Wichita on the Cheap

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Botanica Illuminations 2025: Light Show & Santa

Botanica’s Illuminations is an annual tradition in Wichita, which fills the night sky with holiday lights (up to two million of them!) and Christmas music. In addition to the amazing displays, show, and carousel rides, Illuminations will have live carolers each night, hot cocoa and treats, and the opportunity to visit Santa.

Illuminations Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 4, 2025

Looking for a magical way to celebrate the holidays? Illuminations at Botanica is lighting up Wichita once again with one of the most dazzling displays in the Midwest. From November 22 through January 3, visitors can stroll through Botanica’s 20 acres transformed into a twinkling wonderland filled with over two million lights, festive music, and glowing displays around every corner. Recently voted one of the Top 10 Best Light Shows in the country, this annual event is a must-see for families, couples, and anyone who loves the sparkle of the season.

The countdown to Illuminations has begun, and tickets are officially on sale! This year, we expect record-breaking attendance, so be sure to secure your tickets early. Purchasing your tickets online is easy and can be done in advance to make sure you receive the dates that you want. We’ve implemented timed entry to maintain a steady flow of guests and create the best possible experience for everyone. Your ticket not only grants you access to the gardens, but also to the holiday magic that has made Illuminations a must-see winter event. 

Each year, Botanica adds something special, and 2025 is packed with new reasons to visit! Don’t miss Botanica’s newest installations, including Tulipscapes, an immersive floral light experience in the Margie Button Memorial Fountain, and a Gilded Age spin in the Shakespeare Garden to immerse yourself in red and gold holiday charm. Step inside the vibrant butterfly installation in the Butterfly House, a colorful, one-of-a-kind light display, then be wowed by the 62-foot dancing Christmas tree, synchronized to holiday music. Make sure you visit the holiday train express and the whimsical land of miniatures filled with festive flair, and don’t miss the returning favorites like the Funky Tree, Meadow Show, and countless gems throughout the gardens. 

You can still count on all the traditional favorites that make Illuminations so special, like the Funky Tree, Meadow Show, and countless gems throughout the gardens. Plus, no holiday outing is complete without a visit from Santa! Stop by to see the jolly man himself and drop off your letter. He’ll be visiting through December 23. Then, cap off the night with a spin on the Khicha Family Carousel, and check out special edition Illuminations apparel at the pop-up gift shops for a perfect holiday keepsake.

Whether it’s your first visit or an annual family tradition, there’s always something new to discover at Illuminations.

For those who want to experience Illuminations without the long walk, our golf cart tours are the perfect option. Whether you’re bringing grandparents, young children, or just want to sit back and relax while soaking in the magic, our guided golf cart tours offer a unique perspective on the gardens. Golf cart tours are especially popular for guests who want to experience Illuminations in comfort or who may have limited mobility.  

Tours are available beginning November 22 on a limited basis. Tours begin at 4:30 pm and are about 45 minutes in length. They cost $175 for up to 5 guests; $150 minimum per golf cart, and admission into Illuminations is included. The tour includes hot cocoa and popcorn from our lobby concessions after your tour!

Every year, we work to make Illuminations more enchanting, more magical, and more breathtaking than the last. This year is no exception, and we can’t wait for you to see what we’ve created. Whether you’re drawn in by the twinkling lights, the festive atmosphere, or simply the joy of spending time with loved ones, Illuminations at Botanica is the perfect way to celebrate the season. So bundle up, grab your tickets, and get ready to be enchanted!

This article is sponsored by Botanica Wichita.

Illuminations Dates & Prices:

  • Botanica is set to enchant visitors every night from November 22nd to January 4th.
  • The event features hourly time slots.
  • Admission to Illuminations is:
    • $19 for non-member adults
    • $15 for member adults
    • $12 for children ages 3 -12
    • Free for children 2 and under.
    • All tickets must be purchased online in advance, as walk-in tickets will not be available or accepted.
Illuminations at Botanica Wichita

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2 Responses

  1. I believe the Value Mart on Douglas is out of business. When I was by last week, the name was off the building and all the windows were “papered”.

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