Winter Garden aGlow 2026 opens at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise on Friday, November 27, running through December 30. The display returns with nearly 900,000 lights and a new Lake of Lights installation on Outlaw Field, in what the garden describes as an expanded grounds. It is in the news now because tickets are already on sale and popular nights are expected to sell out.

What is new at Winter Garden aGlow this year?

The centerpiece addition is the Lake of Lights on Outlaw Field, part of the garden's expanded footprint. Elsewhere, visitors walk lit trees and pathways, Gingerbread Lane and holiday music, with Santa appearing on select nights and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. Opening night, November 27, runs 6 to 9 p.m. and includes a Yuletide Bar.

Why you should go

  • A bigger light show: nearly 900,000 lights, plus the new Lake of Lights, make this one of the Treasure Valley's largest holiday displays.
  • It suits families: children under 3 get in free, and Santa visits are scheduled on select evenings, including Christmas Eve.
  • There are cheaper nights: select Wednesdays and Sundays carry discounted prices, and members pay less on every ticket.
  • Some visitors get in free: active military enter free with valid ID, and veterans enter free on November 29, December 15 and December 28 with a VIC ID.
  • Parking costs nothing: the garden lists free parking for all visitors.

What to know before you go

Entry is timed: visitors pick a night and an entry time, and hours change through the season, so check the calendar for the date before buying. Standard tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for youth; on discount days they drop to $16 and $11, with member rates of $15 and $11. Children under 3 are always free. The garden says the best price is always on its own website. The season closes December 30, and the garden is closed on select nights, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

FAQ

When is Winter Garden aGlow 2026?

It runs November 27 through December 30, 2026, at the Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise, with timed entry and varying nightly hours.

How much are tickets?

Adults pay $20 and youth $16 on standard nights, or $16 and $11 on select discount days. Children under 3 are free, and active military enter free with ID.