Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights Dazzles Guests
Lighting Up Holiday Nights at Bellingrath Gardens & Home
Bellingrath Gardens’ Magic Christmas in Lights is a dazzling holiday tradition that transforms the beautiful gardens into a captivating winter wonderland. Located in Theodore, Alabama, this enchanting event features over three million sparkling lights intricately woven throughout the gardens, creating breathtaking displays that delight visitors of all ages. As guests stroll along the beautifully illuminated pathways, they are treated to festive scenes, magical holiday vignettes, and the joyful spirit of the season. With its stunning horticultural displays and the cheerful atmosphere filled with holiday music, Magic Christmas in Lights offers a memorable experience for families, couples, and anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season in a truly magical setting. Join us as we explore this beloved event and uncover the wonders that await during this festive time of year!
Hours and Tours
Millions of lights will illuminate the sky over Bellingrath Gardens & Home this holiday season. Magic Christmas in Lights celebrates its 29th annual enchanting event at the 65-acre Theodore, Alabama estate. The show runs November 24 through January 3, 2024 and is so dazzling USA Today ranked it in 2018 and 2020 as one of the “10 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Light Displays.” Magic Christmas in Lights was also named a “Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Festival and Event” winner in 2020. And it scored a place in the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events of 2016.”
Magic Christmas in Lights’ walking tours will take place from 4:00 to 8:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Final tours start at 7:30 p.m. (Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day). Wheelchairs and wagons will be available for a $6 rental fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
The English Renaissance-style Bellingrath Home will be dressed for the holidays with poinsettias, twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and magnificent seasonal-greenery arrangements. Guided tours of the home will be held every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Also closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day).
Santa Claus is Coming to Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights
Santa will be greeting guests and available for photos nightly from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Magnolia Room, adjacent to Magnolia Café through December 23rd (depending on weather).
Guests can buy hot chocolate and snacks on Live Oak Plaza. Irish coffee will be available at the Gardens’ tour midpoint. The Café will serve dinner nightly from 4 to 8 p.m. Beer and wine will also be for sale nightly in the Café and on Live Oak Plaza.
Admission prices for Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights range from $10 for children ages 5 to 12 (Gardens tour only) to $25 for adults (Gardens and Home tours). There is no admission charge for children aged 4 and younger. Tickets can be purchased ahead on the Bellingrath Gardens & Home website. And they will be available at the Gardens’ entrance building.
For more information, visit Bellingrath Gardens & Home.
Where To Stay
While you’re here, why not experience some of the world’s most-beautiful beaches during winter? They display a different kind of beauty during this season! Be sure to check out our Gulf Shores vacation rentals and Orange Beach vacation rentals for the perfect place to stay! Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are within driving distance of Bellingrath Gardens and Home.
This article was originally written by S. Lynne and updated by BeachGuide staff.
