Holidays at the Garden
November 18, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Please note, online ticket sales close at 4 p.m. for the current date.
Tickets are also available at the door daily.
Also note that the Garden will be closed on Christmas Day.
See the calendar below for a full schedule of Holidays at the Garden events and classes!
Bring your friends and family together to celebrate the beauty of the Christmas season! The Garden glows with holiday spirit from the twinkling trees to the sparkling fountains and is transformed into a natural winter wonderland filled with unique festive décor including a towering tree of orchids, more than 600,000 lights, and illuminated displays. Holidays at the Garden is a must-see annual tradition. Gather around the crackling fire to warm your hands or roast a marshmallow, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, grab a treat and warm beverage as you tour the glistening displays, visit with Santa, shop for thoughtful holiday gifts in The Garden Store, enjoy holiday music, and so much more.
Admission for Holidays at the Garden
Holiday ticket sales begin at 4 p.m. daily. Pre-tax prices.
$14.95/Adult, $13.95/Senior 60+, $8.95/Child 2-12, and Free/Child Under 2
Members receive a 30% discount for themselves and up to four guests.
Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15+.
The Garden is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 18 – Jan. 1 and the lights illuminate at 5 p.m. nightly. The Garden will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving and will be closed on Christmas.
Children can visit with Santa from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18, then daily from 6 to 9 p.m. from Dec. 19-23. Mrs. Claus will also visit the Garden on select nights from 6 to 9 p.m. including Monday through Wednesday Nov. 28 – Dec. 21 and also Dec. 22 – 24. VIP Santa Packages are also available – click here to learn more!
The Children’s Holiday Discovery Trail and either karaoke or live music will entertain guests each night. Click here to view the live music schedule.
Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from Southern Breezes Carriages from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 31 and also Dec. 19-21. Carriage rides are $6/adult, $4/child 3-10, and free for children under 3. The Garden Tram will be available for rides when the carriages are not available and rides are free with admission from 6 to 9 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy hand-crafted cocoa, lattes, and espresso from Crowders Creek Coffee Co., s’mores over the outdoor campfire, dinner from a food truck (select nights only), and beverages from the Garden’s bars. Click here to view the food truck schedule.
A special model train display created by the Metrolina Model Railroaders depicting North Carolina’s Saluda Mountain Grade, the steepest mainline railway gauge in country, provides a particular fascination for children and train enthusiasts alike. Various model train displays can be found throughout the Garden.
A special thank you to sponsors including David Belk Cannon Foundation as the presenting sponsor, Duke Energy and Gaston Travel & Tourism as the supporting sponsors, and K104.7 and 103.7 WSOC as the media sponsors.
Register for classes and special programs below and stay tuned for a complete listing of holiday events.