Holidays at the Garden opens Nov. 20
The decade-old tradition Holidays at the Garden opens Nov. 20 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road.
In addition to touring the garden and outdoor light displays, children can visit with Santa 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday Nov. 20-Dec. 20, then daily 6-9 p.m. Dec. 21-23. Mrs. Claus also will visit the garden on select nights including Dec. 24.
Holidays crafts will be available for children nightly Nov. 20-Dec. 24, and either karaoke or live music will entertain guests each night through Dec. 24.
Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from Southern Breezes Carriages 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 31. Carriage rides cost $6 adult, $4 children ages 3-12.
There also will be cocoa, lattes and espresso from Catawba Coffee of Mount Holly, s’mores over the outdoor campfire, dinner from Ranucci’s Big Butt BBQ or Two Chicks and a Truck on select nights, and beverages from the garden’s bars.
A model train display created by the Metrolina Model Railroaders depicts North Carolina’s Saluda Mountain Grade, the steepest mainline railway gauge in country.
Admission is $14.95 adult, $13.95 senior 60 and older, and $8.95 child 2-12. The garden is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 20-Jan. 3 and the lights come on at 5 p.m. nightly.
The garden will be open 5-9 p.m. Thanksgiving and closed on Christmas. For more information, visit DSBG.org or call 704-825-4490.
Want to go?
Special events are planned at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Advance reservations are required one week before each event. Register at DSBG.org.
▪ Cookies and Cocoa with Santa on Saturday, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12, $30 per guest, includes Holidays at the Garden admission. Children can decorate cookies and create a special gift for someone on their list. Mrs. Claus will lead a sing-a-long and more.
▪ Holiday Tea, 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6, $30 per guest, includes Holidays at the Garden admission. Taste a variety of teas and learn the benefits of each.
▪ Holiday Wine Pairing, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 13, $60 per guest, includes Holidays at the Garden admission. Josh Beasley of Trinchero Family Estates will present wines with small plate pairings crafted by chef Neil Bratton of the Fish Market Bar & Grill in Baxter Village of Fort Mill.
▪ Sparkle & Glow New Year’s Eve, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 31. Free with admission to Holidays at the Garden. No registration required. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly early event featuring New Year’s Eve traditions from around the world and a luminary release at the end of the night. Sparkling wine and cider tastings cost $20 per guest.
▪ Hair of the Dog Hike, 11 a.m. Jan. 1. Free with admission to Holidays at the Garden. No registration required. Kick off the new year with a guided garden hike. A specialty Bloody Mary bar will be available after for additional cost.
In addition, continuing education classes also are offered during the holiday season.
▪ Holiday Candle Making, 3-5 p.m. Nov. 21. Create scented candle to use for the holidays. To add a personal touch, bring your own glass container of 8 oz. or less. Cost: $50.
▪ Holiday Wreath Workshop, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Build a custom wreath from scratch and decorate it. Cost: $55.
▪ Parent-Child Workshop: Scandinavian Stars, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Dec 5. Craft and decorate old fashioned paper Scandinavian Stars. Best for ages 5-12.
▪ Papercrafting: Holiday Cards, 1:15-3:15 p.m. Dec. 6. Make cards using rubber stamps and new techniques. Cost: $27.
▪ Photographing Holiday Lights, 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Learn how to use camera settings for shooting holiday lights. Cost: $60.
This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 1:34 PM with the headline "Holidays at the Garden opens Nov. 20."