There’s something special about stepping into a place you’ve visited before and seeing it transformed into something completely different.
During the warmer months, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to explore winding paths, discover plants, and spend time outdoors. But when winter arrives, the gardens take on an entirely new personality. Trees sparkle, pathways glow, and colorful lights transform the landscape into a winter wonderland.
That’s the magic of Gardens Aglow in Boothbay — a holiday light experience that feels just as exciting for adults as it does for kids.
We’ve visited a few times over the years, most recently in 2025, and it continues to be one of those seasonal outings that feels worth the effort. It takes some planning, especially with young children, but the payoff is a spectacular display that makes the drive, cold weather, crowds, and ticket cost worthwhile.
If you’re thinking about making Gardens Aglow part of your family’s holiday traditions, here’s what to expect and what we’ve learned along the way.
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What Is Gardens Aglow?
Gardens Aglow is the annual holiday light experience at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. During this special event, the gardens are transformed with an incredible display of colorful lights throughout the landscape.
And when we say the gardens are covered in lights, we mean it. This isn’t just a few decorated trees near the entrance or a short drive-through display. The lights stretch throughout the gardens, illuminating trees, pathways, and other features to create a fully immersive experience.
There’s something new to look at around every corner, and the scale of the display is what makes it so memorable. Even if you’ve visited before, it’s an experience that feels special each time you return.
Gardens Aglow is also an outdoor walking experience, which means you’ll want to prepare for winter conditions. Think warm layers, comfortable footwear, and a little flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
You can find current event details, ticket information, and updates directly on the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Gardens Aglow website.
Why Gardens Aglow Is Worth Visiting With Kids
Holiday light displays are always fun, but Gardens Aglow offers something a little different from simply looking at lights from a car.
Kids get to walk through the display, explore the illuminated paths, and discover different details throughout the gardens. The experience encourages them to look around, notice things, and enjoy the excitement of seeing what’s next.
During one of our visits, there was a scavenger hunt that gave kids specific things to look for on the map. This was a great way to keep little ones engaged and turn the walk into a game.
Instead of simply following along while the adults admired the lights, the kids had their own mission. They could search for the different features, check the map, and celebrate when they found something.
If a scavenger hunt is offered during your visit, I highly recommend taking advantage of it. It’s a simple way to make the experience more interactive, especially for elementary-age children who enjoy having something specific to find.
Of course, the lights themselves are the main attraction. There’s so much to see that even without an activity, kids have plenty to keep them interested as you make your way through the gardens.
Tips for Visiting Gardens Aglow With Young Children
A little preparation can make a big difference when you’re visiting an outdoor event in Maine during the winter. Here are a few things we recommend based on our experiences.
1. Plan to carry babies and young toddlers
This is probably one of our biggest tips for families with little ones.
Bring a backpack carrier or another comfortable child carrier for babies and young toddlers. Even if your child usually loves walking, the combination of cold temperatures, crowds, and a longer walking route can make for a challenging outing.
The walk to and from the parking lots can be long, too. By the time you’ve parked, walked to the entrance, explored the gardens, and made your way back to the car, little legs may be ready for a break.
A carrier gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to keep your child warm and comfortable while navigating the paths.
2. Wear insulated footwear with good traction
This is not the night to sacrifice warmth for cute holiday boots!
Gardens Aglow takes place outdoors, and winter weather can change the walking conditions considerably. After a snowstorm, pathways may be packed with snow, making good traction especially important.
We recommend insulated boots with a reliable grip, along with warm socks. Your feet can get cold quickly when you’re walking slowly, stopping to look at displays, and spending an extended period outdoors.
Adults and children alike will have a much better experience if their feet stay warm and they feel secure on the paths.
3. Dress in warm layers
Plan for a winter evening outside rather than a quick trip from the car to an indoor attraction.
Warm coats, hats, mittens or gloves, and appropriate layers are essential. For young children, consider bringing extra mittens in case the first pair gets wet.
It’s also worth thinking about how long you’ll be outside. Even if the temperature seems manageable when you first arrive, standing around to admire the lights can feel much colder than moving around during a daytime activity.
4. Plan your route ahead of time
This is another tip we’ve found helpful.
With so much to see, it’s tempting to wander wherever the lights take you. But with kids, cold weather, and potentially busy pathways, having a plan for your route can help you avoid unnecessary backtracking or accidentally missing a section.
Take a look at the available map before you go, familiarize yourself with the layout, and decide how you want to work your way through the display.
If a scavenger hunt or activity map is available, use it to help guide your route.
You don’t necessarily need to rush through the experience, but having a general plan makes it easier to see the areas you’re most interested in without doubling back more than necessary.
5. Take advantage of opportunities to warm up
One of the nice things about a winter event like this is that there are opportunities to take a break and warm up along the way.
Build these pauses into your visit, especially if you’re bringing younger children. A short break can help everyone reset before continuing through the display.
If your kids start getting cold or tired, it’s better to slow down and regroup than to push through until everyone is miserable.
6. Check the weather before committing to a date
Gardens Aglow is an outdoor event, and the gardens can close due to inclement weather.
We’ve found that waiting until a few days before our planned visit to assess the forecast has worked well for us. Rather than committing too far in advance without knowing what conditions will be like, we prefer to look for a date when the weather appears more favorable.
Of course, winter weather in Maine is unpredictable, so there are no guarantees. Check the official website for current operating information, closures, and ticket policies before heading out.
If you’re traveling a significant distance, this step is particularly worthwhile.
Food, Hot Cocoa, and Treats
No winter outing feels quite complete without a warm drink!
Concessions are available during Gardens Aglow, with options such as hot cocoa, popcorn, and other treats. Having something warm to sip or a snack to enjoy can be a welcome addition to the evening.
Just keep in mind that outside food and beverages are not allowed, so plan accordingly. If you’re accustomed to packing a bag full of snacks for the kids, you’ll want to account for that before arriving.
It’s also a good idea to check the official event information for current food offerings and any updates before your visit.
What About Crowds, Cost, and the Drive?
Let’s be honest: Gardens Aglow isn’t necessarily the simplest or cheapest family outing.
Depending on where you’re coming from, getting to Boothbay can involve a significant drive. The event is popular, so you should also be prepared to share the experience with plenty of other visitors. Add winter temperatures and the cost of tickets, and it takes a little more planning than a spontaneous trip to the playground.
But in our experience, this is one of those outings where the effort is worth it.
The sheer scale of the light display makes it feel different from the typical neighborhood holiday lights. Every section offers something to look at, and walking through the illuminated gardens creates a sense of wonder that photographs can only partially capture.
For kids, it’s a chance to experience something memorable during the holiday season. For adults, it’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the lights, and make a seasonal memory together.
Our biggest recommendation is to go in with realistic expectations. Dress for the weather, give yourself enough time, prepare for walking, and remember that the goal is to enjoy the experience rather than rush through it.
Our Experience Visiting Gardens Aglow
We’ve visited Gardens Aglow several times, with our most recent visit in 2025, and it remains one of our favorite seasonal outings to recommend to families.
What stands out most is just how spectacular the gardens look when the lights are on. The display covers so much of the landscape that you’re constantly discovering something new as you walk along.
We also appreciate the way the experience can be adapted for different ages. Younger children can enjoy the colors and glowing displays, while older kids can get involved in activities like the scavenger hunt when available.
It isn’t necessarily the easiest outing with little ones. The walk from the parking area, the cold, and the amount of ground you cover are all things to consider. But with warm clothing, good footwear, a carrier for the youngest family members, and a little planning, it can be a wonderful experience.
And honestly? The cost, the drive, the crowds, and the cold are worth it for this one.
There’s something about seeing the entire landscape transformed by lights that makes Gardens Aglow feel truly special. It’s an outing that feels festive without being limited to one age group, and it’s a lovely way to make memories together during a Maine winter.
Keep Finding Family-Friendly Things to Do Near Sebago Lake
Looking for more seasonal outings, holiday events, and family-friendly places to explore throughout Maine?
The Lake Region Kids Calendar is updated weekly with local events, free family activities, outdoor adventures, indoor play spaces, and seasonal ideas to help you spend less time researching and more time enjoying time together.
Whether you’re planning a winter weekend, searching for an indoor activity on a snowy day, or looking for a special holiday experience, there are plenty of ways to make family memories around the Sebago Lake Region and beyond.
For more ideas, explore our full calendar of events happening this week near Sebago Lake, browse our Local Directory for family-friendly businesses and services, and subscribe to the Lake Region Kids email newsletter for weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Sometimes the most memorable family outings take a little extra planning. Gardens Aglow is a great reminder that when you bundle up, embrace the season, and head out together, the effort can be every bit as rewarding as the destination.
Planning a visit this year? Start with the official Gardens Aglow website for current dates, tickets, and weather-related updates.
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