Missouri Botanical Garden Events
Through January 1
Garden Glow presented by Wells Fargo Advisors
The Garden’s Fifth Annual Garden Glow runs nightly from November 18 to January 1. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. with last entry at 9 p.m. The expanded event features more than 1 million lights, photo opportunities, food, drinks and music. New this year, Glow tickets include entry into Gardenland Express, the holiday flower and train show. Santa will visit Garden Glow on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights November 27 through December 14. Ticket prices vary by date, and range from $3 to $18. Visit www.mobot.org/glow for more information and to purchase tickets.
Through January 1
Gardenland Express presented by Wells Fargo Advisors
Stop by the holiday flower and train show, to see G-scale model trains wander through a floral wonderland of hundreds of colorful poinsettias and other traditional plants. This year’s theme is “Felices Fiestas” and celebrates poinsettias and their native country, Mexico. Gardenland Express is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is $5 in addition to Garden admission. Free for Garden members and children 2 and under. Gardenland Express is included in the price of evening Garden Glow tickets.
Through January 1
Holiday Wreath Auction
This display features some of the region’s most talented floral designers. Designs range from traditional to whimsical and are sold by silent auction bidding with proceeds benefiting the Missouri Botanical Garden. Included with regular admission.
Through January 1
Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House
The 19th century country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw is decorated for the holidays by Garden staff, volunteers and select Garden Clubs. See wreaths, garland, artificial floral centerpieces, greenery, Victorian era toys, and nature-inspired holiday trees. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tower Grove House will be open nightly during Garden Glow hours. Included with regular admission.
December 1
Book Signing 1 to 4 p.m.
The St. Louis Herb Society will sign copies of their new book, “Herbs A to Z” a book designed for the young and young at heart. This colorful work aims to connect readers to the world of herbs from Artemisia to Za’atar. Each herb highlighted in the book is hand-illustrated and includes a description of its historic origin or use. The book is available for $12 in the Garden Gate Shop and online from Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
December 9
Saturday with Santa from 1 to 4 p.m.
Listen to traditional and secular holiday carols from local schools and choirs inside the upper level of Ridgway Center and roaming the Garden outdoors. Santa and Rudolph make their way to the Garden for this annual favorite. Cider, cookies and cocoa available will be available for purchase. Included with regular admission.
December 10
Chanukah: Festival of Lights from noon to 4 p.m.
The event begins with the lighting of the first candle on the menorah. The female quartet Shir Ami (Song of My People) will entertain crowds as will the group HaShemesh (The Sun) who will sing and play contemporary Israeli folk music. Visitors will enjoy browsing through the “shuk” (marketplace) for Chanukah themed treasures. Included with regular admission.
December 27
Kwanzaa: Festival of the First Fruits from noon to 4 p.m.
Join us for the contemporary African-American holiday. This family-friendly celebration honors African traditions and history with storytelling and music to celebrate the feast before the dry season. Symbolic candle-lighting ceremonies are accompanied by African storytellers using traditional costumes and percussion music. Included with regular admission.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House Events
Through December 31
Winter Jewels daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Mondays and November 23 and December 24. The Butterfly House transforms into an enchanted land this winter! Escape the cold and experience Winter Jewels. Visit a fierce dragon and noble knights at the Castle, discover tropical jewel-toned butterflies and fairies in the Fairy Garden, and make new friends in the Gnome Forest. Join us daily at 11 a.m. for Books & Butterflies, our themed story time featuring special guest hosts of local heroes, authors, mascots, animal friends, and more! See the website for a Books & Butterflies schedule. Included with regular admission.
December 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17
Supper with Santa at the Butterfly House 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Before making his big trip around the world, Santa is stopping by the Butterfly House! Don’t miss Supper with Santa, where fun family memories are sure to be made. Enjoy a delicious pasta dinner, provided by Noodles & Co. See how the butterflies get into the holiday spirit with night strolls through the Tropical Conservatory. Santa’s Workshop stations offer children the chance to make fun crafts, including keepsake ornaments. After dinner, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Includes a picture with Santa. Space is limited, and reservations can be made via the website. $20 per person and $15 for Garden members. Free for infants 1 and under.
The Garden’s gift cards make great holiday gifts and can be used to purchase tickets for regular or special event tickets at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House or Shaw Nature Reserve. Gift cards can be used at all three locations and online through our website for tickets, memberships, classes, dining or shopping. Available for purchase at the Garden, Butterfly House and online.
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s mission is “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life.” Today, 158 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display.
For information visit www.mobot.org or call 314-577-5100.