Visitors to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden are already walking under glowing archways and past trees wrapped in millions of lights as Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights fills the gardens for the holiday season.

The annual event opened to the public Monday and runs through Jan. 4. This year’s theme, “The Elements,” features displays representing fire, earth, air, water and a symbolic “fifth” element, love — a concept organizers describe as the invisible force that inspires creativity and connection.

New offerings include two adults-only nights Nov. 20 and 21, presented by Keiter, and the opportunity to reserve portrait sessions with photographer Jessica Capozzola on Nov. 17, 21, 30 and Dec. 5. The garden, which earned USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in 2023 and 2024, is nominated again this year. 

Returning attractions include the large-scale light displays throughout the gardens, nightly model trains in the Kelly Education Center, the warming fire and s’mores in the Cochrane Rose Garden, and the natural wood trees decorated by Henrico County Public Schools students in the Lora M. Robins Library. The Fairy Village also returns, along with a live tree standing more than 25 feet tall near the Conservatory.

Performances are scheduled on select evenings, including “The Nutcracker” by the Concert Ballet of Virginia on Nov. 18, a jazz duo in the Tea House on Nov. 25, Voices in Peace on Dec. 3, the Greater Richmond Chorus on Dec. 9 and the Henrico High School Choir on Dec. 16.

Food and drink options for the season include the GardenFest Cafe, the Jingle Bar and Grill in the Tea House and Rose Garden, and Espresso-A-Go-Go at the Carriage House. Seasonal dining events include Santa Brunches on Dec. 6 and 7, 13 and 14, and 20 and 21; Santa Dinners on Dec. 21 and 22; and the 12 Days of Dining from Dec. 1 through 12.

Tickets must be purchased online. The garden will be closed on Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.