For seven nights in November, the magical lighting exhibition Moonlight in the Garden will illuminate and showcase NC State’s JC Raulston Arboretum.

Sponsored by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation and presented by Southern Lights of Raleigh and more than a dozen suppliers, the exhibition is a once-per-year occasion to see the botanical gardens and arboretum at night.

Exhibition dates include a special Preview Night on Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m.; plus, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights Nov. 8-10 and Nov. 15-17 from 6 to 9 p.m.

“Moonlight in the Garden is an opportunity for us to light up the garden and share what a magical place the arboretum can be at night,” said Mark Weathington, JC Raulston Arboretum director. “Children love being in the garden. One of the most rewarding aspects of the exhibition is the attraction of children, students and people of all ages.”

“Along with the colorful and festive lighting exhibition, Moonlight in the Garden is a chance to bundle up, welcome the fall season to North Carolina, dine at the best food trucks, enjoy the live music, have some hot cider and roast marshmallows over the fire pits,” said Weathington.

Founded in 1976 and featuring over 7,000 different types of plants, the JC Raulston Arboretum is one of the most diverse botanical gardens in North America. Its mission includes plant collection, research, distribution and education.

“Nature brings joy to life and illumination at night reveals new dimensions of nature,” said John Garner, volunteer project chair and president of Southern Lights of Raleigh. “Moonlight in the Garden is a huge lighting exhibition, using over five miles of cable powered by 20 transformers to showcase the Arboretum with the latest and best lighting technologies.”

“Children respond well to beauty and appreciate and enjoy something that just looks and feels magical,” said Weathington. “Anything you do that gets children out and looking at plants, gardens and natural areas is an important thing. It’s a powerful way to instill an appreciation for the environment around them.”

Tickets are limited – advance reservations are recommended online. Proceeds from Moonlight in the Garden will benefit daily operations of the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Moonlight in the Garden is sponsored by and fund-raising efforts operate under the auspices of the NC Agricultural Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit (tax ID 56-6049304).

Click here to order Moonlight in the Garden tickets