Botanica Illuminations

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 24 to December 31, 2017.

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.

Regular admission to Illuminations is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12. Botanica members get discounted admission of $7; however, this year there is a way for non-members to get a discount to Illuminations. Visit Old Cowtown’s Victorian Christmas and save your receipt; then, when you go to Illuminations, show your receipt at Botanica and you’ll get in for the member price ($7).

This year, behind-the-scenes group tours of Illuminations will 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.

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); $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.

Originally published Nov. 13, 2017