BOYLSTON, Mass. - A sure sign of the holiday season in Central Massachusetts, "Night Lights - Starry Skies" opened Friday night at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.

Guests can enjoy a walk-through experience of the gardens and two conservatories decked out with more than a quarter-million individual string lights. Tower Hill says the lights highlight the plants, which are used as focal points and backdrops throughout the exhibit.

On busy nights, "Night Lights" can draw up to of 2,500 people. This year's theme is "Starry Skies," which Tower Hill describes as "a journey through the cosmos and back." Highlights include a section called 'the ramble' which includes a waterfall. There is also the twilight tunnel made of purple and blue lights.

"I think the best expressions come from little children," said formal gardens manager Dawn Davies. "You can usually hear their voices from quite a distance and they get really excited just about everything. But, I do hear adults also appreciating it, and it makes them feel like a little kid again sometimes, is some of the comments I've heard."

"I love the lights," said visitor Liz Hilton. "It's a beautiful way to kick off the holiday season. I think almost every winter holiday incorporates light in some fashion, so, it's a wonderful way and includes really all cultures."

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill says the exhibit is great for both children and adults.

The garden says they sold out Friday and Saturday, and were headed towards another sell-out for Sunday. The display runs evenings from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year's Eve. Visitors need to buy tickets through the garden to get in.