Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is showing its appreciation to its Boothbay Peninsula neighbors by holding a special Community Night at Gardens Aglow on Friday, Nov. 18, 4-9 p.m. Community Night is a complimentary evening exclusively for year-round Boothbay peninsula residents, including Edgecomb, Southport, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, East Boothbay, Trevett, and West Boothbay Harbor. Simply present proof of residence for admission and enjoy this fun event, kicking off the season in the company of friends. Enjoy the lights, then relax with a cup of hot chocolate or treats from local food vendors like Coastal Maine Popcorn, The Holy Donut, Betsy’s Fancy Fudge, Bixby Chocolate, and more.

This year, the seasonal celebration returns to its roots as a self-guided walking experience. The new, reimagined design includes more than 750,000 LED lights woven through 14 acres of central gardens. With over 250 lighted flowers, three dozen lighted animals, and two dozen assorted mushrooms all inspired by Maine’s native species, the Gardens has amplified Maine’s brightest light display. In addition to dramatic lighting, hot chocolate, and grab-and-go snacks, visitors can enjoy browsing thoughtfully curated seasonal wares in Gardenshop.

Gardens Aglow runs Thursdays-Sundays (plus select dates), Nov. 19-Dec. 31, from 4 to 9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance for all nights of the event other than Community Night. To learn more about this year’s event as a whole, please visit GardensAglow.org.

Community members are also invited to take part in the annual Gardens Aglow holiday lighting contest. If your home or business is located on the Boothbay peninsula and your property is visible from a public roadway, you are eligible to win. Displays will be judged in two categories – business and residential. For more information and to participate, visit GardensAglow.org and click on the “Contest” link. Entries must be received by Nov. 7 to be eligible for judging.

There is nothing quite like winter in Maine, and Gardens Aglow, together with Boothbay Lights, has become a firm tradition in Maine’s seasonal calendar – the Boothbay peninsula is the place to be for wintertime cheer. Experience the Gardens’ explosion of festive color, then dine in one of the many restaurants characteristic to the region and enjoy a wide variety of seasonal activities, including special events and seasonal shopping experiences. For a complete calendar of regional offerings, visit www.boothbaylights.com.

At nearly 325 acres, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is the largest public garden in New England. The nationally recognized public garden features two miles of hiking trails, 19 acres of ornamental and themed gardens, a children’s garden, a sensory garden, and so much more. The mission of the Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research. To learn more, visit MaineGardens.org. Please note, the Gardens requires tickets to be purchased in advance.