After placing second in back-to-back years, Huntsville Botanical Garden is hoping 2025 will be the year its beloved Galaxy of Lights shines the brightest.

Voting opened Monday and continues through Dec. 1 at 11:59 a.m. EST. Supporters can vote once each day to help Huntsville’s Galaxy of Lights claim the No. 1 title in time for its 30th anniversary celebration.

Winners of USA TODAY’s 10 Best Travel Awards are chosen entirely by public vote, and everyone is encouraged to cast a ballot daily to help get Huntsville Botanical Garden to the top.

“We are thrilled that visitors, members, volunteers and supporters from our community voted for Galaxy of Lights in such numbers last year that we landed at #2 in a list with extremely strong competitors,” said Sue Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of Huntsville Botanical Garden. “We are truly grateful for their support, and we hope to get to #1 this year.”

Galaxy of Lights was nominated alongside 19 other botanical light shows nationwide by a panel of experts, including editors from USA TODAY, 10Best.com, and other contributors.

“The Garden has been making the holidays sparkle for 30 years with this one-of-a-kind tradition,” Wagner said. “With fresh features to experience this year such as strolling through the newly re-imagined Icicle Forest, riding the Evergreen Express, enjoying s’mores at The Gathering or a cup of hot cocoa from the Cocoa Castle, and walking through the beautifully lit Purdy Butterfly House, we know this year is going to be the best Galaxy of Lights yet.”

The festive light show has become one of north Alabama’s most beloved holiday traditions. The 1.5-mile in-house-designed light display features choreographed music, interactive elements, and both walking and driving nights — with even a few evenings set aside for dogs to join in the fun.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].