Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens- 2022

Ring in the season with Jacksonville newest holiday attraction! Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens is a family friendly experience that gives the guests an opportunity to explore one of the city’s top parks under twinkling lights. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring a million “dazzling” lights, whimsical displays, decorative holiday sculptures and loads of Insta-worthy displays.

An evening at Dazzling Nights would be perfect for a family night or even a date night! It is an event for all ages!

The Arboretum typically closes at sundown, and was not designed to be visited at night. Therefore, some parts of the trail can be a little dark. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged so you can use the flashlight mode, or pack a flashlight. The only time we noticed it was dark was when we were in the laser light section of the forest.

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Dazzling Nights Highlights

Giant, shimmery, twinkling Christmas Tree
Stunning Moroccan lantern canopy
Syncronized lights
Inflatable kids play area
8,000 square foot lighted maze
Giant tunnel of stars
Foggy laser forest
Snow!
Festive Music

Dazzling Nights Event Details

Dates: Dazzling Nights runs from now until Sunday January 1, 2023.

Times: First entry is at 5:30 PM and the last entry is at 9:00 PM. Closed Christmas Day.

Tickets: The cost is $25 per adult. Children’s tickets (ages 3-13) are $22. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Parking: On-site parking is available for a fee ($12). Spaces are limited and parking passes must be purchased in advance.

Off-site parking is available at the Southside Commons Shopping Mall. Parking is free and includes a complimentary shuttle. A map is available here.

Visiting the Jacksonville Arboretum

The arboretum is centrally located in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida wedged in between downtown and the beaches. It is easily accessible from the 295 beltway via the Monument Rd exit. The physical address is 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32225.

Our Opinion- Updated After 2022 Visit

The Dazzling Nights display is back for the second year at the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. Just as we suspected, the 2022 display is bigger and better than last year. In a word? It’s awesome! The production company has brought in an entirely different display that will absolutely wow you.

The Jacksonville Arboretum has paved the loop that surrounds the center pond making this year’s walk even easier for visitors. Our favorite part of this year’s show was the glowing Moroccan lanterns that dot the sky and form a stunning canopy. It’s a true show stopper (and it photographs well!).

After you pass through the Moroccan lanterns, you’ll find a tunnel of stars that is totally Instagram worthy!

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Kids will marvel at the illuminated kinetic balls that are synchronized to holiday music. The light/music show is super impressive and was really well done! They’ll also enjoy playing on the inflatable slides featuring a giant Yeti!

Last year, there were people who felt the trails were too dark and hard to navigate. This year, they brought in lights to help illuminate the wooded areas even more. These lights kind of take away from the immediate area that surround it, but you may not even notice.

I’ve read lots of comments on Social Media in regards to the ticket price. Tickets are $22 for children (ages 3-13) and $25 per adult. Parking is also $12 if you park on-site (free if you use the shuttle). For our family of 5 it would cost $128 to enjoy the event (with on-site parking). Is that steep? Yes. The event is definitely costly to visit with as a family.

If you buy a single ticket, or even a pair of tickets, it’s definitely more affordable.

Is it worth it? I must say, this year’s display was better than last. I love watching the Dazzling Night event evolve and can’t wait to check it out next year! I think that when you think about the cost of the event, it’s important to note that Dazzling Nights serves as the main fundraiser for the Jacksonville Arboretum. As someone who frequents the Arboretum, it’s easy for me to see the improvements that have been made with money from last year’s event. I look forward to seeing how the Dazzling Nights event continues to grow, I have a feeling it’s going to be a staple here in Jax for many years to come.