The Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston turns into a glowing forest again this winter. Night Lights: Fantastical Forest runs daily from November 21, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with half a million lights spread across the grounds. Last year the display won USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights, and 70,000 people from across the region came to see it.
What you’ll walk through
The route covers nine formal garden spaces, two subtropical conservatories and the Visitors Center. Expect luminous mushrooms, suspended florals and illuminated vines. The Garden’s own staff design the displays and change them every year, so returning visitors will find something new.
Food and warmth are part of the evening too: s’mores, cider doughnuts, seasonal drinks, fire pits, a model train display and holiday shopping in the Garden Shop.
Two cultural nights are on the calendar:
Diwali Lights, November 21. For the second year in a row, the season opens with a celebration of the Festival of Lights, hosted with the India Society of Worcester. The evening includes Indian cultural programs, food, local vendors and henna. Tickets are limited.
Las Posadas, Wednesday, December 9. Casita Cultura Latina co-hosts an evening of cultural activities and tradition among the lights.
Good to know
Garden members can buy tickets from October 14. Sales for the general public open on October 23. Popular dates tend to go first, so book early if you have a specific night in mind.
Several discounts apply:
Members: 25 percent off tickets, and 50 percent off for the evenings of November 30, December 1 and December 2, while supplies last.
Value Hours: 20 percent off tickets for the 8 and 8:30 p.m. timeslots on standard-rate evenings, for members and non-members alike.
EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare: Holders of a Massachusetts-issued card can reserve up to six tickets at 50 percent off non-member prices.
Glow Together Flex Pass: Parties of two to six people pay a flat rate and can redeem the pass any night without booking ahead.
Onsite parking is free for everyone every evening.
Book through New England Botanic Garden or call the Night Lights Hotline at 508-869-6745. The Garden is at 11 French Drive in Boylston.
