Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights returns with giant glowing dragon, new displays

One of Atlanta’s most popular holiday traditions is returning this weekend with new displays, later hours, and a familiar dragon transformed for the holidays.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s 16th annual Garden Lights, Holiday Nights opens Saturday, Nov. 14, and will run nightly through Jan. 10, 2027.

This year’s event also celebrates the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s 50th anniversary with two major additions.

One of the biggest is the return of the giant dragon first featured during the Garden’s Imaginary Worlds exhibition in 2018 and 2019. The 20-foot-tall dragon has been given a holiday makeover, covered from its wings to its feet in colorful lights.

Visitors will find the dragon in the Skyline Garden pond near the s’mores fire pits.

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After the holidays, the dragon will get another transformation. It will be planted with living material in the spring ahead of Imaginary Worlds: Myths & Legends, which opens in May 2027.

Another new attraction is coming to the Anne Cox Chambers Flower Walk. Atlanta artist Huelani Mei created 12 illuminated forms inspired by lily of the valley flowers.

Several longtime Garden Lights favorites will also return, including the Ice Goddess, Orchestral Orbs on the Great Lawn, and Nature’s Wonders, the massive synchronized curtain of lights and sound in Storza Woods. Nature’s Wonders will feature new music and choreography this season.

Visitors will also have more time to see everything this year. Garden Lights will remain open until midnight each night, an hour later than in previous years.

Discounted Night Light tickets will be available after 9:30 p.m.

The Garden is also adding new perks for Premium Plus ticket holders through a Holiday Hideaway, featuring private fire pits, s’mores kits, seating, and private restrooms.

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights runs from 5 p.m. to midnight each night from Nov. 14 through Jan. 10.