Guests enjoy new displays, Stickwork sculpture, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more

BELMONT, N.C. – Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s annualHolidays at the Garden returns with a shimmering Mile of a Million Lights! Along the journey, discover the colorful lights of the topiaries dancing to merry tunes, LED cherry trees glowing along Canal Garden, waves of color glittering in the Piedmont Prairie, enchanting fairy villages, a new interactive Stickwork sculpture by NC artist Patrick Dougherty, and so much more. Holidays at the Garden will be open Nov. 29, 2019 through Jan. 5, 2020 from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening, although the Garden will be closed Christmas Day.

About Holidays at the Garden

Visitors will enjoy annual traditions including the 15-foot 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, a children’s activity, warm beverages and more. Food and snacks will be available for purchase in addition to beverages including coffee, hot chocolate, cider, beer, wine and other spirits.

Model train displays built by the Metrolina Model Railroaders can be found throughout the Garden in addition to an expanded display of quaint buildings from Department 56’s Dickens’ Village Series®. Santa Claus will be available for professional photos with families on Dec. 2, 9 and 16  from 5 to 8:30 p.m. (additional fee, reservations required online). Santa will also be available Tuesday through Thursday from Dec. 3 – 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for personal photos (no fee). Mrs. Claus will visit the Garden Friday through Sunday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22 in addition to Christmas Eve from 6 to 8 p.m.

New this year, North Carolina artist Patrick Dougherty’s latest interactive Stickwork sculpture will be on display throughout the holiday season. Using minimal tools and a simple technique of bending, interweaving, and fastening together twigs and branches, he creates works of art inseparable with nature and the landscape. With a dazzling variety of forms seamlessly intertwined with their context, his sculptures evoke fantastical images of nests, cocoons, cones, castles, and beehives. Over the last thirty years, Dougherty has built more than 300 works throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia that range from stand-alone structures to a kind of modern primitive architecture–every piece mesmerizing in its ability to fly through trees, overtake buildings, and virtually defy gravity.

Holidays at the Garden will be open Nov. 29, 2019 through Jan. 5, 2020 from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening, although the Garden will be closed Christmas Day. Holidays at the Garden admission is discounted for tickets purchased online in advance and prices increase at the door. Admission purchased online in advance for Monday through Thursday is $14.95 per adult, $12.95 per senior 60+, $7.95 per child 2-12 and free for children under age two. Admission purchased online in advance for Friday through Sunday is $16.95 per adult, $14.95 per senior 60+, $8.95 per child 2-12 and free for children under age two. Garden members receive a 30% discount and also receive 30% off the purchase of up to four guest passes. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance at www.DSBG.org. 

A special thank you to Holidays at the Garden sponsors including David Belk Cannon Foundation, Gaston Travel & Tourism, Duke Energy, South State Bank, Lake Wylie Pediatric Dentistry, Beasley Broadcasting Group’s K104.7.

Additional Holiday Events at the Garden
Visitors can also enjoy special events throughout the holiday season.

Capture the Magic with Santa on select Mondays, Dec. 2, 9, 16

Packages start at $45, visits available between 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Capture a magical memory with professional photos of your children or family with Santa by Rick Haithcox Photography! Please note, personal photography will not be permitted during this time. Holidays at the Garden admission is also required. Advance reservations are required and can be made online at www.DSBG.org.

Tea Tasting on Sunday, Dec. 8; Seatings at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

$30/Guest

Celebrate the holiday season with a variety of teas paired with scrumptious snacks while learning more about each type of tea. Advance reservations are required and can be made online at www.DSBG.org.

Wine Pairing on Sunday, Dec. 15; 3 – 5 p.m.

$65/guest (admission to Holidays at the Garden included)

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. Advance reservations are required and can be made online at www.DSBG.org.

Sparkle & Glow New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31; 5 – 9 p.m.

Free with admission tickets to Holidays at the Garden

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly event featuring activities from around the world to bring luck in the new year, live music, Holidays at the Garden and more. Holidays at the Garden tickets are available at www.DSBG.org.

Hair of the Dog Hike on Wednesday, Jan. 1; 11 a.m.

Free with general daytime admission or free for Members

Kick off the New Year with a refreshing guided Garden hike on New Year’s Day! Bloody Marys and Mimosas will be available for purchase. Leashed dogs are welcome to join!

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