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Conservatory Aglow

11-18-2023 01-07-2024 5-9pm nightly and 5-10pm Fridays and Saturdays in December

During Conservatory Aglow, THE CONSERVATORY CLOSEs AT 4PM AND REOPENs AT 5PM

Reserve your tickets now!

Join us as the gardens and interior biomes transform into a wonderland of lights and experiences. Explore captivating new displays, including mesmerizing lights synchronized with holiday melodies, immersive light installations, outdoor illuminated games, a lively dance celebration, and a retreat to festive igloos for an assortment of tabletop games.

These fun new additions are featured alongside returning favorites, including the ornament trees, the Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., the life-size gingerbread house, and the magical train display of the Paul Busse Garden Railway.

Please note: The Conservatory will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

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

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Conservatory Aglow is made possible by

 

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 organized into vignettes through the interior biomes and all through the outdoors brighten the Conservatory experience.
Live Entertainment On select dates, The Amazing Giants, with their talented troupe of acrobats, stilt walkers and 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, acrobats, stilt walkers, snowflake roller skaters, LED jugglers, and/or penny farther riders.


Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, November 18, 6-8pm
Friday, November 24th, 6-8pm
Saturday, November 25th, 6-8pm
Saturday, December 2nd, 6-9pm
Saturday, December 9th, 6-9pm
Monday, December 18th, 6-8pm
Tuesday, December 19th, 6-8pm
Wednesday, December 20th, 6-8pm
Thursday, December 21st, 6-8pm
Saturday, December 23rd, 6-9pm
Tuesday, December 26th, 6-8pm
Wednesday, December 27th, 6-8pm
Thursday, December 28th, 6-8pm
Friday, December 29th, 6-9pm
Saturday, December 30th, 6-9pm


Musical Performances Starting at 7pm on select dates, a variety of musical guests will perform indoors.

The schedule is subject to change without notice. Thank you for understanding.

Performance Schedule

Friday, December 1: Scioto Valley Chorus
Friday, December 8: Imani & Halle
Saturday, December 9: The Molly Winters Duo
Friday, December 15: Bryden String Quartet
Friday, December 22: Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra
Sunday, December 31: Alex Burgoyne Quartet



Ice Carving Competition January 5 & 6 | 7-8pm

Pick a team, Fire (or) Ice, and cheer on your favorite local ice carving professionals as we pit one against the other in a 45 minute throwdown to create an amazing work of art using chainsaws on large blocks of ice. Audience applause will determine the night's winner.
Multi-Color Lit Biomes Multi-color warm lights brighten the way through the interior Biomes.
Refreshments Dining options will available be from the Conservatory's Garden Café and local food trucks.
Bar Bar will be closed the first week of January and will be open on January 5, 6 & 7.

On select evenings, a bar on the West Carriage path loop will serve cocktails, beer and wine. Four specialty cocktails and one specialty mocktail will be available and served in a special light-up cup.

Specialty Cocktails
Espresso Martini
Mistletoe Mule
Bourbon Swizzle
Santa’s Rosemary Clausmopolition

Specialty Mocktail
Santa’s Little Helper (Ginger Ale, Sierra Mist, Grenadine. Garnished with a cherry)

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. Paul Busse Garden Railway The railway and botanical structures are adorned with lights. Chihuly Collection See the stunning glass installations after dark, illuminated against the botanical landscapes.

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!
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. Tribute Gifts Tribute Gifts of any size honor a loved one and support the Conservatory's outreach programs.

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