Botanica’s Illuminations is an annual tradition in Wichita, which fills the night sky with holiday lights (over a million of them!) and Christmas music.
The entire community is invited to Illuminations to tour the gardens and enjoy the holiday-themed activities and atmosphere again this year, from November 23 to December 31, 2018.
Below, we have information on what you’ll see, how much it costs, and where to park for Illuminations 2018.
Related: Where to See Christmas Lights in Wichita
Illuminations transforms each garden area 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 our pond and fountains are home to floating, lit-up giant trees that dance to the beat of music. Every night, Santa visits and takes pictures with the children, and everyone enjoys the Candy Cane Lane and our 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.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Botanica’s Illuminations?
Regular admission to Illuminations is $10 for adults, $7 for members, military, and youth ages 3-12.
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 special parking privileges too – with a $20 VIP Santa Pass.
Those passes include admission to Illuminations and are available to purchase on the Botanica website.
Behind the Scenes Tours
This year, behind-the-scenes group tours of Illuminations will again be available. Bring your family, employees, colleagues, or friends for a look at what goes into transforming a botanical garden into a magical winter wonderland with a million lights.
The tour is given by reservation at least one week in advance, costs $25 per person, and requires a group of 5-15 people. Larger groups may be accommodated with advance notice.
Behind-the-scenes tours are held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Contact Janet Lyda at (316) 264-0448, ext. 109 for more information.
Where to Park at Illuminations
During Illuminations, additional parking and shuttle service will be available to make your arrival and departure as convenient as possible.
Park in the south parking lot across from the Wichita Art Museum on Museum Blvd., where shuttles will pick up passengers. Shuttles begin at 5:30 p.m. and will make final pick ups from Botanica’s south gate at 8:15pm. 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 if you’re attending Cowtown’s Victorian Christmas or another event.
Illuminations
Date: November 24-December 31 (excluding Dec. 24 & 25)
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: 701 Amidon, Wichita, KS 67203
Cost: $10 adults ($7 members & military); $7 children ages 3-12
With more than 1 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.
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”.
I believe you’re right. I heard something about that recently. 🙁