The Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Gardens Holiday Lights Festival is returning for its third season, illuminating a winter wonderland set against the countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley.

The festival, held over three weekends, Dec. 6-22, in Buellton’s River View Park, offers holiday decorations and experiences to benefit the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden.

Visitors can explore trails illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights, roast marshmallows by the fire, and enjoy the ambiance of a winter landscape complete with falling snowflakes.

The event also will have a marketplace with food, beer, wine and other beverages, Kids Zone with rides and activities, live entertainment, a Food Truck Extravaganza, and a Local Artisan Market.

“We are thrilled to bring the Santa Ynez Valley Holiday Lights Festival to our community,” said Derek Glas, president of the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation.

“This festival offers families and friends a unique opportunity to create cherished memories while celebrating the joy and spirit of the holiday season in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden,” he said.

Founded in 2006, the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to inspiring exploration and learning about a diverse natural environment. The garden is open free of charge every day from sunrise to sunset and is managed by volunteers.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the festival, visit http://syvholidaylights.com.