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Conservatory Aglow

11-21-2026 01-03-2027 5-9pm Sun-Thurs and 5-10pm Fri-Sat through December
During Conservatory Aglow, THE CONSERVATORY CLOSEs AT 4PM AND REOPENs AT 5PM

Reservations for Conservatory Aglow are available now!

Step into the holiday wonderland that is Conservatory Aglow! Experience the gardens and interior biomes come to life with dazzling lights, a whimsical Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., and a life-sized Candyland board game. Show off your best dance moves at the winter wonderland dance party before moving inside to explore the Conservatory's lush biome spaces filled with lights and themed props that will wow.

These exciting new features join returning favorites including festive igloos, games ranging from corn hole to curling, the 100-foot light tunnel, the Through the Vines whimsical installation of the journey through the four seasons, and the enchanting Paul Busse Garden Railway with its magical train display.

Please note: The Conservatory will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On December 2 & 3, Conservatory Aglow will be closed for a Cocktails at the Conservatory event.

Know Before You Go

A safe and enjoyable experience for guests and staff is our top priority. We thank all guests for reviewing these guidelines before their visit. A map is also available for guests to use to navigate the entire Conservatory during Conservatory Aglow.

Read Visitor Policies   ADMISSION RATES

 

Conservatory Aglow is made possible by

Major Sponsor

Experiencing Conservatory Aglow

All there is to do and see during the evening. Be sure to make a list and check it twice!

Light Displays & Shows Light displays arranged throughout the interior biomes and across the outdoor gardens illuminate and enhance the Conservatory experience.
Amazing Giants Performers From 6-8pm on select evenings, The Amazing Giants, with their talented troupe of variety entertainers, will roam the outside experience on select nights during Conservatory Aglow. Performances will vary by night, with each night featuring a pair of performers who will entertain the crowd as mirrored dancers, fire jugglers, stilt walkers, and snowflake roller skaters.

Mirror Duo | November 20, 23, 24 & 25
Reindeer & Snowman Stilt Duo | December 11
Christmas Tree & Nutcracker Stilt Duo | December 21
Fire Duo | December 22 & 26
Snowflake Sisters Roller Skates Duo | December 23 & 27
Roaming Caroling Performances New this year! Some of Columbus' most beloved musical groups will be caroling while roaming through the outside experience. Performances 6-7pm on select nights:

The Columbus Chorus of Sweet Adelines | November 21 & 22 | 6pm
Blue Kids on the Block | December 4 | 6pm
Music Men & Jen | December 5 | 6pm
Magpie Consort | December 6 | 6pm
Scioto Valley Chorus | December 13 | 6pm
Grove City Chamber Singers | December 20 | 6pm
Arch City Big Band | December 31 | 6-9pm (Garden Pavilion)
Private Igloo Rental Make your visit to Conservatory Aglow truly magical with a private igloo experience in the Bonsai Courtyard. Nestled among dazzling light displays, your cozy, heated igloo offers a unique and festive setting for celebrating with friends and family.

*Click on bubble to learn more*
Multi-Color Lit Biomes Multi-color warm lights brighten the way through the interior Biomes.
Arctic Terrace Unwind in cozy festive igloos with nostalgic games. Included with Conservatory Aglow admission. No reservation needed!
Refreshments Dining options will available be from the Conservatory's Garden Café, Liberty Kettle Corn and local food trucks. Check out the schedule below to see who's serving up something delicious.

November 27: Dirty Frank's, 614 Fully Loaded
November 28: Broke Johnny
December 4: La Baia
December 5: La Baia, Ono Turo Turo
December 11: Hangry Planet, Broke Johnny, Ono Turo Turo
December 12: Hangry Planet, Ono Turo Turo
December 18: Hangry Planet, Broke Johnny
December 19: Mustafa's Halal Gyro, Paddy Wagon, Dirty Frank's
December 20: Mustafa's Halal Gyro, Dirty Frank's
December 21: Mustafa's Halal Gyro, Little Italy
December 22: If You Cheese, Dirty Frank's
December 23: Mustafa's Halal Gyro, Tortilla Street Food, Dirty Frank's
December 26: Dirty Frank's
December 27: Tortilla Street Food, Dirty Frank's
January 2: Tortilla Street Food
Bar Enjoy cocktails, beer and wine at the Watershed Bar on select evenings along the West Carriage Path Loop, featuring specialty cocktails and mocktails with light-up ice cubes! Beer, wine, coffee and other beverages are also available at the Garden Café.

*Bar will close 30 minutes before the Conservatory closes*
Bar closed on Monday and Tuesday evenings during Conservatory Aglow

Additional Offerings

The entire Conservatory is open to visitors during Conservatory Aglow. 

Holiday Blooms Seasonal horticulture, themed vignettes, and wintry container gardens are found throughout the Conservatory and botanical gardens.

*Click on bubble to learn more* Holiday Glass Ornament & Gift Sale *December 11-13 & December 18-20*

On select evenings of Conservatory Aglow, stop by the Holiday Glass Ornament & Gift Sale. Shop for beautiful glass ornaments, holiday themed items, and unique gifts for your loved ones this holiday season while supporting local artists. All of the products for sale are hand-crafted in the Conservatory’s Hot Shop or by local artists.

*Click on bubble to learn more* Through the Vines: A Seasonal Journey Explore the ever-changing tapestry of nature’s cycle within this captivating exhibit installation.

*Click on bubble to learn more* Paul Busse Garden Railway The railway and botanical structures are adorned with lights.

*Click on bubble to learn more* Chihuly Collection See the stunning glass installations after dark, illuminated against the botanical landscapes.

*Click on bubble to learn more*

Check Off Your Gift List

It’s easy to give wonderful gifts while supporting the Conservatory.

Membership Includes a year of free admission to daytime exhibitions, discounts at Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse and Garden Café, special member events and more!

*Click on bubble to learn more*
Gift Cards Conservatory gift cards make easy gifts that recipients can use to personalize their visit. They are redeemable for tickets, memberships, classes and at Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse and the Garden Café.

To purchase, email [email protected] or speak with a staff member at the Visitor Center.
Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse Find something special for everyone! Gifts include plants, home & garden decor, books, toys, jewelry and more.

*Click on bubble to learn more* Tribute Gifts Honor or remember someone special with a meaningful tribute gift in their name.

*Click on bubble to learn more*

More to Explore

Paul Busse Garden Railway
April 25 – January 3 Paul Busse Garden Railway All aboard! The Paul Busse Garden Railway is arriving at Conservatory station. 9 G scale model trains travel across 1,122 feet of track that runs high and low through themed…
Through The Vines: A Seasonal Journey
April 25 – January 3 Through The Vines: A Seasonal Journey A site-specific installation created by the artists at Applied Imagination will invite guests to explore the lights, sights, and sounds of the four seasons with a series of vine arches…
Where Wonder Grows: The Nature of Connection
September 5 – November 22 Where Wonder Grows: The Nature of Connection The Cardinal Health Gallery will transform into an immersive space where guests can experience the positive link between nature and our health. Broken into four sections, the exhibition will highlight…
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