ENCINITAS — The San Diego Botanic Garden will transform Saturday night into a dazzling winter wonderland with shimmering lights — and will remain that way each night during the holiday season.
More than 125,000 sparkling lights will illuminate the flora of the 37-acre garden from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Dec. 5 to Dec. 23 and from Dec. 26 to Dec. 30.
The lights will be located in several areas of the garden: the iconic Lawn Garden, Tropical Rainforest, Waterfall Deck, Undersea Succulent Garden, Eucalyptus Grove, Seeds of Wonder (children’s area) and Bamboo Garden, which contains the nation’s largest collection of bamboo.
Nightly entertainment, including local blues and jazz bands, as well as delicious food from Red Oven Artisanal Pizza and Pasta, and hot coffee and treats from the Jitter Bean, will be available. Numerous family-friendly activities are also part of the festivities including:
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- Â Â Â Â Horse-drawn wagon rides (on selected evenings)
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- Â Â Â Â Holiday Crafts
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- Â Â Â Â Spin Art
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- Â Â Â Â Marshmallow Roasting
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-     Visits with Santa (December 5 – 23)
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- Â Â Â Â Hot Mulled Wine (on selected evenings)
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- Â Â Â Â Snow for sledding (on selected evenings)
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- Â Â Â Â Puppet Shows (on selected evenings)
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- Â Â Â Â Holiday Carolers (on selected evenings)
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- Â Â Â Â Nutcracker display
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Unique plant-related gift items will be on sale at our Gift Shops, including cork purses, garden-themed jewelry, hats, aprons, candles, and garden art.
The nightly event costs $10 for adult members, seniors, active military and students; $15 for adult non-members; $5 for children ages 3-12 and free for children ages 2 and under. There will be additional fees for some activities.
