Adults surrounded by glowing green lights and warm yellow lights

November 15–January 3

Closed November 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.

 

 

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. Pricing and menu available soon. 

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. and can include s'mores and hot cocoa for an additional charge. 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 until 9 p.m. during Garden Glow | 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.

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 14–December 9 | 5–9 p.m.

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

 

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. 

New this year, the Snow 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

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

$24

$10

$19

$8


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

FREE*

*Six free adult or child admission per Festival membership. 

Closed November 28 and December 24–25.


Plan Ahead Pricing
A $2 surcharge will be added to all general admission and adult member tickets purchased after 4:30 p.m. for same-night admission. 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 

Glow offers many great food and beverage options.  

Sassafras Restaurant offers seated dinning from 5–8 p.m. nightly.

Additional food and beverage locations are accessible throughout the Glow path. 

 

Family Nights 

On Wednesdays from November 19 through December 10, kids tickets (ages 3–12) are just $5. 

 

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 (72 hours minimum notice) and can include hot cocoa and s'mores for an additional charge. Garden Glow admission required for fire pit rental; add fire pits when purchasing your advance Garden Glow admission. 

 

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. 

 

Glow Early and Save 

Take advantage of smaller crowds and discounted pricing by visiting Garden Glow early in the holiday season , Mondays–Thursdays from November 17 through December 11. 

 

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. 

 

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 16 through December 9 (closed November 28) 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 4, 2024. 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.