Holiday Wonders Lights Up Memphis Botanic Garden

The magic of the holidays is back at the Memphis Botanic Garden with Holiday Wonders, a beloved seasonal event that transforms the garden into a glowing wonderland. 

Running select nights from late November through December, this experience is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the season at their own pace.

people walk through holiday light display
Julian Harper

Memphis has a lot of great holiday traditions. What makes Holiday Wonders unique is its relaxed, laidback vibe. There’s no need to rush here; in fact, it’s best enjoyed when you take your time. 

Stroll leisurely through the captivating light displays, which include favorites like the towering trees of City of Light and the colorful tunnel of Northern Lights. The displays, coupled with the serene natural surroundings, creates an enchanting atmosphere that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Before heading into the garden, make sure to stop by the event’s concessions area for hot cocoa or a cocktail. The pricing is really honest with hot cocoa and hot apple cider priced at $2. The adult beverages run $7.

aerial shot of Memphis Botanic Garden lit up for Holiday Wonders
Julian Harper
family smiles looking at holiday lights
Alex Shansky

Kids will delight in family-friendly activities and opportunities to meet Santa on select nights. They’ll really love the light up the area that allows them to run across light up dots that change colors as they jump to each one or the "snow" at My Big Backyard.

Every year, they seem to add a little more light installations and an emphasis on great photo opp stations. 

If you’re planning a visit, consider going early to avoid peak crowds and give yourself plenty of time to explore. Bundle up, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for an evening of wonder and relaxation. 

entrance and fountain of garden lit up for holiday display
Julian Harper
kids area with lit up circles
Julian Harper

Upcoming themed nights at the time of this post include:

December 12 - Paw-liday Wonders
Explore Holiday Wonders at the Garden with your favorite fur baby for our special pet-friendly night. Plus Santa will be on-site to check & make sure your pup is on the nice list.

December 15, 22 - Santa Sundays
Santa will be offering season’s greetings in Northern Lights, an area with a magical glow and festive cheer. 

December 16 - Snow Queens
Wear your best tiara or crown and come twirl under the Magic Snowfall and meet Elsa and Anna!

December 17 - Jingle Jammies 
Grab your best jammies for a fun and festive evening among the lights. Plus rock around the Christmas tree with Andrew Best and enjoy a holiday storytime at 6 and 7 pm.

December 18 - 901 Night
Celebrate our winter 901-derland in the heart of Memphis. They’ve invited some special friends including Elvis, Pouncer, and characters from Playhouse on the Square’s Wizard of Oz.

December 19 - Let It Glow
Wear your best light-up gear, glow sticks, and light wands, and join us for an extra bright night at the Garden! Plus don’t miss Grind City Hoop Troupe.

December 20 - Ugly Sweater Night
December 20 is National Ugly Sweater Day! Wear your ugliest holiday sweater for this fun & festive Friday night

December 26-28 - Holiday After Glow
The fun continues post Christmas for your last chance to visit!

All proceeds from Holiday Wonders directly support the Memphis Botanic Garden. Check out the Gifts of Green pop-up shop in the lobby for fun gifts and plants. 

 

GO THERE:

Holiday Wonders at Memphis Botanic Garden
750 Cherry Rd.

5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.)

Select nights: November 29-December 28

TICKET PRICING:

Weeknights (Mondays-Thursdays):
Advance: $12 MBG Members/$15 Non-Members
Same Day Tickets: $17

Weekends (Fridays-Sundays):
Advance: $15 MBG Members/$17 Non-Members
Same Day Tickets: $20

Children under 2 are free.

play area lit up with fake snow falling
Julian Harper
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About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

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