On Saturday, Nov. 14, Maine’s popular light show, Gardens Aglow, returns to Boothbay. Described by the TODAY show as one of their “unexpected destinations that are sure to get your family in the holiday spirit,” Boothbay Lights and Maine Gardens' signature light show, Gardens Aglow, light up the peninsula for six weeks through Jan. 2, 2027.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens invites guests to “Gather, Glow, and Celebrate” with this year’s “Gathered in Maine” theme. New lighted elements feature a maple tapping scene, a landscape fit for mushroom foraging, and a larger-than-life anthill with an army of ants carrying leaves and berries. Completely new every year, the in-house design and hand-strung display keep Maine Gardens' seasonal staff employed into the new year and provide vital funds for the nonprofit's mission work.

“Our team has been working hard since August on this year’s show. I say this every year, but this year might be the best,” states Gretchen Ostherr, president and CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. “Even though I get to watch—and take part in the light hanging—I am always amazed at how we transform from a green sanctuary into a sparkling wonderland. We can’t wait to celebrate this season with families from Maine and New England.”

For the last handful of years, Maine Gardens have been nominated in the Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights category, as part of USA TODAY 10BEST’s Readers’ Choice Awards. After landing in the top five in recent years, Maine Gardens hopes to bring the top spot to Maine this year. Event organizers hope that Gardens Aglow fans will show their Maine pride by voting daily to help Gardens Aglow bring the title home.

With price-conscious guests in mind, this year there will be three pricing tiers: Value on weekdays, Standard on Fridays and Sundays, and Premium on Saturdays, allowing guests to pick the night and price that work for them. An additional VIP add-on pass unlocks special Gardens Aglow gifts, free unlimited ticket exchanges, flexible arrival times on your selected date, and a cozy fire pit experience.

Ticket prices start at $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for children ages 3-17. Children under the age of 3 are free. Members save 20% on all Gardens Aglow admission tickets. VIP add-on passes are $50 per ticket and are not subject to any discounts. For more information on pricing and time slots, visit GardensAglow.org.

Extend your stay and enjoy all that the region offers with Boothbay Lights. A convenient complimentary Park and Ride shuttle runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Boothbay Harbor Town Office, allowing guests to experience Boothbay Harbor's shopping, dining, and lodging delights before and after the light show. For a complete calendar of regional offerings, the robust slate of Boothbay Lights events, and Park and Ride details, visit www.boothbaylights.com.

About Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

At 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest public garden in New England. With two miles of hiking trails, 19 acres of ornamental and themed gardens featuring native plants of Maine and those suited to northern coastal conditions, nearly a mile of saltwater frontage, a children’s garden, a sensory garden, and so much more, there’s something for everyone. A true Maine experience, the Gardens is committed to connecting people to nature, preserving the biodiversity of the Maine coast, and continuing to be a place accessible and welcoming to all. The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections between people and nature and promote plant conservation through horticulture, education, and plant science.