When the holiday season arrives in the Carolinas, Daniel Stowe Conservancy transforms into a glowing winter escape with Holidays at the Garden, Stowe’s most anticipated annual event. Spanning 90 acres of botanical gardens, this immersive holiday light experience features millions of twinkling lights, dancing fountains, interactive installations and festive snapshots around every turn. It’s a must-see holiday tradition for families, couples and visitors of all ages.

Holidays at the Garden is now open daily through December 24, closed Christmas Day and open for an encore weekend December 26-27. Here are our pro tips on how you can make the most of your visit:

Know Before You Go 

Holidays at the Garden is a walking-tour style light display invites visitors to wander along paved, gravel and brick pathways (all stroller and wheelchair-friendly!) as the gardens glow under a canopy of lights. Bundle up in your coziest sweater and be sure to check the weather, as the exhibit is almost entirely outdoors.

PSA: parking is free, making your holiday outing even easier!

Food trucks are on-site nightly, as well as bars throughout the Gardens, so you can sip on a delicious, warm (optionally spiked) beverage as you enjoy the lights. There are also plenty of benches and fire pits throughout for when you need to take a rest and take in the views.

Check out the Food Truck Schedule here. 

To ensure entry on popular nights, advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended.

Ticket options include:

  • General Admission Tickets – valid for a specific date (non-refundable)

  • Flex Tickets – reschedule for any open night between November 28 and December 27, perfect for unpredictable weather or changing plans

Pricing is as follows:

Members receive 15% off!*

Flex Ticket Pricing (Provides the flexibility to attend any night!)

Adult: $33 | Senior (60+): $30 | Child (2-12): $25

General Ticket Pricing (Attend on a specific date)

Adult: $28 | Senior (60+): $25 | Child (2-12): $20

Value Night Pricing (Monday-Thursday on a specific date):

Adult: $24 | Senior (60+): $22 | Child (2-12): $18

Children under 2: Free

2025 highlights include:

  • Glowing, interactive lights across our spectacular Prairie Castle Playground and Adventure Trail that make for magical evenings your kids will never forget!
  • Our highly anticipated Four Seasons Light Show
  • Rides on our holiday trackless train on Saturday evenings in December until Christmas from 6-8 p.m. (December 6, 13, 20; sponsored by RayNathan’s)
  • Visits with Santa on Friday and Saturday evenings in December until Christmas from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20)
  • The Peacock Parlor, an adults-only speakeasy (shhh!) with exclusive holiday cocktails ($5 cover charge)
  • We have over 50 wooden Community Trees creatively decorated by members of our community. From individuals to families to local businesses, this display highlights the artistic talent and colorful ideas of our members and guests. Follow the road beyond the Williamson Conservatory to explore the Community Trees exhibit.

More Indoor Fun 

Need to take a break from the cold? The magic continues inside the Garden Pavilion, where guests are greeted by the breathtaking 14-foot live Orchid Tree, a radiant showpiece perfect for holiday photos. You can even dedicate an orchid on the tree to a loved one! Learn more here.

We’re proud to host an exciting lineup of live music in the Great Hall as well, featuring talented local choirs and performers on piano, violin, flute and more. Check out the live music schedule here and thank you to Minick Law for sponsoring the tunes!

Upcoming Special Events:

In addition to nightly light displays, the 2025 season features limited-time holiday events and experiences:

Village Vibes

Holidays at the Garden is a can’t-miss exhibit, but we encourage you to extend your holiday activities into The Village, too! From our brand-new Christmas Tree Farm to cozy, twinkling lights as you sip delicious holiday drinks, The Village is your go-to spot for relaxing holiday fun. We encourage you to make a day of it and spend your afternoon in The Village before attending Holidays at the Garden. Here’s our guide to making the most of the holiday season at Stowe:

  • If you and your family/friends are an outdoorsy bunch, we recommend taking advantage of the beautiful weather we’ve had of late and hitting the trails in the morning. Stowe has 8+ miles of trails on the property and we offer hiking loops of all lengths and for all skill levels!
  • Shop till you drop at The Farmhouse Garden Center, now fully stocked with all the whimsical, vintage and trendy Christmas decor that your heart desires.
  • You can even select a beautiful Christmas tree while you’re at Farmhouse! We’ve converted our Farmhouse courtyard into a Christmas Tree Farm stocked with trees of all sizes.
  • Seasonal sips at The Trailhead Store, which has transformed into a cozy, Christmas cabin.
  • Scenic outdoor seating to settle back for a picnic with the whole family.

Holidays at the Garden is more magical than ever in 2025… but don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what guests have had to say so far:

“It’s truly the best holiday lights ever! Please extend our thanks to your entire staff! Remarkable job. Well done.”

“The lights are the most creative and beautiful I’ve ever seen!”

“We are flabbergasted at the number and variation of lights! Here’s to the Stowe staff for exceptional work!”

“This is a can’t-miss season of Holidays at the Garden. Y’all have outdone yourselves!”

Start a new family tradition and join us on Christmas Eve! Come out early; we’ll be open from 4:30-7 p.m. and you’ll make it home in time to leave cookies for Santa! There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas Eve than with holiday light fun for the whole family.

Over the years, Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy has become a beloved regional holiday tradition—where nature, light, and seasonal joy intertwine. From romantic date nights and festive music to family adventures and cozy fireside moments, there’s something magical for everyone.