When the holiday season arrives in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the magic of Christmas is alive in many ways—one of the most enchanting being the Bellingrath Gardens Festival of Lights. Located just a short drive from Gulf Shores, this annual event is one of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions, offering a dazzling display of over 3 million lights set against the backdrop of the beautiful Bellingrath Gardens. For residents of luxury waterfront communities and visitors alike, it’s a must-see holiday attraction that combines natural beauty, festive cheer, and the wonder of the season.
If you’ve yet to experience the Festival of Lights at Bellingrath Gardens, this blog will take you through everything you need to know to make the most of this holiday event. From the stunning light displays to the special activities that accompany the festival, Bellingrath Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland that captures the true spirit of Christmas on the Gulf Coast.
A Tradition of Holiday Magic at Bellingrath Gardens
The Bellingrath Gardens Festival of Lights has become a cherished tradition for families and holiday visitors in the Gulf Shores area. Every year, Bellingrath Gardens, a 65-acre estate once home to Walter Bellingrath, a prominent local businessman, is adorned with millions of sparkling lights that create a festive atmosphere like no other.
The festival began in 1995 and has grown in scale and popularity, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the beauty of the gardens in their holiday finery. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing blend of traditional Christmas lights, themed displays, and holiday-inspired scenes that bring the gardens to life after dark.
The best part? The event runs for several weeks, allowing families, friends, and residents of nearby Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to visit multiple times throughout the season. Whether you make it a holiday tradition or are experiencing it for the first time, the Festival of Lights offers something for everyone, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Exploring the Dazzling Light Displays
One of the main draws of the Bellingrath Gardens Festival of Lights is the sheer scale and creativity of the light displays. With over 3 million lights blanketing the estate, the gardens are transformed into a glittering, magical landscape.
Holiday Light Displays: A Feast for the Eyes
As you walk through the gardens, you’ll be greeted by an array of festive lights that include everything from intricate designs of poinsettias and snowflakes to entire scenes depicting Santa and his reindeer. The gardens are filled with themed areas, each highlighting a different aspect of the holiday season. For example, you’ll find displays dedicated to Christmas trees, wreaths, and sparkling garlands, each carefully designed to showcase the charm of the Southern landscape during the holiday season.
Some highlights of the light displays include a giant Christmas tree that stands tall and proud near the main entrance, an exquisite rose garden aglow with twinkling lights, and the magnolia trees decorated with bright and colorful orbs. The Candy Cane Lane is another fan-favorite—an area filled with oversized candy canes, gingerbread houses, and other sweet-themed decorations. These whimsical displays are perfect for photos and will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a Christmas card.
The Enchanting Christmas Tree
A standout feature of the Festival of Lights is the Christmas tree that stands at the heart of the garden. Towering over visitors, the tree is covered in thousands of lights and serves as a central focal point for the entire display. Beneath the tree, you’ll find festive decorations and a cozy seating area, perfect for enjoying the magic of the moment. Many visitors like to take a moment to sit and reflect on the beauty of the tree and the season, making it an ideal spot for family photos.
The Rose Garden in Bloom
Though the roses aren’t in full bloom during the winter, the Rose Garden still takes center stage with its stunning light displays. The garden’s arches and walkways are lined with lights, and the geometric patterns created by the paths and plants are accentuated by thousands of twinkling bulbs. The rose garden becomes a place where visitors can stroll along illuminated paths, creating a peaceful and magical experience.
Special Activities and Events at the Festival of Lights
In addition to the lights themselves, the Bellingrath Gardens Festival of Lights offers a variety of activities that make it even more enjoyable for families, couples, and groups. Here are some of the highlights:
Holiday Tea at Bellingrath’s Magnolia Café
One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is by enjoying a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa while surrounded by the festive atmosphere of the gardens. The Magnolia Café, located on the grounds of Bellingrath Gardens, offers a special Holiday Tea service during the festival. This event includes a variety of delicious teas, scones, and other seasonal treats in a cozy, beautifully decorated setting. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival, especially after an evening stroll through the lights.
The Holiday Tea is a popular event, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance if you plan to attend. Whether you’re sipping tea in the café or enjoying a hot chocolate by the garden’s twinkling lights, this experience adds a layer of warmth and comfort to your Christmas visit.
Visits with Santa Claus
For families visiting Bellingrath Gardens, there’s no better way to make Christmas memories than by visiting Santa Claus in person. Throughout the Festival of Lights, families can meet with Santa and have their photos taken. This event allows children to tell Santa their Christmas wishes, adding a special touch to the holiday experience. Santa’s grotto is located near the entrance of the gardens, where you can snap a photo and create a lasting memory of your visit.
Live Holiday Music
Adding to the festive ambiance, the Bellingrath Gardens Festival of Lights features live holiday music throughout the event. Local choirs, bands, and musicians perform classic Christmas carols and holiday tunes, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re walking through the light displays or relaxing in the café, the sounds of holiday music create a festive and welcoming atmosphere for all.
Other Festive Experiences at Bellingrath Gardens
While the lights are the main attraction, Bellingrath Gardens offers other festive experiences that make the visit even more enjoyable.
Winter Wonderland Gift Shop
Located in the Bellingrath Estate’s historic Gift Shop, visitors can find an array of Christmas decorations, gifts, and holiday-themed items. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir to remember your visit or a special gift for a loved one, the shop is filled with treasures. The shop also sells seasonal items like Christmas ornaments, wreaths, and seasonal candles, perfect for bringing a little piece of the holiday magic back home.
Holiday Photo Opportunities
As you stroll through the garden, you’ll find several photo-worthy spots where you can capture the beauty of the lights. Whether you’re posing in front of the giant Christmas tree, in the rose garden, or amidst the twinkling displays of Candy Cane Lane, there are plenty of opportunities for family photos. These moments will be ones you’ll treasure for years to come.
Practical Information for Visiting the Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights runs from mid-November through New Year’s Eve, offering plenty of time for you to plan your visit. The event is open nightly, typically from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, but it’s always a good idea to check the official Bellingrath Gardens website for updated hours and special events.
Admission to the festival is separate from regular garden admission, and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate. Special discounts and group rates are often available, so be sure to check for any promotions. Parking is free, and there are plenty of spaces available for visitors, though it’s recommended to arrive early to ensure a good spot, especially on weekends.
A Gulf Coast Christmas Tradition
For those lucky enough to live in Gulf Shores or visit during the holiday season, the Bellingrath Gardens Festival of Lights is an unforgettable way to celebrate Christmas on the Gulf Coast. The stunning displays of lights, festive activities, and peaceful garden settings combine to create a magical atmosphere that captures the joy and beauty of the season.
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a couple, Bellingrath Gardens offers a holiday experience that’s sure to create lasting memories. From the twinkling lights to the warm cups of tea, the Festival of Lights at Bellingrath Gardens is an annual tradition that embodies the magic and wonder of Christmas in Gulf Shores.
