Botanic Garden of Lights

When going back to update the post for 2024, I realized that I’d titled this “Garden of Lights 2024” last year….which was definitely 2023. Oh, dear. Such is my state of mind during the holidays apparently! This year probably isn’t much better, but at least I know what year it is. Anyway, we were lucky again to get to attend Tulsa Botanic Garden’s Botanic Garden of Lights sponsor/media preview night. We love this event every year, and they always have something new to see!

This year, the major addition is the Bost Arboretum, which opened in October. I hadn’t seen it since the construction fences went down, so we showed up early in the evening to see it in the light. The curving pathways carry you past water elements, through beautiful trees and up a short hill with sculpture and seating areas. Very relaxing and lovely.

Returning favorites include the cheerful mushrooms along the Lotus Pool, the towering frost giants in the Children’s Discovery Garden, and the thousands of gorgeous lights adorning the art deco-inspired Tandy Floral Terraces.

The Lotus Pool

The two kids we were with were most excited about roasting marshmallows over the firepits. So if your child remembers that from years past, yes, they still have s’mores kits! Joss doesn’t even care about s’mores, he just likes eating charred marshmallows. And they have hot chocolate (along with adult add-ins) as well as other beverages.

Additional entertainment:

• Santa will visit each night during Garden of Lights through Dec. 23
• Carolers on Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 6-8 p.m.
• Live Jazz Music in Mabee Grange Sundays in December, 6-8 p.m.
• Character Visits – the Grinch (Dec. 26); Elsa (Dec. 27); Buddy the Elf (Dec. 28); Snow Globe Ballerina (Dec. 29); the Nutcracker (Dec. 30), 6-8 p.m.

And of course, there are multiple photo opps, the snowball fight pit (great place to get some energy out – and don’t worry about it being too warm, the snowballs are made of cloth!), a fantastic gift shop, etc.

Keep an eye out for new garden kitty Paws hanging out by the Visitors Center

Dates and Tickets

This year’s Botanic Garden of Lights dates are Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 5-8, Dec. 12-23, Dec. 26-30, 5-9 p.m.

Tickets are $22 for ages 16+, $10 for ages 3-15. Ages 2 and under are free, but do reserve a ticket for them. Members receive discounts, and there are also discounts available for foster families and people who receive SNAP/WIC benefits, as part of the Museums for All program. See details at tulsabotanic.org/botanic-garden-of-lights/#prices