Beauty, awe, wonder, art, and (lots of) lights are a few things my brother and I experienced at the Lewis Ginter GardenFest of Lights. After such delight walking about the magical lights, today Virginia is sharing highlights so you can experience a bit of it, too.
The Lewis Ginter GardenFest @ night
We enjoyed our spring visit to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond (as blogged here previously.) After hearing about their holiday festival of lights, on Monday evening we zoomed an hour from Williamsburg to see what the hubbub was all about.
Night view of the Conservatory
GardenFest exceeded my imagined expectations. A million lights spread all over the extensive grounds fashioned into exhibits inspired by famous artists and flowers:
“Bringing Art to Light.”
A young artist by the Japanese Garden pond
We arrived at 4:00PM to avoid a bit of traffic, get a parking place, and check out a few exhibits in the daylight.
GardenFest features works of art throughout the garden
We managed to catch a brilliant sunset..
Sunset @ GardenFest
In the approaching dusk, lights twinkled…
A tribute to Monet’s bridge
Once it got dark, however, those same lights blazed with luminescence.
Monet’s bridge @ night
‘Twas so cool seeing exhibits inspired by artists, like this Georges Seurat one by the Japanese Garden pond.
Lights of art creatively reflected
Inside the Conservatory we saw this Christmas tree made of flowers inspired by a lamp designed by visionary dancer Loie Fuller that’s part of the VMFA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) collection.
Gigantic (22-foot) tree made of flowers
There were trains spinning around railroad tracks, lots of activities for children (Santa sightings inclusive), doll houses of every kind, hot chocolate, treats at the Cafe, and everywhere you looked: INSPIRATIONAL LIGHTS.
Japanese Garden ‘enlightened’
On the way home Dwight & I both agreed we felt like we’ve already celebrated New Years. For many years our town had a big First Night event every New Years, but alas, ‘tis no more. Now we must Make Plans.
An inviting GardenFest entryway patio
Methinks we’ve already celebrated.
On our last circuit around the sights, my brother captured this cool pic of the lights in the children’s section reflected in the lake.
photo credit: Dwight Woodward
Since Light is such an important part of Advent, hope you enjoyed this short tour of GardenFest’s wonders.
grace, peace & inspirational light(s)
Virginia : )
“Treasures lie hidden in darkness. Only those who walk in the night can see the stars.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen (the Venerable)
Roses in the Rubble 
The pictures were beautiful..
Thanks, Carol-Jo – ‘twas such a beautiful experience our cameras hardly do it justice, but at least you have a glimpse of the wonder of it all. Hugs! 🌷🌟🌷🌟🌷
Good times!
The grandest of times – gardens, trees, lights, art (& hot chocolate!) Blessings Kenneth! 🎄🌟🎄🌟🌷🌟☕️🌟
So beautiful…. Want to visit here… Loved ur photos….
Thank you, Rishu. These pics give just glimpse of the wonder (there was so much more) if you can visit, it’s a wow experience. Blessings! 🌟🌷🌟🎄🌟🌷🌟
What a gorgeous place to visit — thank you for sharing its beauty here, Virginia!
Debbie – it’s truly an extraordinary experience that blends gardens, trees, lights, flowers and art in wondrous ways. Pics just give a glimpse (but there are plenty more to share.) Blessings! 🌷🌟🎄🌟🎨🌟🌷
Fantastic pics Virginia, would be a great place to visit for sure! Thanks for sharing the tour with everyone.
Steve.
Thanks, Steve. Pics give a glimpse of the wondrous lights (& sights) – glad you enjoyed the tour. You will laugh – I had brought my big flash along, but forgot to check the batteries (none!) so all my pics (in the dark) were taken w/o flash. Blessings! 🌟🌷🌟🎨🌟🎄🌟💥🌟
That looks like a ‘bucket list’ kind of place to visit. Thanks for the photos!
It really is a bucket list place, Tim- especially with a million lights inspired by famous works of art. Wish those Star Trek transporters could beam everyone there for an evening, it’s truly magical. A blessed holiday to you !!!! 🌟🌷🌟🎄🌟🤗🌟
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