While some may only think of evergreens and poinsettias for botanical features for the holidays, local gem Powell Gardens thinks bigger. Their fifth annual Festival of Lights opens November 11th and has new features to delight guests.
The event, which runs Wednesday through Sunday from November 11 to December 30, has always delivered in the lighting department. More than 20 miles of lights illuminate the Gardens’ tree collection and architecture, guiding guests to new features like the Enchanted Tiki Bar. The Bar resides in the glass-domed conservatory where visitors might have enjoyed the Butterfly Festival earlier this year. Enjoy island cocktails and live music in a lush environment of tropical plants.
Once you venture out of the tropical warmth, start your ramble at the Magic Tree, a Royal Purple Smoketree ensconced in 3.5 miles of colorful lights. The Garden collaborates with performance gurus, Quixotic on the Fountain of Light sound and light installation. The magic continues through the rest of the garden with lifesized snow globes, pop-up makers markets, and warming stations full of the requisite poinsettias.
As if the spectacles were not enough, Santa will post up at the Children’s Garden on Fridays and Saturdays from November 26-December 22, and his reindeer will be grazing at the Missouri Barn, ready for pictures on Saturdays from November 27-December 18. The Kansas City Ballet Second Company will perform seasonal favorites this weekend.
The Christmas season is off to a roaring start and Powell Gardens is the place to kick it off.
Get your tickets to the Festival of Lights at powellgardens.org.