Botanica Illuminations

Photo by Rick McPherson

Botanica’s Illuminations is an annual tradition in Wichita, which fills the night sky with holiday lights (two million of them!) and Christmas music.

The entire community is invited to Illuminations to tour the gardens, enjoy the holiday-themed activities and atmosphere and – new this year – ride the restored Joyland carousel!

Illuminations will be open daily (with the exception of December 24 and 25) from November 29, 2019 to January 4, 2020.

The hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Below, we have information on what you’ll see, how much it costs, and where to park for Illuminations 2019.

Photo by Rick McPherson

Related:

Where to See Christmas Lights in Wichita

Holiday and Christmas Events Wichita, KS

What you can do and see at Botanica Illuminations

Illuminations transforms each garden area inside Botanica into a different themed holiday display or uniquely lit botanical setting.

Brightly lit larger-than-life flowers and bugs are placed throughout the gardens, and the pond and fountains are home to floating, lit-up giant trees that dance to the beat of the music.

Every night, Santa visits and takes pictures with the children, and everyone enjoys the Candy Cane Lane and funky tree.

The Children’s Garden brings smiles to young and old with lit monster trees, fairy lights in the musical maze and fun holiday creatures lighting up every corner.

Live carolers and music groups are even on hand to entertain. Hot chocolate, s’mores, dinner and more are sold throughout the gardens and, on the weekends, an adult hot toddy bar is available, as well.

Joyland Carousel at Illuminations

New this year! Botanica will have the restored Joyland Carousel open for rides during Illuminations this year. The carousel has been completely restored and is housed inside a brand new building.

You can purchase carousel ride tokens for $3 each at the front desk or inside the carousel building.  

Because Illuminations is so popular and so many people will likely want to ride the newly opened carousel, it is possible for the rides to sell out on any particular night. 

If you’d rather skip the crowd, you can purchase a VIP Santa pass OR visit Botanica during the day, from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday beginning November 30. But this visit won’t include admission to Illuminations, and regular Botanica admission will apply. 

How much does it cost to go to Botanica’s Illuminations?

Tickets are $12 for adults. $8 for members, military & youth. Children ages 2 and under are FREE. But please note:

You’ll pay more at the door.

If you wait to buy tickets at the door, admission to Illuminations will be $13 for adults, $9 for members, military, and youth ages 3-12. You will save $1 per ticket by purchasing online. You can also get tickets to Illuminations at any Wichita Quik Trip location.

This year you’ll be able to purchase some additional options: VIP tickets for Santa and Behind the Scenes Illuminations Tours.

Keep reading to find out more about those, as well as where to park for Illuminations.

VIP Visits with Santa

Santa visits Illuminations every night because he loves the lights! But on particular nights this year, you can skip the line to see Santa – and get to ride the newly restored Joyland Carousel! –  with a $30 VIP Santa Pass.

VIP Santa passes include admission to Illuminations and are available to purchase on the Botanica website.

You’ll want to arrive promptly at 4:30 to see Santa and ride the Carousel before the doors open to the public at 5:30. Your VIP ticket will include early parking and admission into Illuminations. Each guest will receive a special gift from Santa.

Where to park at Illuminations

During Illuminations, Botanica provides additional parking with a shuttle service that takes you to and from the gardens. 

Park in the south parking lot across from the Wichita Art Museum on Museum Blvd. Shuttles begin at 5:30 p.m. and will make final pick ups from Botanica’s south gate at 9:15 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10:15 on Fridays and Saturdays. The shuttle will be running every night!

They will also offer another parking option located just west of Cowtown at the south gate and comfortably within walking distance. This might be a great option if you’re attending Cowtown’s Victorian Christmas on the same night.

Illuminations

Date: November 29 to January 4 (excluding Dec. 24 & 25)
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: 701 Amidon, Wichita, KS 67203
Cost: $12/$13 adults ($8/$9 members, military, and youth

With more than 2 million lights and new themed displays, Illuminations transforms Botanica’s gardens into a vast winter wonderland with themed light displays, electric train, hot cocoa, and live music.