FAQs
About Dazzling Nights
What happens at the event?
Dazzling Nights at the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will transform into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures!
Highlights of this year's Dazzling Nights experience:
Have a snowball fight in a giant, 40' snow globe
Travel through a bright, candy-cane corridor
Walk under thousands of brilliant, twinkling lights and snowflakes
See some of Audubon's famous flower paintings illuminated as larger-than-life neon flowers
Explore a hazy forest of lasers
Discover a path of a thousand brilliant fireflies
Gather for a family photo in front of our giant, shimmering Christmas tree
And the evening wouldn't be complete without nightly snowfall
Plus sweet treats and holiday (and adult) beverages
Where is the event located?
Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
When does the event occur?
Select nights from November 24th, 2023 - December 30th, 2023. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
No entry is permitted after 8:40 p.m.
What if it rains?
This is an outdoor event, rain or shine unless for extreme weather conditions. Please check current weather conditions prior to your visit and dress appropriately. If conditions force a cancellation of the event, ticket-holders will be notified via email the day of their event along with directions for rescheduling. Reschedules are prohibited if a guest decides not to attend the event due to the weather if the event remains open.
Tickets
Ticket Prices:
General Admission - Adult: $22.00 - $27.00 (plus taxes and fees)
General Admission - Child (Ages 3 and up): $19.00 - $24.00 (plus taxes and fees)
*Children 2 years and under are free
On-site Parking Pass: $15 (plus taxes and fees)
Group tickets of 10 or more: 10% discount
The group rate discount is 10% off of tickets for groups with 10 or more guests. These tickets will need to be purchased all together to receive the discount. The group ticket rate is discounted off the price of the Adult General Admission tickets and not off the child priced tickets. There is no Group Discount rate for Child General Admission tickets. Minimum purchase of 10 tickets required to receive a discount.
Can I get a refund?
No refunds are available for Dazzling Nights, this includes unused tickets along with cases of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Guests are allowed to sell or gift their tickets to friends, family or acquaintances if they find they cannot attend their scheduled show. If you do not show up or you show up late, you will not receive a refund and will not be able to reschedule your show.
Can I move my tickets to another date?
Time changes are permitted 24 hours in advance of your originally scheduled time, so long as availability allows. Once a ticket tier in a time slot is sold out, it will not be able to accommodate any time changes being added to that time slot.
Reschedules-
If you would like to reschedule to a night with a different ticket price than what you paid on your original order, please fill out the support form HERE or email support@universe.com.
If you would like to reschedule to a date where the ticket price matches the price you paid for your original tickets, you can change the date and time of you order by using the Universe self-serve move order feature. You can move your whole order to a new date and time from your My Tickets page and the View Order page of your account:
Select “Account”
Select “My Tickets”
Locate your Dazzling Nights tickets and select “More”, then select “change date”
Select the new date and time you would like to reschedule to
You can reschedule up until the day before your event.
To create an account if you checked out as a guest - If you have purchased tickets using guest checkout and have not activated your Universe account, you can do so at any time from your booking confirmation email. If you cannot locate your booking confirmation email, click here to set a password and log in.
Your Universe account must be activated for you to view and manage your order online and contact the organizer.
Once logged in, navigate to your My Tickets page to view all orders on your account using the account drop-down menu in the top right corner of your screen.
Can a buyer change the date and time of individual tickets?
No, only the entire order can be changed.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets via your Universe account.
Can I buy my ticket at the door?
Tickets are available online only. No tickets will be sold on site.
I can’t find my tickets?
Please check your spam folder. If you still have trouble finding it please fill out the Support form HERE or email Support@universe.com and please include the email and information you used to purchase your tickets. You may also arrive early to your ticket date & time slot and our staff will be able to look up your information and check you in on site.
What are the fees?
Fees charged include;
Sales Tax
Credit Card Processing Fee
Service Fee
Service fees play an important role in creating and bringing events to life. They help cover the costs of staff, entertainment, equipment, amazing visuals and other guest services that all come together for an incredible, one of a kind experience.
Parking & Transportation
Is parking available?
Yes. You have the option of purchasing an On-Site Parking Pass ($15.00 plus taxes and fees) or parking at the off-site parking location.
ON-SITE PARKING
To park on-site at Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, guests must purchase an on-site parking pass. On-site parking passes cost $15.00 each (plus taxes and fees) and are only available for purchase online. On-site parking is limited and guests who do not purchase an on-site parking pass must park at the off-site parking location. One On-Site Parking Pass is valid for one vehicle.
COMPLIMENTARY OFF-SITE PARKING
Complimentary off-site parking will be located at:
Fort Caroline Baptist Church
ADDRESS: 11428 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
There is no fee for off-site parking and will include complimentary shuttle service to and from the venue. Please arrive early to ensure enough travel time from the off-site parking area to the venue for your Dazzling Nights entry time. If you are parking at the off-site parking location, please ensure you arrive early enough to park and take the shuttle to the venue.
Forgot to add parking? If you already purchased tickets, but need an on-site parking pass, select the date and time you have purchased tickets for, once the ticket types appear you will simply select the "On-site Parking Pass" (if availability allows) and continue through the checkout process.
Accessible Parking: There are a limited amount of complimentary accessible parking spaces that will be provided, first come first serve, for vehicles with valid disability parking permits. If you have a valid disability parking pass, please arrive at Dazzling Nights with your pass displayed in your window for on-site complimentary parking.
Parking in the surrounding neighborhoods is prohibited. Parking anywhere that’s not designated on-site or off-site parking could result in being towed.
Please note, management is not responsible for fire, theft, damage, or loss of the vehicle or any article left within.
Is there a Lyft/Uber drop off location?
The drop off/pick up location will be in front of the Welcome Center at the Jacksonville Arboretum. See the parking attendant when arriving.
Health & Safety
What are your health & safety guidelines?
Please don't not attend if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Guests are able to give or sell their tickets to friends, family or acquaintances if they are not able to attend their scheduled show. Tickets are non-refundable and all sales are final.
Dazzling Nights is a nighttime walking experience through Jacksonville Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a dimly lighted, large natural environment that is unpaved and not normally lit at night. Attendees are urged to wear proper footwear and remain attentive to the ground conditions and their surroundings at all times as they enjoy their walk through the lights of Dazzling Nights. Guests are encouraged to use flashlights (e.g., mobile phone flashlights or handheld flashlights) while experiencing Dazzling Nights for way-finding if needed. If you have any concerns or need assistance at any time, please speak to a nearby staff person.
What are your COVID safety protocols?
Please do not attend if you have COVID or are experiencing COVID symptoms. Masks and proof of vaccination are not required at this time.
Is this event ADA accessible?
Portions of Dazzling Nights may be challenging for guests using a walker and/or wheelchair or who otherwise have a mobility/physical disability. Pathways may be paved, wood-chip or fine gravel surface depending on location. You may encounter steps and/or slopes on certain pathways.
I am unwell and unable to attend - can I move my ticket to another date or obtain a refund?
If you are unable to attend the event for any reason, you will not be able to obtain a refund. In order to move your ticket to another date, please submit a customer support form HERE. Requests to change your ticket to another date must be made 24 hours in advance of your originally scheduled time.
Will there be strobe lights?
The event will feature many strong lighting effects, some of which may flicker or strobe.
Additional Questions/Information
Does the event happen in an indoor or outdoor venue?
The event takes place at an outdoor venue.
Will there be food available for purchase?
Dazzle your tastebuds with holiday-inspired nosh and nibbles along with tasty dessert options available for purchase at select locations throughout the event. Looking to light up the night even further? Check out our beverage tents for chilled and toasty seasonal (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) beverage selections. NO CASH SALES.
Will there be merchandise available for purchase?
Yes, there will be merchandise available for purchase at the event. NO CASH SALES.
Is the event kid friendly?
Yes! Dazzling Nights is recommended for guests of all ages.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at the venue 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. If you are parking offsite, please give yourself an additional 15 minutes to park and ride the shuttle to the venue. This is to ensure you have enough time to check-in before entering the experience.
What happens if I arrive late?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee entry for late arrivals. Please arrive with plenty of time to park and check in for the event. Refunds will not be granted for late arrivals.
Will restrooms be available on site?
Yes.
What if it rains?
This is an outdoor event. Dazzling Nights will take place rain or shine unless for extreme weather conditions. Please check current weather conditions prior to your visit and dress appropriately. If conditions force a cancellation of the event, ticket-holders will be notified via email the day of their event along with directions for rescheduling.
What should I wear?
Please dress appropriately and according to the weather. The event takes place at an outdoor botanical garden, where the ground and pathways are narrow or uneven in some places. We strongly recommend you are outfitted for light outdoor activity. We recommend comfortable walking shoes as some of the displays may be off the walking path. Please dress appropriately and according to the weather (wind, rain or snow). Please plan for cold weather, with potential snow and/or ice on the ground.
Can I have a private party?
If you're interested in reserving a private event for a corporate party or a large group, please contact info@dazzlingjax.com.
Can I propose at the event?
Absolutely! You’re more than welcome to propose at Dazzling Nights. As honored as we are to be a part of your special night, we unfortunately prohibit props, other items and anything that will affect other guest's experience as well. You are allowed to hire a photographer, however they will also be required to have a ticket for entry and will not be allowed to bring additional equipment other than a hand held camera.
Can I take photos or video?
Yes, you are welcome to capture photos and videos during your visit. However, flash photography of any kind is prohibited.
Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at Dazzling Nights. Designated service animals are allowed. Service animal means an animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for, and to assist, an individual with a disability. All other animals, including emotional support, comfort or companion animals, are not considered service animals. Service animals should remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.
Can I bring my own Food or Beverages?
Guests may not bring outside food and beverage to Dazzling Nights. We will have holiday-inspired nosh and nibbles along with tasty dessert options available for purchase at select locations throughout the event along with our beverage tents for chilled or toasty seasonal beverage selections.
Do you have wheelchairs available?
At this time, Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens does not have wheelchairs, scooters or strollers available to rent. Please arrive prepared.
Important Disclaimer:
Dazzling Nights is a night time walking experience through Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Attendees are urged to wear proper footwear and remain attentive of the ground conditions and their surroundings at all times as they enjoy their walk through the lights of Dazzling Nights. Guests are encouraged to use flashlights (e.g. mobile phone flashlights or handheld flashlights) while experiencing Dazzling Nights for way finding, if needed. If you have any concerns or need assistance at any time, please speak to a nearby staff person.
Contact Us
Who can I contact about partnerships?
info@dazzlingjax.com
I have a question that was not addressed-
Please fill out the Support form HERE or email support@universe.com.