All guests must reserve tickets before visiting the Conservatory. In accordance with state and local mandates, face coverings are required for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Food Truck will be closed Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Conservatory Aglow

11-14-2020 01-10-2021 5pm – 9pm
The Conservatory will close to General Admission at 4PM on Conservatory Aglow evenings

Conservatory Aglow, presented by American Electric Power Foundation with lighting partner Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation, is back to illuminate winter nights. The outdoor Conservatory experience will be twinkling, glowing, and magical thanks to thousands of lights presented in stunning displays. New this year is a Candyland scene complete with a life-size gingerbread house and the magical train display, Paul Busse Garden Railway.

Accompanying the lights are familiar holiday favorites – such as the rainbow tunnel, ornament trees and more!

Check-in is located through the front doors at the Visitor Center. Just have your pre-purchased ticket out and ready to be scanned and be on your way to a holly jolly holiday evening! Tickets available now.

Know Before You Go

A safe and enjoyable experience for our guests and staff is our top priority. To this end, changes have been made to our Ticketing and Health & Safety procedures. For the most enjoyable experience, review these procedures before visiting.

 Thank you in advance for your participation!

Ticketing

Review Ticketing
  • The Conservatory will be closed to the public from 4-5pm before Conservatory Aglow. This closure between the day and evening experience will allow the facility to be cleaned and set up for the Special Engagement. Guests will not be permitted to stay in the Conservatory buildings or interior grounds from 4-5 pm.
  • Tickets should be reserved in advance online. Please arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled time. Timed tickets allow for control of the facility’s capacity as well as improves the safety of the check-in process.
  • Tickets to these popular evenings will likely sell out. Reserve tickets well in advance to book the day and time that works best for you. If you need to cancel or change your reservation, please call the Visitor Center at 614-715-8002 or email VisitorServices@fpconservatory.org.
  • Guests are welcome to stay as long as they would like after arrival.
  • Special Engagement prices are in effect for Conservatory Aglow.

Special Engagement Admission Rates:

General Admission (ages 13–59): $22

Seniors (ages 60+): $19

Children (ages 3-12): $12

 Member Rates

Member (ages 13–59): $11

Member (ages 60+): $9.50

Member (ages 3-12): $6

Patron, Benefactor and Monarch Society memberships receive free admission to Conservatory Aglow. Call our membership team at 614.715.8054 to upgrade today!

Health & Safety Procedures

Review Procedures
  • The Conservatory is complying with all local and state guidelines.
  • Face coverings are required for our indoor and outdoor spaces. Children under 6 are not required to wear a face covering.
  • Please review the full list of Health and Safety measures before your visit.

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 Stunning light displays brighten the entire outdoor experience. Be sure to catch the musical light show in the Sunrise Lawn of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden.
Santa And His Reindeer Greet Santa and his reindeer on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 from 6-8pm. Bring a gift list and drop it off in Santa's mailbox!
Paul Busse Garden Railway An ever-popular display has been turned into an entire exhibition with 4 botanical themes, 9 model trains and over 1,000 feet of track. In the spirit of Conservatory Aglow, the Garden Railway is decorated with holiday lights.
Rainbow Light Tunnel Take a dazzling walk through a rainbow of colors as you enter the Conservatory Aglow experience.
Candyland As you approach the Grand Mallway, be sure to visit Candyland! Walk through the candy cane tunnel, pass by the ice cream mountains and lollipop forest, and arrive at a lifesize gingerbread house.
Winter Wonderland Inside the Conservatory's Sculpture Garden, a beautiful winter wonderland awaits.
Starry Night The Bonsai Courtyard is glittering like a starry night. There's even a giant, glowing moon to take a photo with.
Ornament Trees Three stunning trees constructed entirely out of ornaments are placed on the lawn.
Whirly Tree The whimsical Whirly Tree, created by Tork Inc., is back this year and styled in orange.
Live Entertainment From 6-8pm on select evenings, a variety of roaming performers will enhance the experience, this includes musicians, vocalists, dancers, stilt-walkers and more!


Performer Dates and List

November 14: Ice Carving Demonstration by Rock on Ice, The Music Men and Jen
November 21: Glee Noel
November 27: The Amazing Giants
November 28: LED Hula Hoopers
December 5: The Music Men and Jen
December 12: The SupaFun Band
December 18: Ice Carving Demonstration by Rock on Ice
December 19: Santa and Live Reindeer
December 20: Santa and Live Reindeer
December 21: Costume Characters Elsa and Olaf
December 22: The Amazing Giants
December 23: Holiday Stilt Walkers
December 26: Human Snow Globe Contortionist
December 27: The Candy Canes Band
December 28: The Seasons Sax
December 29: Comedy Juggler, Matt Jergens

Explore the Conservatory

The entire Conservatory is open to visitors during Conservatory Aglow.

Holiday Blooms Our seasonal horticulture display consists of extravagantly themed holiday vignettes. Features include hundreds of colorful, unique poinsettias, our famous 10’ poinsettia tree and winter-styled container gardens. 14th Annual Gingerbread Competition Central Ohio’s culinary creativity is on display during the month of December for the 14th annual Gingerbread Competition. This year's theme is “Inspired by the Conservatory” in honor of the 125th anniversaries of the John F. Wolfe Palm House and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. Chihuly Collection Visitors can see these stunning artworks after dark, illuminated against the botanical landscapes. light raiment II James Turrell’s Light Raiment II This iconic installation illuminates the John F. Wolfe Palm House in a shifting rainbow of neon light every night of the year, and Conservatory Aglow is a special chance to see it up close. Pacific Island Water Garden Gardens & Plant Collections Travel the world in a night by exploring the Conservatory's lush biomes. Hot Shop Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse Our award-winning gift shop is the perfect place to make light work of your gift list. Be sure to put the seasonal sales on your calendar!

More to Explore

Bonsai
March 14 – November 1 Bonsai In meditative reflection, explore the visual legacy of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ collection of bonsai trees. Take a journey through the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse to refine your…
Chihuly Collection
June 13 – June 13 Chihuly Collection The Conservatory owns 19 installations of breathtaking Chihuly glass artwork, the largest private collection in a botanical garden. After several stunning exhibitions over the years, the full collection will remain…
Paul Busse Garden Railway
July 1 – January 10 Paul Busse Garden Railway Now arriving at the Conservatory: Paul Busse Garden Railway! The brand new exhibition features model trains whirling through four unique botanical themes on 1,122 feet of track in the Grand…
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