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Why Gardens Aglow Is a Must-See in Maine This Holiday Season

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If you love holiday lights, Gardens Aglow in Boothbay feels like stepping straight into a winter dream. Thousands of sparkling displays fill the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, creating one of the most beautiful holiday experiences in all of New England. Here is everything you need to know!

Gardens Aglow in Boothbay

Gardens Aglow is the annual holiday light event at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.

And it has become one of the most popular winter traditions in Maine.

The entire property transforms into a glowing wonderland, featuring over 750,000 LED lights.

Colorful holiday lights reflecting across the frozen pond at Gardens Aglow in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
The lights reflecting off the pond made the whole place feel like a glowing watercolor painting.

Spread across the gardens, pathways, sculptures, and larger-than-life coastal-themed displays.

It’s one of the best Christmas events in Boothbay Harbor!

Want more holiday events? Here is Your Guide to the Best Christmas Events in Maine for 2025

My Gardens Aglow Experience

Before visiting, I purchased my tickets online in advance since they usually sell out almost every weekend during the holiday season.

Plan a few extra minutes for parking because it gets very busy, and once you arrive, you’ll follow the signs toward the entrance line and have your tickets ready to scan.

Tip: Screenshot your tickets before you get there because the cell service in this area can be spotty.

After you walk through the gates, the fun starts right away.

Start With Hot Cocoa

The first thing I recommend doing is grabbing a warm cup of hot cocoa at the café, and you can even get it spiked if you want to make it feel more festive.

Pergola covered in glowing blue lights at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
This glowing blue pergola at Gardens Aglow felt like walking through a frozen fairytale scene.

It’s the perfect way to warm up before you start wandering through the gardens.

Walk Through the Garden Paths

Once you hit the main trails, you’re surrounded by colorful lights everywhere you look.

Colorful tunnel of lights at Gardens Aglow in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
The light tunnel at Gardens Aglow is pure magic.

I loved the Maine-themed displays the most, especially the lighthouse, lobsters, and even glowing whales spread across the paths.

Lighthouse-shaped holiday light display at Gardens Aglow in Boothbay Harbor reflected over the water
A little coastal magic at Gardens Aglow.

You can also walk through a bright tunnel of lights and stop by the children’s play area, where you can explore the treehouse and try the exciting rope walk.

Visitor walking across the rope bridge
A quick walk across the rope bridge at Gardens Aglow, surrounded by twinkling lights and winter magic.

It truly feels like walking through a winter wonderland with surprises around every corner.

Visit the Famous Maine Garden Trolls

One of the most unexpected and fun parts of visiting Gardens Aglow is seeing the famous trolls lit up at night.

These huge wooden sculptures are part of the permanent exhibits at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, but during the holiday season they take on a completely different vibe.

Large wooden troll sculpture illuminated with colorful lights at Gardens Aglow in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
The trolls at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens look even more magical during Gardens Aglow.

Colored lights glow across their faces and bodies, and the forest around them feels a little more enchanted.

They’re tucked along the walking paths, so make sure to keep an eye out as you explore.

Try Some Tasty Maine Treats

After all the walking, I worked up an appetite and headed to the outdoor food area.

Fields Fields Blueberries stand at in Maine
Loved stumbling across this cozy Fields Fields setup.

I ordered a warm blueberry cobbler from Fields Fields with whipped cream and a blueberry juice to stay in true Maine fashion.

Warm blueberry cobbler with whipped cream at Gardens Aglow in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Warm blueberry cobbler with whipped cream in between glowing holiday displays at Gardens Aglow.

They even had Shannon’s Unshelled serving their authentic Maine lobster rolls.

I visit them in the summer when I’m in Boothbay, and they always live up to the hype.

For more of my favorite Maine Lobster Rolls, read Top 20+ Lobster Rolls in Maine From a Local!

Enjoy More Lights Before Heading Out

You can spend as much time as you want exploring the gardens, revisiting your favorite displays, and taking in the lights from all angles.

It’s one of those events where you notice something new every time you walk past.

Buying Tickets to Gardens Aglow

Tickets must be purchased online, and they do sell out quickly on weekends and around the holidays.

You can purchase tickets to Gardens Aglow directly on their website here.

How Long Do You Need?

I spent about two hours exploring, but I recommend planning for more time, especially if you’re visiting with a family or eating while you’re there.

Dress warm because I went in late November, and Maine is already very cold by then.

Explore More of Maine

Want to see what Gardens Aglow looks like in motion? Here’s my YouTube Short from my visit.

I love exploring everything Maine has to offer, from attractions to eats!

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