Holidays at the Garden
A MILE of a MILLION Lights
Please note, online ticket sales close at 4 p.m. each day.
Topiary Lighting Designer: Gary Sivak
Holidays at the Garden Hours
Daily November 23, 2018 – January 6*, 2019
5 – 9 p.m. Each Evening *Closed Christmas Day
The Garden will remain open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for general daytime admission and will be closed 4 to 5 p.m.
Click here for info on daytime admission fees.
Holidays at the Garden is bigger and better than ever! You’ll discover new displays, more lights than ever before and fun for the whole family. Experience an all-new musically-orchestrated topiary display, wander through the the new illuminated prairie garden (coming this fall), explore the extended lights of fire and ice in the perennial gardens, view an expanded display of quaint buildings from Department 56’s Dickens’ Village Series® and more.
Visitors will enjoy annual traditions including the towering orchid tree, live music (daily 6 to 8 p.m.), holiday shopping in The Garden Store, crackling fires to warm cold hands or roast a marshmallow, the Children’s Discovery Trail of activities, warm beverages, activities and more. Model train displays built by the Metrolina Model Railroaders can be found throughout the Garden.
Santa Claus will be available for professional photos with families on Monday, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (additional fee, reservations required). Santa will also be available Tuesday through Thursday from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for personal photos (no fee). Mrs. Claus will visit the Garden Friday through Sunday evenings from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23 in addition to Christmas Eve from 6 to 8 p.m. Click here for info on Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits.
Food service will be available every night in addition to beverages including coffee, hot chocolate, cider, beer, wine and other spirits.
Holidays at the Garden Admission
Save by purchasing tickets online in advance! No additional fees apply. Ticket prices increase at the door.
Garden members receive 30% off tickets including up to four guests.
Click here to become a member today! Pre-tax prices listed.
| Mon. – Thurs. Online in Advance | Mon. – Thurs. At the Door |
| Adult: $12.95 | Adult: $14.95 |
| Senior 60+: $11.95 | Senior 60+: $13.95 |
| Child 2-12: $7.95 | Child 2-12: $8.95 |
| Child Under 2: Free | Child Under 2: Free |
| Fri. – Sun. Online in Advance | Fri. – Sun. At the Door |
| Adult: $14.95 | Adult: $16.95 |
| Senior 60+: $13.95 | Senior 60+: $15.95 |
| Child 2-12: $8.95 | Child 2-12: $10.95 |
| Child Under 2: Free | Child Under 2: Free |
Group Rates (15+ Guests): Groups receive $1 off Adult and Child tickets
To book a group visit, please contact us at 704-829-1294.
Thank you to our holiday sponsors!
Holiday Classes & Events
Register for classes and special programs below and stay tuned for a complete listing!
Dec 15 Sat 2018 Sunday, Dec. 9; 1 – 3 p.m. with Halle Russell
Saturday, Dec. 15; 1 – 3 p.m. with Marti Hutchins
Enjoy a painting lesson with friends while sipping a glass of wine in the Garden’s festive holiday atmosphere.
Dec 16 Sun 2018 Sundays, Nov. 18, Dec. 2 & 16; 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Instructor: Raha Yoga
No experience or physical exertion required! Use props to help hold poses while using breathing, song and mindfulness to help you relax. Feel rested, refreshed and prepared for all the stress that comes along with holiday season. Bring your mat.
Join special guest Chef Chad Hutcheson of the String Bean in Belmont, six-time winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, for this afternoon of scrumptious small bites and delectable wine samples. Then enjoy the lights of Holidays at the Garden!
Dec 17 Mon 2018 
Visits are available from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (reserve a specific time when purchasing)
Advanced reservations are required. Additional discounts do no apply.
Please note, personal photography will not be permitted during this time.
Capture a magical memory with professional photos of your children or family with Santa by Rick Haithcox Photography!
Packages & Pricing:
One pose can be chosen for the final prints. All packages also include a digital file of the selected image suitable for electronic media, phones and tablets (files will not be printable quality). Additional prints will be available for order through Rick Haithcox Photography in January & February 2019. Please note that photographing groups of over 4 people will be at the discretion of the photographer due to limitations.
- Package A: $49
- 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 2 – 4×6″ prints
- Package B: $64
- 1 – 8×10″ OR 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 2 – 4×6″ prints
- Package C: $79
- 2 – 8×10″ prints
- 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 4 – 4×6″ prints
Packages will be delivered to the Garden within 7-10 working days. Delaying the selection will delay the printing and delivery process.
Dec 18 Tue 2018 The Garden has reserved the hour between 4 and 5 p.m. (when the Garden is closed to the public) on Tuesdays (Dec. 4, 11, 18) this Holiday season for children that need a little extra time and attention to visit Santa. During this time the Garden welcomes children with autism and other special needs along with their siblings to enjoy a visit with Santa in a compassionate environment that is supportive of their sensory, physical and developmental needs. Families can then choose to enjoy the Garden at dusk as a Mile of A Million Lights begins to illuminate or enjoy the Garden for an entire evening. Discounted weekday Holidays at the Garden tickets and a free reservation to visit Santa are required. Families are permitted to take their own photos. To make reservations click here or call (704) 829-1294. Those wishing to have photos taken by a professional photographer are encouraged to schedule an appointment on Mondays this Holiday season.
Dec 31 Mon 2018 Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly event featuring New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world, live music and more.
More info coming soon!
Jan 1 Tue 2019 Kick off the New Year with a refreshing guided Garden hike on New Year’s Day!
Andy Kane with the Carolina Thread Trail and Conservancy will be leading a hike starting from the Garden around a 3-mile loop. Bloody Marys and mimosas will be available for purchase.
And new this year, dogs are welcome to join!
Subscribe to filtered calendar
Sunday, Dec. 9; 1 – 3 p.m. with Halle Russell
Saturday, Dec. 15; 1 – 3 p.m. with Marti Hutchins
Enjoy a painting lesson with friends while sipping a glass of wine in the Garden’s festive holiday atmosphere.
Sundays, Nov. 18, Dec. 2 & 16; 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Instructor: Raha Yoga
No experience or physical exertion required! Use props to help hold poses while using breathing, song and mindfulness to help you relax. Feel rested, refreshed and prepared for all the stress that comes along with holiday season. Bring your mat.
Join special guest Chef Chad Hutcheson of the String Bean in Belmont, six-time winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, for this afternoon of scrumptious small bites and delectable wine samples. Then enjoy the lights of Holidays at the Garden!
Visits are available from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (reserve a specific time when purchasing)
Advanced reservations are required. Additional discounts do no apply.
Please note, personal photography will not be permitted during this time.
Capture a magical memory with professional photos of your children or family with Santa by Rick Haithcox Photography!
Packages & Pricing:
One pose can be chosen for the final prints. All packages also include a digital file of the selected image suitable for electronic media, phones and tablets (files will not be printable quality). Additional prints will be available for order through Rick Haithcox Photography in January & February 2019. Please note that photographing groups of over 4 people will be at the discretion of the photographer due to limitations.
- Package A: $49
- 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 2 – 4×6″ prints
- Package B: $64
- 1 – 8×10″ OR 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 2 – 4×6″ prints
- Package C: $79
- 2 – 8×10″ prints
- 2 – 5×7″ prints
- 4 – 4×6″ prints
Packages will be delivered to the Garden within 7-10 working days. Delaying the selection will delay the printing and delivery process.
The Garden has reserved the hour between 4 and 5 p.m. (when the Garden is closed to the public) on Tuesdays (Dec. 4, 11, 18) this Holiday season for children that need a little extra time and attention to visit Santa. During this time the Garden welcomes children with autism and other special needs along with their siblings to enjoy a visit with Santa in a compassionate environment that is supportive of their sensory, physical and developmental needs. Families can then choose to enjoy the Garden at dusk as a Mile of A Million Lights begins to illuminate or enjoy the Garden for an entire evening. Discounted weekday Holidays at the Garden tickets and a free reservation to visit Santa are required. Families are permitted to take their own photos. To make reservations click here or call (704) 829-1294. Those wishing to have photos taken by a professional photographer are encouraged to schedule an appointment on Mondays this Holiday season.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly event featuring New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world, live music and more.
More info coming soon!
Kick off the New Year with a refreshing guided Garden hike on New Year’s Day!
Andy Kane with the Carolina Thread Trail and Conservancy will be leading a hike starting from the Garden around a 3-mile loop. Bloody Marys and mimosas will be available for purchase.
And new this year, dogs are welcome to join!
Know Before You Glow
Where is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden located?
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located just west of Charlotte at the N.C./S.C. state line, outside the quaint town of Belmont. The Garden is easily accessible from Interstates 85 and 77 and less than 30 minutes from uptown. View on Google Maps >
Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance online or at the door?
We strongly recommend that visitors purchase tickets online in advance to expedite entry and save on admission. Admission prices increase at the door. Fridays, Saturdays and the week before Christmas are typically the busiest evenings. Tickets are non-refundable and the event is held rain or shine.
What should I expect?
We recommend a minimum of two hours to enjoy all the event has to offer. The Holidays at the Garden outdoor walking trail is brick or gravel.
What if it rains or if there is bad weather?
The Garden is open rain or shine, but in the event of severe weather including dangerous storms or ice, the Garden may close. Please visit the website prior to your visit. Rain checks will be issued if the Garden closes for the safety of our guests.
Do you need volunteers?
Yes! Please email volunteer@dsbg.org or call 704-829-1257 if you’re interested!
Is the Garden still open during the day?
Yes, the garden is open for general admission during the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please click here to view regular daytime hours and admission. If you plan to visit during the day and also during the evening, you will need to to purchase both daytime admission passes and also Holidays at the Garden tickets.
Can I bring my camera?
General photography with handheld cameras is encouraged, but please review our Photography Policy before your visit. Share your photos on social media with #DSBGHolidays!
Can I bring food and/or beverages?
Beverages, light dinner options and snacks are available for purchase from The Garden Store and vendors. The Garden does not have a restaurant onsite. Picnics and coolers are welcome anywhere on the property, but please no alcoholic carry-ins. Please leave grills at home. Tables in the Great Hall are available on a first-come basis and can only be reserved with a VIP Holiday Package (contact us at 704-829-1268 or privateevents@dsbg.org to book).
Is the Garden handicap and stroller accessible?
The Holidays at the Garden outdoor walking trail is brick or gravel with limited mobility. Alternative wheelchair/stroller-accessible routes are available (not available for rent).
Are pets allowed?
Only trained service animals that perform life functions for individuals with disabilities are permitted in the Garden.