Atlanta Botanical Garden Holiday Lights vs. Daytime Visit?

Question

We'll be visiting Atlanta for the first time in mid-December and the Atlanta Botanical Garden has always been on my list of things I'd love to see.

I noticed that they'll have a holiday lights display event going on while we're in town. My question is - if we go during the holiday lights display, will we get the full experience of the garden? Or should we plan on going during the day and at night? I don't want to purchase two different admission tickets if it's not worth it to go both at day and at night....

Also, do the "hologram glasses" that are sold for the holiday lights actually add to the experience?

Thank you for any advice you can offer!

Answer

Visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden in December is a fantastic experience, especially with the holiday lights display. Here's some detailed information to help you decide whether to visit during the day, at night, or both, and whether the "hologram glasses" are worth the extra purchase.

Holiday Lights Display vs. Daytime Visit

The holiday lights display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a major highlight during the winter months, and it's a beautiful spectacle that transforms the garden into a winter wonderland. However, it’s a different experience compared to the daytime visit. The lights display focuses on creating a magical atmosphere with millions of lights, special installations, and themed displays, so it’s definitely more about the nighttime experience.

If you are primarily interested in seeing the lights, the evening is the best time to go. However, if you’re hoping to see the full range of the garden’s flora, including the seasonal displays, a daytime visit would be essential. The garden during the day is a stunning experience with its landscapes, plant collections, and seasonal flowers. The daytime provides a more tranquil and nature-focused atmosphere, showcasing the beauty of the plants and the gardens themselves.

Should You Visit Both Day and Night?

If you're really interested in both the lights and the garden's natural beauty, it’s worth visiting both during the day and at night. However, it’s not necessary to purchase two separate tickets if you're okay with seeing just one side of the experience.
If you're only interested in the lights display, you could skip the daytime visit. The lights are spectacular and offer a unique visual experience, especially after dark. You’ll still see the garden’s layout and design in the evening, but it won’t be as vibrant or detailed as during the day.
If you're more into horticulture and exploring the natural landscapes of the garden, a daytime visit will offer a complete experience of the garden’s features. But, again, you’d miss the special light installations.

Are the "Hologram Glasses" Worth It?

The "hologram glasses" sold during the holiday lights event are fun, but they are optional. The glasses create a visual effect where certain lights appear to form shapes, such as snowflakes or other whimsical designs. They can enhance the overall experience if you're looking for a playful or interactive element, especially if you're visiting with kids or if you enjoy taking unique photos. However, they are not necessary to enjoy the light display itself. If you're on the fence, you might want to try them out just for fun, but don't feel compelled to buy them if you’re more focused on the visual beauty of the lights themselves.

In Summary:

If you want to experience both the natural beauty and the holiday lights, consider visiting both during the day and at night. But it's not required to buy separate tickets if you prefer just one experience.
If you're primarily interested in the lights, visiting at night will give you the full holiday experience.
The hologram glasses are fun but not essential. They add a playful touch but don't drastically change the experience of the lights.

Enjoy your visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden – whether by day, night, or both, it’s a beautiful place to explore, especially during the holidays!