Watch: Botanical Gardens Alight With Holiday Spirit

LARGO, FL -- The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation and Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources is hosting the 18th annual Holiday Lights in the Garden event at Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

The family-friendly event will run through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. A donation of $5 per person is suggested for guests over the age of 13.

New this year will be expanded pathways and displays following the gardens’ newly opened Wetlands Walkway. More than one million twinkling, colorful LED lights of all shapes and sizes will attract visitors to the gardens from near and far. The Train Guys will be back again for the opening weekend of the event and will have their trains in the Wedding Garden, surrounding this year’s new holiday tree.

Santa will visit regularly throughout the event through Dec. 23, but families looking to get a picture should call in advance to see which night he’ll attend.

Each evening of Holiday Lights in the Gardens includes food, drinks and ice cream. Fun seasonal items will be available from the Botanical Bounty Gift Cart, located on the main plaza, while all types of seasonal gifts and décor will be available in the Botanical Bounty Gift Shop, located in the main building. Both will be open nightly.

To add to the sights and sounds, there will be nightly entertainment provided by local talent. Acts will be listed in the event’s weekly Play Bill.

Event updates will available via the “Holiday Lights in the Gardens” Hotline: (727) 582-5800 or by clicking here.

The event is the foundation’s most significant philanthropic effort each year, supporting the Florida Botanical Gardens’ maintenance, renovations and staffing. After the lights are put away, visitors are invited to return to the gardens during the day to see their natural beauty.

Image via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

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