Brookside Gardens: Garden of Lights

About this adventure

For over a quarter century, Brookside Gardens' Garden of Lights has illuminated the winter nights of Montgomery County, transforming 50 acres of botanical wonder into an ethereal walk-through light fantasy. More than 1.5 million twinkling LED lights are sculpted into vibrant nature-inspired forms: giant glowing caterpillars, fluttering illuminated dragonflies, blooming lotus flowers on the lakes, majestic swans, and towering illuminated weeping willows that shift through brilliant color sequences. Inside the Visitors Center and Conservatory, kids can watch model G-scale trains chug through miniature seasonal garden landscapes and pick up hot chocolate, cider, and cookies from local snack vendors. The entire one-mile walking loop follows paved, gently sloping botanical pathways that are easily navigated with double strollers and wheelchairs. Timed-entry reservations are strictly required online, ensuring a relaxed, unhurried experience for families with young children without overwhelming crowds.