Planning to visit the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County, Maryland this holiday season? Here are some essential tips to enhance your experience.
Getting Here
Brookside Gardens is located within Wheaton Regional Park at 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902.
Parking is conveniently available at the main entrance on Glenallan Avenue and at the Conservatory entrance, which can be found at 1500 Glenallan Avenue. If you are arriving by taxi or rideshare, please use the main entrance.
For those who prefer to walk or bike, you can access the gardens through either the main entrance or the path at 2000 Shorefield Road, located near the playground in Wheaton Regional Park. For additional details regarding the Shorefield Road entrance, click here.
If you plan on using public transportation, take a bus from Glenmont Metro Station to Randolph and Heurich Roads, followed by a short 0.3-mile walk to the main entrance.
Groups with buses, vans, or limousines need to register in advance. For further information, you can visit this link.
What Awaits You:
Prepare to immerse yourself in a whimsical winter wonderland adorned with over a million twinkling LED lights, thoughtfully crafted into unique designs of flowers, animals, and natural scenes. As the Garden of Lights is a walk-through outdoor exhibit, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The entire experience generally lasts between one to two hours at a relaxed pace.
Admission Details:
The cost for tickets is $13.99 on weekdays and $16.99 on weekends (Friday and Saturday) for guests aged five and older. Each individual over the age of five is required to have a ticket.
Tickets must be purchased online prior to your visit, as no tickets will be sold on-site on the day of the event. If you lack internet access, staff at Brookside Gardens’ Visitor Center (1800 Glenallan Avenue) can assist you daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tickets are issued for specific time slots at 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, or 8:30 p.m. It is essential to arrive at the scheduled time to redeem your tickets.
Optimal Visiting Hours:
The Garden of Lights is open daily from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from November 21 to January 4. Please note that the exhibit is closed during specific dates: from November 24-27, December 24-25, and January 1. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting on a weekday before the Christmas weekend when the crowds tend to be smaller, allowing you to take in the stunning details.
Tips for Capturing the Perfect Shot:
You are welcome to take your own photos. However, if you wish to conduct professional photo sessions or sell your pictures, you will need a photo permit. Queries regarding photo permits can be sent here.
For those aiming for the perfect photography shot, the golden hour during dusk is recommended. The rich blues of the winter sky in the background create a stunning contrast and enhance the visibility of the light displays in photographs.
Must-See Attractions:
Conservatory: No visit to Brookside Gardens is complete without exploring the Conservatory, where G-Scale model trains meander through a seasonal landscape filled with live plants in the Garden Railway exhibit. The exhibit features intricately designed models of significant Montgomery County landmarks, both historic and contemporary, such as Brookside Gardens, Kensington Railroad Station, Red Door Store, Little Tavern Restaurant, Cabin John Hotel, and the Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park. The Garden Railway exhibit can be viewed for free during the Conservatory’s hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., November 25 through January 1 (closed December 24-25).
Food Vendors: You can enjoy hot chocolate and other light snacks available for purchase from outdoor vendors.
Gift Shop: If you’re searching for the perfect last-minute present, the gift shop is filled with an array of garden-themed items and books suitable for all ages. The gift shop will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is also accessible during the Garden of Lights exhibit.
