EXPERIENCE THIS

Experience the Wonder this Holiday Season

TEXT BY OLIVIA WALL, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

as the days get shorter and we march closer to the new year, staffers at the Memphis Botanic Garden are busy getting the site’s 96 acres of grounds ready for winter. Tasks range from refreshing annual beds and planting bulbs to rehousing tropicals back into greenhouses to hanging lights—yes, lights! During the holiday season, employees transform approximately five acres of the garden into a winter wonderland complete with magic snowfall, light displays and festive seasonal fun for the whole family!

From its humble beginnings as Snowy Nights in 2010, this celebration of the holiday season has transformed into a largescale extravaganza. Holiday Wonders, the garden’s annual outdoor light exhibition features thousands of lights in four distinct areas. Planning begins early each year with installation commencing during late summer. Nearly every member of the garden team pitches in for the event’s relatively short run, 22 days in 2021. Team members agree all the effort is worth it, though, for every moment of delight, wonder and cheer the event brings to the community during the holiday season.

This unique and expansive outdoor experience is a delight for all ages. Whether you are looking for a fun date night or a family outing, Holiday Wonders at the Garden will grow even the grinchiest heart and is a perfect way to introduce visiting relatives or friends to Memphis. Enjoy signature cocktails, hot chocolate or apple cider while roasting s’mores in Yuletide Yard. Bask in the glow of the City of Memphis Christmas Tree in the Under the Stars Outdoor Lounge. Twirl beneath falling snow and explore the majesty of Playhouse Lane after dark in Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard. Visit Santa’s sleigh in Northern Lights and see the big man himself on Nov. 26, Dec. 5, 12 and 19.

every year, the Friday after Thanksgiving marks the opening night of Holiday Wonders at the Garden. More special nights have been added for 2021, including dog-friendly Santa Paws, where folks can experience the wonder with their furry friends, adults-only Mistletoe Monday (the perfect excuse for a festive date night), Jingle Jammies, featuring a special holiday storytime, and so much more! Think Santa and Elsa and ugly sweaters—oh my!

Two Season of Song concert experiences are on this year’s schedule; Scott Moore & the Memphis Symphony Big Band will perform on Dec. 5, and John Angotti will bring the holiday spirit on Dec. 19. These guest artists will perform holiday favorites to get you in the spirit, and the evening will conclude with a stroll through Holiday Wonders at the Garden.

A visit to Holiday Wonders at the Garden supports year-round programming and horticultural efforts at the Botanic Garden. This year’s event runs select nights, 5-8:30 pm, from Fri., Nov. 26, through Thur., Dec. 23. Tickets are $8 for Botanic Garden members (limit 6 per membership), $10 for nonmembers, and $12 if purchased the same day. Children under two are free. Tickets to Season of Song Concerts are $20 per person and include Holiday Wonders at the Garden admission. Learn more and purchase tickets at memphisbotanicgarden.com/wonders.