Walking The Galaxy of Lights

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, if you live in Huntsville you know that the Botanical Gardens holds the Galaxy of Lights every Christmas season. At night the gardens are turned in a Christmas wonderland of light displays. 

I have driven the Galaxy of Lights and thought it was alright, but in the past few years they've offered a walking version as well. I thought I would enjoy that much more and I did. For the first time, I'm thinking of going back again this year.

While walking I could enjoy the light displays at my own pace, without worrying that I was going too slow for the people behind me. Eliminated, also, were the huge lines - waiting in the car for 30 minutes before you get close enough to see anything.

Of course all the photographers were out in force for the opportunity to set up shots with a tripod.

The romance of a walk through the night amongst the lights, makes it a great date night in my book.

Taking advantage of the walking crowd, a snow machine brought some more delight to the arbor of lights.

As Southerners, this is truly a magical moment that visiting Yankees might not appreciate, but I sure did.

A few stops along the way offer warm drinks and a place to warm your hands. It was 30 degrees when I went, with a bitter wind, and the warming area halfway through was much welcomed, for my hands were quite freezing from taking pictures despite the gloves.

 
From fairytale characters, to the North Pole, to dinosaurs, the Galaxy offers quite a range of displays. 

 

 

 The only thing I would wish for on the walking tour is more music. One light display sponsored by the power company featured a light show synchronized to music that was definitely a highlight for my family. 

 Other than that, most areas were a little too silent. While you may not want Christmas music blaring at you the entire walk, a walking tour gives the opportunity to theme different areas with matching music in a way not possible when your audience is in a car with the windows up. I'm hoping to hear more soundtrack next year.
 

 

 So if you live in the Huntsville area, or close enough to make a day trip, be sure to check out the botanical garden's Galaxy of Lights. Clementine's at the Garden will be open on walking nights with a few treats.

 

Walking Nights continue November 21-25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. with the 24th being a dog walking night. Admission is $6.00 (Children $3.00) with discounts for members - I got in for $5 - and $1 a dog on dog walking nights.

 

Thanks for joining me on my wanderings through Huntsville Botanical Garden's Galaxy of Lights. Maybe I'll see you there!