Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights 2018
Since Melody was born, Brad and I have been attempting to go to the Galaxy of Lights Walking Nights at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. The first year the crowd was insane and we couldn’t get in. The second year, we had things going on and couldn’t make it. This year, they allowed us to buy tickets before we went. So we picked a day a few weeks in advance and bought the tickets in advance to save time. It was originally required, but a few days before the event, they did state they would allow people to buy at the gate.
Unfortunately the night we picked was the coldest night of the entire event, ha! I had to go buy Melody a few things that morning to help keep her warm. All of her winter gear was 18 months and smaller! To make for a worse day, our heat went out the day before. And our plans had to change so that they could come repair our heat. However, everything worked out perfectly, and we arrived at the Botanical Gardens at 5:30. Brad and I ate in the car on the way because there was no way we would survive until afterwards! Melody ate a bit in the car, and snacked during the walk.
So like I said, we arrived right around 5:30 pm. They directed us to our parking, and we bundled up before heading on the walk! We brought a wagon and blankets along with a lot of other winter gear! We headed up to check in, and we were given tickets for free hot chocolate to use since we are Garden Members. Then it was off on our walk!
The walk was fun. Melody stayed in the wagon for a bit of the walk. She even ate some along the way.
Then we decided to take a few pictures in the snowfall.
After pictures, Melody and Lydia decided to walk the rest of the way.
About 3/4 of the way through the walk, they had restrooms and a tent with hot chocolate and cookies. I am sure they could be purchased too. There were also picnic tables and heaters. It was a nice break.
We continued walking, and the girls took off. So the guys followed the girls, while Emily and I pulled the wagons. Unfortunately they don’t let you see all of the lights in order to get you back to the parking lots. But you don’t miss too much.
The boys and girls waited for us at the main entrance, and we were able to take some cute pictures outside.
Then once we got inside, they had a photo op and a volunteer took a few pictures for us.
Overall, I really liked walking the lights instead of driving them. Driving can be fun if it is super cold and would be ideal when the girls are older. But I think the girls enjoyed it much more being able to walk under and around the lights. It takes about an hour and a half to walk, but I think it is worth it. I really liked being able to buy the tickets in advance. It looks like it helped with crowds this year. Oh, and a few things we didn’t experience but they had were coffee and spirited coffee, different items for sale such as light up necklaces and glow sticks, and of course Santa. Our girls are terrified of Santa, so we were not even considering that stop!
