Gardens Aglow – Sonoma Botanical Garden

A Twilight Wonderland of Lights, Music & Holiday Cheer

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, December 5-21, 2025

Timed, ticketed entry at 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

$30 general • $25 members • $12 youth (5-17) • free for children 4 and under
Advance tickets required

This holiday season, the Garden becomes a twilight wonderland for three weekends in December where twinkling paths set the stage for Gardens Aglow, a merry and bright celebration for the whole family. After the sun sets, the magic begins. Stroll through a dazzling tunnel of light to arrive at the Garden’s Winter Workshop, brimming with festive crafts for all ages, music that fills the evening air with cheer, lawn games, face painting, and more. Then gather for fireside fun to sip hot chocolate or enjoy local wines, making cozy memories with loved ones under the glow of holiday lights. Gardens Aglow is set in an intimate area of the Garden, centered around the Founder’s House and adjacent to the Rose Garden.

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Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions

Program Guidelines

When:
Friday – Sunday, December 5, 6 & 7
Friday – Sunday, December 12, 13 & 14
Friday – Sunday, December 19, 20 & 21

Entry Times:
Timed, ticketed entry with advanced purchase at 5:00 or 6:30 p.m. The Garden closes at 8:30 p.m.
To ensure smooth check-in and minimal waiting, we recommend arriving within a half hour of your entry time:
• 5:00 p.m. ticket holders arrive between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.
• 6:30 p.m. ticket holders arrive between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Tickets and Reservations:
• Advance tickets are required with entries at 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. each evening.
• Tickets must be purchased in advance online; no same-day or at-the-door sales.
• Please note: Ticket sales for each entry time close 24 hours in advance.

Pricing:
• Non-members: $30
• Members: $25
• Youth (ages 5–17): $12
• Children (4 & under): Free*
*Children must be always accompanied by an adult.

Discounts:
Current Sonoma Botanical Garden members receive a discounted rate. Reciprocal garden memberships, guest passes, or other discounts are not valid for this special program.
• Guest passes are not permitted for Gardens Aglow.
• Gardens Aglow is not included in AHS reciprocal admission.
• Group discounts are not available for Gardens Aglow.

Refunds:
Tickets are non-transferable to another date and non-refundable, as Gardens Aglow is a fundraiser. Thank you for supporting the Garden!

Garden Hours
On the days Gardens Aglow is scheduled (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday evenings, from December 5-21) regular Garden hours will be 12:00–4:00 p.m. The Garden will reopen at 5:00 p.m. for Gardens Aglow entry.
Regular Garden admission is not available during Gardens Aglow, and daytime admission does not include Gardens Aglow admission.

Directions:
The Garden is located at 12841 Sonoma Highway in Glen Ellen. Driving and parking directions can be found here.
• The Garden is located on California Highway 12 (Sonoma Highway) approximately 8 miles north of Sonoma, just north of the intersection with Arnold Drive.
• Do NOT turn on Miller Road. Enter directly through the gate off Highway 12.
• Upon entry, please follow signs to visitor parking.

Parking:
Free parking is available on-site, but space is limited. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. We do not have the capacity to host buses. Trams will be available to assist guests to and from parking.

Restrooms:
Restrooms will be available near the parking lot, and additional portable restrooms will also be located close to the Gardens Aglow program area for your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I arrive early or late?

To ensure smooth check-in and minimal waiting, we recommend arriving within a half hour of your ticketed entry time. Early arrivals may be asked to wait, and late arrivals may forfeit entry if capacity is reached. We will do our best to accommodate you based on availability

How long (or how much time) should we plan on spending at Gardens Aglow?

Plan to spend 60–75 minutes exploring the Garden at a comfortable pace.

Do I have to bring my ticket to Gardens Aglow?

Please present the QR code found in your reservation confirmation email to a staff member upon checking in. You can print this in advance or show the code on your phone.

Where in SBG is Gardens Aglow being held?

Gardens Aglow is set in an intimate area of the Garden, centered around the Founder’s House and adjacent to the Rose Garden. This is marked #18 on the Garden map.

Will I be able to explore the whole Garden during Gardens Aglow?

The rest of the Garden will be closed during Gardens Aglow.

Are Gardens Aglow paths accessible?

Most pathways are gently sloped and composed of compacted surfaces or decomposed granite. Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are welcome, though some areas may have uneven terrain.

Is Gardens Aglow rain or shine?

Gardens Aglow will run rain or shine, unless weather conditions are unsafe.

What should I wear?

Gardens Aglow takes place outdoors. Dress for cool evening temperatures – layers, warm footwear, and weather-appropriate outerwear are recommended. The program will run rain or shine, unless weather conditions are unsafe.

Are pets allowed?

We kindly ask that you do not bring your pets to Gardens Aglow. Please also do not leave pets in your car while enjoying the program. ADA-defined service animals are permitted.

Can we bring food and drinks with us?

• No outside food or beverages are permitted. Some treats and beverages will be available on-site – both complimentary and available for purchase.
• Please note, during Gardens Aglow, complimentary wine tastings are available, and guests may enjoy alcoholic beverages only within the program area.
• Additionally, no outside alcohol or smoking is permitted anywhere on the Garden property.

Will there be strobe or flashing lights?

No strobe or flashing lights will be used in the displays.

I’m not feeling well. Can I still attend Gardens Aglow?

If you are feeling unwell, we kindly ask that you stay home to rest and keep others safe.

Can I take photos?

Yes! Personal photography is welcome. Please be mindful of others on the pathways and avoid blocking walkways for long periods.

Will I be photographed?

Gardens Aglow is a program where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the program, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use in promotion of Gardens Aglow and Sonoma Botanical Garden.

Will there be shopping opportunities?

Gardens Aglow features a festive pop-up holiday shop adjacent to the program check-in where guests can find unique gifts for their loved ones, many of which are nature-inspired and locally sourced.

Who is Sonoma Clean Power, and how are they different from PG&E?

Sonoma Clean Power is the local, not-for-profit electricity provider for Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Formed by and for the community, SCP was created to offer an alternative to the for-profit, investor-owned utility (PG&E) and bring more transparency to how power is purchased and rates are set.

Since 2014, SCP has been providing cleaner energy at competitive rates while investing in programs that benefit our communities and the environment.

If you’re a Sonoma Clean Power customer, you may have noticed both SCP and PG&E charges on your monthly bill. As a shared customer, you pay SCP for electric generation service—the sourcing of the electricity you use—and PG&E for delivery service—the maintenance of power lines and infrastructure.

In simple terms, SCP buys and builds cleaner electricity, while PG&E delivers it and maintains the grid. All customers pay for electric generation, whether it comes from SCP or PG&E. By choosing SCP, you’re supporting a local, not-for-profit public agency that offers competitive rates and advocates for fair pricing for all customers.

At its core, Sonoma Clean Power is about choice. Choosing SCP means choosing cleaner air, a stronger local economy, and a brighter future for generations to come. To learn more, visit www.sonomacleanpower.org, or visit SCP’s Customer Center at 741 Fourth Street in downtown Santa Rosa—a welcome space to learn about rates and discounts, explore clean energy technologies, and discover ways to make your home or business more energy efficient.

What if I have additional questions?

Feel free to reach out to info@sonomabg.org or call (707)-991-3166 for any questions you may have.

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Gardens Aglow is made possible with the generous support of presenting sponsor Sonoma Clean Power with additional support from Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Tourism Improvement District. We are also grateful to Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery, our lead wine partners.

Thank you to our wine partners!

Benziger Family Winery
Black Dog Ranch/Beresini Vineyards
Highway 12 Winery
Landmark Vineyards
Muscardini Cellars
Sangiacomo Wines
Sol Rei Wine

A Twilight Wonderland of Lights, Music & Holiday Cheer

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, December 5-21, 2025

Timed, ticketed entry at 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

$30 general • $25 members • $12 youth (5-17) • free for children 4 and underAdvance tickets required

Get Your Tickets

Friday, December 5

Saturday, December 6

Sunday, December 7

Friday, December 12

Saturday, December 13

Sunday, December 14

Friday, December 19

Saturday, December 20

Sunday, December 21

Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions

Program Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

$30 general • $25 members • $12 youth (5-17) • free for children 4 and under
Advance tickets required