Conservatory Aglow

11-22-2025 01-04-2026 5-9pm nightly and 5-10pm Fridays and Saturdays in November & December

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

This season, the Conservatory sparkles with dazzling new displays indoors and out. Stroll through thousands of lights, from a whimsical penguin village and glowing boxwood house to a life-sized Candyland board game and projected winter scenes. The Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace expands with more games like curling!

In addition, new rentable igloos with food and drinks will be available to reserve in the Bonsai Courtyard.

Returning favorites include the 100-foot light tunnel, ornament tree with 1,400 ornaments, a lively Dance Party and eight glowing igloos filled with seasonal fun.

Come explore the magic—indoors and out—and see the Conservatory in a whole new light.

Please note: The Conservatory will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On December 4, 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.

When visiting Conservatory Aglow, stop by the John F. Wolfe Palm House and Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse while you have the chance. These buildings will close for renovation on Monday, January 5, 2026. We anticipate the closure will continue through the summer of 2027. Please plan ahead and visit Plan a Visit for upcoming Palm House closures during your visit.

Read Visitor Policies ADMISSION RATES

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 arranged throughout the interior biomes and across the outdoor gardens illuminate and enhance the Conservatory experience.

Live Entertainment 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.

*Click on arrow below to see schedule*

Entertainment Schedule

Monday, November 24: Christmas Tree & Gingerbread Stilt walkers
Tuesday, November 25: Christmas Tree & Gingerbread Stilt walkers
Wednesday, November 26: Christmas Tree & Gingerbread Stilt walkers
Friday, November 28: Snowflake Roller Skaters
Friday, December 12: Fire Juggling Duo
Sunday, December 21: Snowflake Roller Skaters
Monday, December 22: Mirrored Dancers
Tuesday, December 23: Fire Juggling Duo
Friday, December 26: Mirrored Dancers
Saturday, December 27: Snowflake Roller Skaters
Monday, December 29: Mirrored Dancers
Tuesday, December 30: Snowflake Roller Skaters
Friday, January 2, 2026: Mirrored Dancers
Saturday, January 3, 2026: Fire Juggling Duo

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

*Click on arrow below to see schedule*

Performance Schedule

Saturday, November 22: Bryden String Quartet
Friday, December 5: Ladies of Longford
Saturday, December 6: Columbus Cello Choir
Sunday, December 7: Music Men & Jen
Saturday, December 13: Trista Hill & Phil Maneri
Wednesday, December 31: Arch City Big Band (6-9pm)

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

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.

Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace Unwind in cozy festive igloos with nostalgic games.

Refreshments Dining options will available be from the Conservatory's Garden Café, Liberty Kettle Corn and local food trucks.

*Click on arrow below to see food truck schedule*

Food Truck Schedule

Friday, December 5th: Dirty Franks, Kubido
Saturday, December 6th: Hangry Planet, Kubido, Dos Hermanos
Sunday, December 7th: Guelaguetza Street Food, Kubido, Dos Hermanos
Friday, December 12th: Hangry Planet, Dirty Franks, Pretzel Shop Etc
Saturday, December 13th: Mustafas, Hangry Planet, Pretzel Shop Etc
Sunday, December 14th: Explorer's Club
Monday, December 15th: Smoked on Chai/High
Thursday, December 18th: Holy Crepes
Friday, December 19th: Kubido, Explorer's Club, Pretzel Shop Etc
Saturday, December 20th: Kubido, Explorer's Club, Pretzel Shop Etc
Sunday, December 21st: Dirty Franks, Kubido, Pretzel Shop Etc
Monday, December 22nd: Explorer's Club, Kenzie's Kitchen, Pretzel Shop Etc
Tuesday, December 23rd: 614 Fully Loaded
Friday, December 26th: Mustafas, Kenzie's Kitchen
Saturday, December 27th: Mustafas, Dirty Franks, Kubido
Sunday, December 28th: Kubido, Mustafas
Monday, December 29th: Kenzie's Kitchen, Mustafas
Tuesday, December 30th: Explorer's Club
Wednesday, December 31st: Mustafas
Friday, January 2nd: 614 Fully Loaded
Saturday, January 3rd: Dirty Franks

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

Family Fun Check out the calendar for the full schedule of evening events during Conservatory Aglow.

View Schedule

Bar On select evenings, a bar on the West Carriage path loop will serve cocktails, beer and wine. Specialty cocktails and mocktails will be available and served with light up ice cubes.

*Bar will close 30 minutes before the Conservatory closes*

To be announced!

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 Dec 5-7 | Dec 12-14 | Dec 19-21

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

*Click on bubble to learn more*

More to Explore

May 10 – January 4 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…

May 10 – January 4 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…

September 20 – January 4 The Conservatory: From Roots to Blooms The Cardinal Health Gallery features an interactive exhibit that introduces guests to the North Star Master Plan — a bold vision for the future of the Conservatory. Through immersive displays…