PURCHASE TICKETS: mainegardens.org/gardens-aglow/

Gardens Aglow 2026: New England’s Favorite Light Show Returns to Maine

Maine gets pretty magical when the sun goes down.

And during the holiday season, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens takes that magic to an entirely different level.

Gardens Aglow returns November 14 through January 2, transforming the gardens into a spectacular illuminated winter wonderland with thousands of glowing displays, seasonal traditions, Maine-inspired stories, and plenty of reasons to bundle up and head to Boothbay Harbor.

This year's theme, “Gathered in Maine,” celebrates the traditions, landscapes, wildlife, and natural connections that bring people together.

In other words:

Maine is glowing.

Gathered in Maine

“Gathered in Maine” takes visitors on a glowing journey through the things that make Maine special.

The experience explores everything from maple tapping and mushroom foraging to seed-dispersing ants, pollinators, coastal traditions, and the natural landscapes that connect us all.

It's a creative way to experience Maine's environment and traditions—only with significantly more lights.

Because apparently maple trees needed a dramatic lighting package.

We approve.

A Winter Wonderland in Boothbay Harbor

Gardens Aglow has become one of New England's favorite holiday light experiences, and it's easy to understand why.

The gardens take on an entirely different personality after dark, with illuminated displays creating a magical path through the property.

It's part holiday tradition.

Part outdoor adventure.

Part "I can't believe that's made out of lights."

And it's an excellent excuse to get outside during a season when many of us are perfectly happy becoming one with the couch.

When Can You Experience Gardens Aglow?

Gardens Aglow runs November 14 through January 2, with regular nights Thursday through Sunday, plus select additional dates from 4–9 PM.

There are a few important holiday closures:

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

So if your family tradition involves eating an unreasonable amount of food on Thanksgiving and then immediately driving around looking at Christmas lights, you'll need to pick another night.

Don't Want to Drive?

Good news.

The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce provides shuttles from downtown Boothbay Harbor to the Gardens on weekend nights during Gardens Aglow.

Shuttles run continuously from 3:45–9 PM from the Boothbay Harbor Town Office, taking visitors directly to the doors of Gardens Aglow.

That's a pretty convenient way to make the evening part of your Boothbay Harbor adventure without worrying about parking.

Come Hungry. Stay Warm.

Because nothing says winter adventure quite like walking around outside looking at beautiful lights and then immediately thinking:

"I need something hot."

Fortunately, Gardens Aglow has you covered.

The Cafe will be serving comfort-food favorites and hearty warm bowls throughout the event.

You can also warm up with:

☕ Hot cocoa
☕ Coffee
🍪 Freshly baked cookies
🍫 Gluten-free brownies

So yes, you can turn your Gardens Aglow adventure into a full evening of food, drinks, lights, and holiday atmosphere.

Don't Miss the Snack Shack

The Snack Shack offers even more options for fueling your expedition through the glowing gardens.

Grab a hot cocoa—with the option to add a splash of Bailey's or Schnapps—or pick up freshly brewed coffee.

You can also enjoy a local beer or wine.

And for snacks?

You've got:

🍿 Popcorn
🍩 Donuts
🍪 Cookies
🍫 Bixby Bars

Basically, the Snack Shack understands that winter walking requires snacks.

A person cannot simply admire thousands of lights on an empty stomach.

Make It a Maine Holiday Tradition

There's something special about seeing Maine's landscapes and traditions presented in such a completely different way.

During Gardens Aglow, familiar elements of Maine become part of a larger story about nature, community, and connection.

Add in the food, hot drinks, holiday atmosphere, and the opportunity to explore the gardens after dark, and you've got a winter outing that works for families, friends, couples, and anyone who thinks "Let's go look at some lights" is a perfectly reasonable plan for an evening.

Because it is.

Get Ready to Glow

Gardens Aglow 2026 is ready to light up Boothbay Harbor this holiday season.

📅 November 14–January 2
📆 Thursday–Sunday, plus select dates
🕓 4–9 PM
📍 Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens — Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Come for “Gathered in Maine.”

Stay for the glowing gardens.

Warm up with cocoa.

Grab a cookie.

Maybe enjoy a local beer or wine.

And take in one of New England's most spectacular holiday light experiences.

Just remember to dress warmly.

Because Maine winter doesn't care how pretty the lights are.

Bundle up. Grab your cocoa. Let's go see Maine glow.

#GardensAglow #GardensAglowMaine #BoothbayHarbor #MaineHolidayEvents #MaineChristmas #MaineHolidayLights #ChristmasLightsMaine #CoastalMaine #MaineEvents #GeekNOut