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 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.
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 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, 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
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 – 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 can’t 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.
However, this year 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
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.
Past opportunities:
Visits with Santa:
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.
Shuttle rides and overflow parking:
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.
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. 🙁