We all have our annual holiday traditions, and for my husband and I we like to visit the best christmas lights display in New England!
Yesterday marks my fifth year visiting the Botanical Gardens holiday light display in Boothbay, Maine. I’ve either gone to kick off the start to my holiday season, or visited at the end of December as a final commemoration to the year. Either way, its become a fun and special tradition. These are by far the best holiday lights here in Maine!
In years past you were able to take your time and walk through the garden, however due to the pandemic the last few years have been drive-thru only. The bright side of driving through the display is being able to crank your Christmas music and keep warm with the heat on full blast. They’ve done a great job of rolling with the punches and making sure each year is just as special, if not more, as those past. This year they really ramped up the display with added features of lighted tulips and a variety of animals (think geese, butterfly, frog etc).
As we drove through the display, I was reminded of our trip to the Botanical Gardens this past summer. I like to try to remember what it looked like in all its glory during the summertime. Rudbeckia and hydrangeas in full bloom with little pollinators buzzing around. I love and appreciate how the garden takes on a new shape and form each season. Each one unique and special in their own way.
What To Expect While Visiting The Christmas Lights Display?
It ends up being a shorter journey while driving through (I think a ten minute drive as a conservative estimate), however it seems more of the town has come together so the fun doesn’t stop at the Botanical Gardens. It’s become more of a community show with residential homes and businesses partaking in the festivities as well.
After we left the Gardens Aglow, we headed into town and stopped off at a little food truck stop we noticed on the way in. This seems to be a new town feature as we hadn’t noticed it in years past. I absolutely love how the whole town seems to join in on the festivities. It is really heart warming to see lights and displays all over town.
We ended up grabbing a slice of wood fired pizza to warm us up while we took in even more holiday light displays! There were a few artists booths set up as well so you could do some shopping while you waited for your food too.
When To Visit?
If you ever happen to be in Maine during the month of December I highly recommend taking a trek up to Boothbay to see the Botanical Gardens, and then drive around town to see what other holiday light displays pop up! The whole neighborhood participates and there’s even a map provided by the Botanical Gardens for the whole route of those who have entered to display their lights. Honestly, I believe it really is the best Christmas lights display in New England!
For more information check out their website! https://www.mainegardens.org/events-exhibits/gardens-aglow/
Plan A Visit to See This Holiday Lights Tradition Now!
It really is quite a magical sight, and has been a wonderful New England holiday tradition in our family these last few years. We hope to keep the tradition alive in years to follow, and I hope one day you can visit this magical town as well!
Until next year Boothbay!
Happy New Years!