Galaxy of Lights at Huntsville Botanical Garden

Galaxy of Lights is Huntsville Botanical Garden's signature holiday light show, designed and built by the garden's own team, with installation starting in August. Each night is set as either a Walking Night, with about 1.75 miles of lights to explore on foot, or a Driving Night, which has displays you can only see from the car. Select Walking Nights add a guided 50-minute tram ride, nights when dogs can stroll the route with their people, and Sensory Hours with reduced audio. Runners get their own turn in the lights with a 5K and a family-friendly 3K fun run.

Our take: Check the season calendar before you buy, since you need to pick between a Walking Night and a Driving Night, and each route has displays of its own.