12 years, she learned how to save, budget and stretch every penny. Additionally, she led groups of students to Europe annually, and took great pride in planning affordable, fun-filled trips. She transferred those skills to her daily life and shares them with readers of RVA on the Cheap. Lindsay utilizes RVA on the Cheap to make enriching life experiences accessible to all. Check her instagram: rva.familyfun for more affordable family adventures!