The Missouri Botanical Garden’s nationally recognized holiday light show, Garden Glow, returns to St. Louis on Saturday, Nov. 14. This season brings back visitor favorites while introducing brand new botanical displays inspired by the natural world.
Garden Glow opens for the season Nov. 14–15, then pauses public entry until Nov. 20. The show runs through Jan. 2 and will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Thank you to our sponsors!
- Presented by Edward Jones
- Illumination Sponsors: Guarantee Electrical Company, The H+J Family of Companies, Wells Fargo
- Signature Location Sponsors: Ameren, Lelia J. and David N. Farr, Paz Family Foundation, Karen and Mike Stern
- Special Venue Sponsors: Amundsen Davis LLP, JiaMin and Michael Dierberg, Elizabeth Green, Kathy and David Hollo, Peters Family Charitable Fund, E.C. Simmon III Foundation, Kathy and Robert M. Williams, Jr.
- Glow Supporters: The Boeing Company, Commerce Bank, Dubuque Coffee Company, Forvis Mazars Foundation, Protiviti, Inc.
What to do at Garden Glow
Recognized as one of the nation’s top botanical garden holiday light shows, Garden Glow transforms the Missouri Botanical Garden into a dazzling winter wonderland each year. This immersive outdoor experience features nature-inspired light displays, musical light shows, delicious holiday treats, cozy rentable fire pits, and plenty of photo opportunities to capture unforgettable holiday memories.
Explore new nature-inspired and interactive Pieces
Inspired by the beauty of the botanical world, Garden Glow adds new plant-themed elements to the walkthrough experience each year. This season, guests can marvel at giant glowing, sustainably created poppies surrounded by a colorful garden of flowers they can control through interactive kiosks.
A favorite among younger guests, the Arctic Circle features a new interactive floor that invites guests to hop, step, and move to create their own magical light display.
Meet Santa and the Winter Sisters
Santa Claus returns to Garden Glow on Mondays and Tuesdays, November 23–December 8. Visits and photos with Santa are included in Garden Glow admission.
Fans of the Snow Queen and Snow Princess can visit the Winter Sisters and take photos with them on Wednesday evenings, December 2–16, and Wednesday, December 30. This experience is included in Garden Glow admission.
Insider tip: The Garden hosts Family Nights on select dates, offering $6 admission for children ages 3–12. Visit the Garden Glow calendar for dates and details.
Enjoy a Quieter Evening at Sensory Night
Garden Glow’s Sensory Night returns Friday, November 30, offering a quieter, less-crowded experience for guests with sensory sensitivities, immunocompromised individuals, and others seeking a more relaxed visit.
The evening includes sensory-friendly accommodations, such as sensory maps, modified displays, and designated calming corners, while still featuring Garden Glow favorites, including a visit from Santa Claus.
Attendance is limited, and advance tickets are required. As a Family Night, Sensory Night offers $6 admission for children ages 3–12.
Enjoy seasonal spirits
Sip into the holiday spirit with festive adult beverages available throughout the Garden Glow path, including at the all-new Spruce and Spirits Bar. Tucked inside a towering, brilliantly illuminated tree adorned with sparkling lights and golden ornaments, this one-of-a-kind bar serves up holiday cheer in a truly unforgettable setting.
Those 21+ can also enjoy an adults-only evening on Friday, November 20, when the Garden hosts Jingle and Mingle. The evening includes a complimentary drink, a DJ, cozy fire pits, and a special character appearance. After selling out quickly last year, we expect the event to be popular again and strongly suggest advance ticket purchases.
Explore the Holiday Flower and Train Show
Open nightly during Garden Glow, the Holiday Flower and Train Show returns to the Emerson Conservatory.
Charming G-scale model trains travel through a colorful display of blooming pink, red, and orange poinsettias, miniature landscapes, replicas of the Garden’s iconic Victorian District, and a new model of the Garden’s iconic Climatron.
The Holiday Flower and Train Show is also available to daytime visitors and is included in the price of admission.
Experience Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House
The Garden’s Lichtenstein Victorian District features a jaw-dropping show projected onto Tower Grove House. The show will feature new animations in a larger format across the entire 19th-century home.
Guests can also tour the inside of the home and learn how the holidays were celebrated in the Victorian era. The home is open for tours every night.
How to get tickets
We strongly encourage visitors to reserve their tickets in advance, as to secure a preferred date and entry time.
Purchase Tickets in Advance
Guests who purchase tickets before 4:30 p.m. on the day of their visit will receive Plan Ahead Pricing. Tickets range from $6 to $25 depending on dates, membership level, and children’s pricing.
As a reminder, the Missouri Botanical Garden never sells tickets on third-party platforms, including social media.
Insider tip: Enjoy dinner and a show by purchasing a Dine and Glow package when you reserve your tickets.
Where to Park at Garden Glow
The Garden offers parking outside of the Visitor Center, including several EV charging stations. The main lot does fill up quickly, however, so the Garden provides two additional lots located at the corner of Shaw Blvd. and Vandeventer Ave. View parking map >
Shuttle service is provided from these secured lots on all Garden Glow evenings. There is no charge for parking at any Missouri Botanical Garden parking lot or for using our shuttle.
Please respect our neighbors and refrain from parking on residential streets or private lots. Vehicles parked on private lots are subject to towing at the vehicle owners’ expense.
As leaders in sustainability, we are also big fans of walking, biking, and public transportation. We offer bike parking near the Visitor Center and are conveniently located near two Metro bus stops.
Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
Leave a Reply