The Winter WonderLights light show, presented by the University of Georgia Office of the President at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, consists of a half-mile trail with different themes and stops for restrooms, food and refreshments.

The ticket to enter the event is $15 per person, plus tax. Children aged 3 or younger get in free. The tickets are date and time specific, so attendees need to go to the event according to the specifications of the ticket unless they pay $5 extra for added flexibility. .

The time specification determines when you can enter the event, but once you go in, you can stay for as long as you want. It took me about 35 minutes to complete the trail, but I went alone. If I had gone with a friend or a group, I think it would have taken up to an hour, since there are a lot of spots for pictures and to sit down.

I went to the event on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. and had a wonderful experience. The different parts of the trail, like Jingle Bell Lane, the Frosted Forest and the Wintergreen Dream made the journey so interesting. There were lights all around me, immersing me into the experience.

The event has food like s’mores and vendors, such as Trumps Catering for drinks and Condor Chocolates for hot cocoa, mocha and coffee.

Parking is free, but attendees are required to park at the UGA Women’s Sports Complex and take a shuttle provided by the UGA Transportation and Parking Services. There is no free parking at the botanical garden.

At first, I was a bit frustrated that I would have to park and then take the bus, but the whole process was very quick as the bus was waiting at the parking lot when I arrived and left. There were volunteers all over the trail to assist attendees.

I think that the cost is a bit high for what the event is and for college students. With tax, I ended up paying about $17. The night I went was also extremely cold, and I could not keep my hand outside of my pockets for longer than 10 seconds.

Overall, I did really enjoy the lights with festive music in the background, holiday drinks and the holiday market at the end of the trail. The event truly encompasses the magic of the holidays.

I would recommend going to this event with a group of people and on a day that is not too cold, as the trail is fully outside, with the exception of the shop at the end to fully enjoy the experience.

Experience it yourself: Winter WonderLights at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia will be open on select nights through Dec. 30. Tickets and additional information can be found on the botanical garden’s website.

4/5 stars