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.
Illuminations will be open daily (with the exception of November 25 and 26 and December 24 and 25) from November 14, 2020 to January 9, 2020. The Drive thru will be open until January 30.
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 2020.
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. It will be different this year, as it is every year, but the display is a mile long with many lights, pop-up train display, the funky tree, candy cane lane, and more. They will have live music in December from 7-8 p.m. in the Carousel gardens, so choose a time slot during that hour if you want to hear the performance. Hot drinks, candy, popcorn and merchandise (no s’mores this year) will be for sale; however, cash will not be accepted for these so be sure to bring a debit/credit card.
You will need your mask this year to enter and when you’re in the lobby, restrooms, or any buildings, when you’re in line, and any other time you aren’t able to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance from others. (You can take it off to enjoy your hot cocoa or snacks outside.)
Joyland Carousel at Illuminations
The Khicha Family Carousel will be open! You must pre-purchase your ride while purchasing your admission online. A limited amount of rides will be sold per time slot.
NEW Drive Thru Illuminations
This year, Botanica is making a drive thru Illuminations available!
Botanica’s Drive Thru Illuminations will be available November 14 ā January 30 (closed Nov. 25 & 26 and Dec. 24 & 25)
Wind around the main parking lot while viewing over 350,000 lights dance to music (it’s over a half mile drive – estimated time 10 minutes)
How much does it cost to go to Botanica’s Illuminations?
Drive Thru tickets are $20 per carload Sunday-Thursday and $25 per carload Friday and Saturday.
Walk Thru tickets are $13 for adults. $9 for members, military & youth. Children ages 2 and under are FREE. But please note:
Tickets are available online only this year.
You must pre-purchase your light display tickets online and choose a time slot to attend. *If you do not arrive within your 30-minute window, your ticket will be invalid and you will not be able to enter. Tickets for the drive thru will be available online only as well.
Your tickets will be scanned at the South Gate entrance across from Cowtown on Museum Blvd.
Keep reading to find out more, as well as where to park for Illuminations.
Visits with Santa
Santa visits Illuminations every year because he loves the lights!
He will be at Illuminations until December 23, but Santa needs to stay healthy for his big night this year, so you’ll see him waving and saying “hohoho” behind glass doors.
You can bring a letter to drop off in the BIG mailbox since he canāt have visitors whispering their wishes to him.
Where to park at Illuminations
In the past, during Illuminations, Botanica provides additional parking with a shuttle service that takes you to and from the gardens. This year, however, is a little different.
All guests will enter at the South Gate entrance (across from Cowtown). They will not have any buses or overflow parking. Due to the limited number of guests each night, there will be walkable parking close to the South Gate entrance.
Illuminations
Have questions? Botanica has answers. Visit the FAQ page at the Illuminations website if you need any more details.
Buy tickets here at the Illuminations website.
Date: November 14 to January 30 (excluding Nov. 25 & 26, 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) $20/ carload Sun-Thurs, $25 Fri & Sat
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.
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