'Tis the season for holiday lights! And for the first time ever, St. Louis families have the opportunity to see the Missouri Botanical Garden transformed into a glowing holiday wonderland.
Starting on Saturday, hundreds of thousands of lights will decorate the Garden's most iconic attractions, including the Climatron, Kaeser Memorial Maze, Central Axis and Tower Grove House, for Garden Glow 2013. Visitors are invited to the Garden after dark to stroll through the grounds and enjoy the breathtaking sights of some very unique light displays.
Walkways will be transformed into magical light tunnels filled with sensory explosions, and Tower Grove House will be decked for the holidays as a traditional candlelight village. Wishing Trees, Snow Balls, and "Glowmen" will all light the night sky, and provide interactive fun for guests of all ages.
(Your kids have probably decorated a Snowman, but have they ever decorated a "Glowman?" Now is their chance.)
In addition to all the beautiful lights, Garden Glow 2013 offers singing, dancing, shopping and dining for the entire family. Special Glow gear and a wide variety of food and drink will be available for purchase, and visitors can enjoy live music and performances from Dr. DJ Frost and the Freeze Team.
Kids – and kids at heart – will even be able to make their own S'mores in an open fire pit.
The Garden Glow 2013 Light Exhibit will be open Wednesday through Sunday evenings from November 23 to December 17, and nightly from December 18 to January 4. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. from November 23 to December 19, and 5 to 10 p.m. from December 20 to January 4. The Exhibit is closed December 24, 25 and 31.
The cost to attend Garden Glow 2013 ranges from $6 to $18 per person, depending on age, date of attendance, and membership status. Tickets are date-specific and sold in limited quantities, so purchasing in advance is recommended.
To learn more about Garden Glow and how to buy tickets for this winter wonderland, visit www.mobot.org/glow.
Photos courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for STL Parent, she is Contributing Editor at Parenting Squad, and covers parenting, health and lifestyle topics for publications across the country. She recently moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to a small town in rural Jefferson County, where she is learning to survive with no Target or Starbucks in sight. Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaChirco
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