Adults surrounded by glowing green lights and warm yellow lights

November 15–January 3

Closed November 17 and 27 and December 24–25

Featuring more than two million dazzling lights, Garden Glow transforms the iconic setting of the Missouri Botanical Garden into an enchanted wonderland rich with mesmerizing displays and unforgettable moments.   

This year's Garden Glow is the biggest and brightest ever! 

  • New and expanded light installations throughout Garden grounds surround you with larger-than-life illuminated flowers, fireflies, and more.
  • All-new holiday animations transform the historic Tower Grove House into a performance unlike anything else in the St. Louis area.
  • New interactive features put you in control of the lights.
  • New photo opportunities help you capture unforgettable moments with family and friends. 
  • New ways to enjoy Garden Glow include adults-only hours with special drink offerings and a quieter, calmer Garden Glow experience for those with sensory sensitivity. 


Garden Glow is a rain or snow event. In case of inclement weather cancellation by the Garden, simply present your tickets upon entry to any remaining Garden Glow date;  no additional action is required.

 

Admission 

Garden Glow admission varies by date (see calendar for specific times and pricing).

Secure your preferred date and entry time by purchasing your tickets in advance.

 

Purchase Advance Tickets Beginning July 22 (Garden members) and July 24 (general admission)  

 

Garden Glow calendar

 

View full admission details >

 

Group Sales

For groups of 26 or more, contact Group Sales for special pricing information.

Illuminated GLOW letters under a sunset

NEW! Sensory Night

Tuesday, November 18 | 5–9:30 p.m. Last entry at 8:15 p.m.

This special night will mirror the traditional Garden Glow experience, but also includes sensory maps, show modifications, and quiet areas to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Advance tickets available beginning July 22 for Garden members and July 24 for general admission. 

Purchase Tickets  

Grinch character

NEW! Jingle and Mingle

Friday, November 21 | 7–9:30 p.m. Last entry at 8:15 p.m.

Leave the strollers and wagons at home—this is a Garden Glow experience just for grown-ups! Sip, stroll, and sparkle under the lights with special programming and a complimentary drink included with your ticket. 

  • Ages 21 and older only after 6 p.m.
  • Cozy up around glowing fire pits 
  • Dance to holiday grooves 
  • Snap a selfie with "The Mean One" himself

Advance tickets available beginning July 22 for Garden members and July 24 for general admission. 

Purchase Tickets  

 

Explore Garden Glow

 

Group huddled around firepit, surrounded by colorful lights

Extra Magic


Add even more holiday cheer to your Garden Glow experience with these add-on options available when purchasing your advance tickets. 

Dine and Glow

Add a dining package to your advance ticket purchase and enjoy dinner at our restaurant, Sassafras. Packages are $20 per adult, $9 per child in advance and $22 per adult, $11 per child when purchased onsite. Packages include one entree, two sides, and a soft drink. Additional beverages available for purchase.  

Private Fire Pit Rentals

Warm up with up to 20 of your friends and family members at your own reserved fire pit. Rentals valid from 5–7 p.m. or 7:30–9:30 p.m. on select evenings Advance purchase and Garden Glow admission required. 

Concessions

Enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages throughout your visit at numerous locations along the Garden Glow path. Details and menu information available soon. 

 

Miniature train running by model building with lit Christmas tree in the background

Holiday Flower and Train Show

Open nightly during Garden Glow hours | Included with Garden Glow admission

The Garden's beloved annual tradition continues with an all-new display of charming model trains traveling through miniature landscapes accented by vibrant poinsettias and other colorful holiday plants. 

 

Members See It First

Member Preview

Friday, November 14 | 5–9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:15 p.m.)

Garden members are invited to experience Garden Glow before its public opening at a special evening just for them.

Purchase Tickets  

Not a Garden member? Join today >

Santa Claus posing in front of tree decorated with white and gold ornaments

Meet Santa

Mondays and Tuesdays November 18–December 9 | 5–9 p.m.

Get your photo with Santa Claus amid the sparkling wonderland of Garden Glow. Included with Garden Glow admission.

 

Adult with child on bench surrounded by warm red lights

Family Nights

November 18–20 and 24–25, December 1–2

 

Children's admission (ages 3–12) is just $6 on select evenings! 

Winter sisters posing against an icy background

Meet The Winter Sisters

Thursdays, November 20–December 11 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
December 18 and January 2 | 5–7 p.m. 

Now appearing on even more evenings, the Ice Queen and Snow Princess will greet visitors and pose for photos in the Garden Glow Arctic Circle. Included with Garden Glow admission. 

 

Know Before You Glow


Accessibility

Accessible parking is located on either side of the Garden’s main parking lot. Please call our hospitality line at (314) 327-6390 upon arrival if you require assistance.  
 
Manual wheelchairs, motorized scooters, and strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center.  
 
Wheelchair rental: free (first come, first served) 
Motorized scooter rental: $35  
Visitors must be age 18 or older and possess a valid driver's license to rent motorized scooters. 
Stroller rental: $3

The Garden Glow path is approximately one mile in length and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to traverse. 
 

Admission

Garden Glow is a limited-capacity event and tickets tend to sell out well in advance, especially from mid-December through January 1. We encourage visitors to secure their preferred date and entry time as early as possible and to guarantee the best admission price.

 

General
(ages 13 & up)
Children
(ages 3–12)
Garden members 
(ages 13 & up)
Garden member children
(ages 3–12)

$24

$12

$19

$10


Festival-level+ members and member children (ages 12 and under)

FREE*

*Six free adult or child admission per Festival membership. 

Closed November 17 and 27 and December 24–25.


Plan Ahead Pricing

All adult general admission and member tickets purchased at or after 4:30 p.m. for same-night admission are subject to a $2 increase. Plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance for best selection and value!

 

Advance Tickets Highly Recommended

Garden Glow is a limited-capacity event and tickets tend to sell out well in advance, especially from mid-December through January 1. We encourage visitors to secure their preferred date and entry time as early as possible.   

 

Cancellations 

Please check the Garden website and social media channels in advance for night-of event cancellations. 

 

Concessions 

Enjoy a variety of seasonal food and beverage options available throughout the Garden during Garden Glow. Purchase in advance to save on Dine at Glow packages in Sassafras Restaurant.

 

Family Nights 

On select nights November 19 through December 10, kids tickets (ages 3–12) are just $6. View admission calendar for specific dates and times

 

Fire Pits 

S'more roasting and warming fire pits are located at both Central Axis and Linnean Plaza.  S'more roasting kits are available for purchase at retail locations around grounds.  Please note burning wood embers and smoke will be present at the event. 

VIP fire pits can be reserved in advance for up to 20 guests. Garden Glow admission required for fire pit rental; add fire pits when purchasing your advance Garden Glow admission. Not available for purchase night-of; must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. VIP fire pits are propane-powered. 

 

Flashing Lights Warning 

Garden Glow features animated, flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or other photosensitivity.   

Sensory Night—New for 2025
Experience a special presentation of Garden Glow with reduced sensory stimuli on Tuesday, November 18. Garden Glow admission required. 

 

Gifts 

The Garden Gate Shop, located inside the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, offers a variety of holiday gift options and garden merchandise.  Additionally, purchase light up necklaces and cups at certain locations around Garden grounds to enhance your Glow experience. 

 

Inclement Weather Policy 

All of our events are held rain/snow or shine, except in the case of dangerous or extreme weather. In the event that there is dangerous or extreme weather, the Garden will notify guests that the event has been cancelled through the website and all of our social media channels. If the Garden cancels the event, please join us on another Glow evening and present your tickets for entry; no exchange or additional action is required. 

 

No Pets 

No pets allowed, please. Assistance animals (ADA service animals) are welcome at the Missouri Botanical Garden; service animal owners subject to screening prior to entry. 

 

Parking 

Free parking is available at our two lots located at the corner of Shaw Blvd. and Vandeventer Ave. View parking map > 

Shuttle service is provided from these secured lots on all Garden Glow evenings. 
 
Please respect our neighbors and refrain from parking on residential streets or private lots. Vehicles parked on private lots are subject to towing at the vehicle owners’ expense.   

 

Santa Claus 

Santa is coming to Garden Glow Monday and Tuesday evenings from November 18 through December 9. Make a wish and enjoy family photo ops.  

 

Sensory Map 

The Missouri Botanical Garden strives to make all visitors feel welcome. View the Garden Glow sensory map and visual schedule ahead of your visit.   

Sensory Night—New for 2025
Experience a special presentation of Garden Glow with reduced sensory stimuli on Tuesday, November 18. Garden Glow admission required. 

 

Ticket Exchange Policy 

We are happy to exchange any unused tickets up until January 3, 2025. There is a $10 fee per order for exchanges. 

 

Passion. Plants. People. Planet. 

The mission of the Missouri Botanical Garden is "To discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life."

Your support makes it possible for the Garden to discover and protect plant life here at home and around the world.

Discover + Share

 

Location & Parking

The Missouri Botanical Garden is easily accessible from the St. Louis metro area and conveniently located near Interstate 44.

Please respect our neighbors and refrain from parking on residential streets or private lots. Vehicles parked on private lots are subject to towing at the vehicle owners' expense.