Conservatory Aglow, made possible by Presenting Sponsor American Electric Power Foundation and Lighting Partner Ahlum and Arbor Tree Preservation, transforms the gardens into a festive wonderland.

The outdoor Conservatory experience glows with stunning, themed light displays. See new displays such as the light show in the rainbow tunnel, a disco dance party and a musical light show in the Grand Mallway. These fun new additions are featured alongside returning favorites, including ornament trees, the Whirly Tree by Tork Inc. and a larger-than-life gingerbread house.

This year, the wondrous sights extend into the interior Conservatory! Paths of candlelight lead guests through the biomes and past Dale Chihuly’s illuminated installations.

Entertainers and musicians will perform in the gardens on select evenings to enhance the experience. Guests can buy refreshments from the Garden Café, rotating food trucks and cash bars, and cross off their gift list at Botanica Gift Shop and Greenhouse.

A safe and enjoyable experience for guests and staff is our top priority. We thank all guests for reviewing these guidelines before their visit. A map is also available for guests to use to navigate the entire Conservatory during Conservatory Aglow.

Experiencing Conservatory Aglow

All there is to do and see during the evening. Be sure to make a list and check it twice!

Light Displays and Shows:

Light displays organized into vignettes brighten the Conservatory experience.

Vignette Locations:

Rainbow Tunnel Light Show: Botanical Garden Welcome Patio
Neon Whimsy: Idea and Sensory Garden n the Children's Garden
Dazzling Peacock: Sunrise Lawn in the Children's Garden
Disco Dance Party: Learning Pavilion in the Children's Garden
Glowing Grove: Nature Play Zone in the Children's Garden
Sparkling Seascape: Wetlands in the Children's Garden
Twinkling Trail: Whisper Gardens in the Children's Garden
Rocking Trees Light Show: Central Grand Mallway
Festive Pergola: Pergola in the Grand Mallway
Candy Lane and Gingerbread House: South Grand Mallway
Illuminated Terrace: John F. Wolfe Terrace
Brilliant Blooms: North Courtyard
Enchanted Night Sky: Bonsai Courtyard

Live Entertainment:

From 6-8pm on select dates, a variety of entertainers will perform at the Terrace by the John F. Wolfe Palm House.

November 25: The Amazing Giants Snowflake Rollerskaters
November 26: Acrobatic Duo
December 10: Acrobatic Duo
December 17: Santa and Live Reindeer
December 18: Santa and Live Reindeer
December 19: Hanukkah Celebration
December 20: Costumed Performer and Light Up Penny Farther
December 21: Mirror Duo
December 22: Bubble Babe
December 23: Holiday Stiltwalkers
December 26: Bubble Babe
December 27: LED Juggler
December 28: Mirror Duo
December 29: Costumed Performer and Light up Penny Farther
December 30: LED Juggler
January 6: Holiday Stiltwalkers
January 7: Snowflake Rollerskaters

Musical Performances:

Starting at 7pm on select dates, a variety of musical guests will perform indoors.

December 3: Scioto Valley Chorus
December 9: Columbus Gay Men's Chorus
December 16: Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra
December 19: The Music Men and Jen
December 31: In Full Swing Big Band

Candlelit Biomes:

Candles and warm uplighting light the way through the interior Biomes.

Hanukkah Celebration

December 19, 2022

5pm-7pm:

Celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, with the Jewish Community Center. All are welcome to celebrate and learn about the holiday during Conservatory Aglow on December 19.

Open to all, this special Conservatory Aglow evening is presented in partnership with the Jewish Community Center. The event will celebrate Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights”, with children’s crafts, activities and entertainment. Guests can celebrate Hanukkah and learn more about the traditions surrounding the holiday.

The evening festivities will include a public lighting of the menorah at 6:30pm. The rest of the activities will be available during the duration of the event, 5-7pm.

Please note, this is a special event that’s part of Conservatory Aglow on December 19. Guests should reserve Conservatory Aglow tickets on that date to attend. The entire event is included with Conservatory Aglow admission on that date, no additional reservations or tickets are needed.

Refreshments:

Dining options will available be from the Conservatory's Garden Café and local food trucks.

Every Night: Conservatory Garden Café:

November 25: Ono Toro Toro
November 26: Ninja Bowl
December 9: Tortilla Street Food
December 10: Schmidts
December 16: Tortilla Street Food
December 17: Pitabilities
December 18: Tortilla Street Food, Glaze’EM
December 19: Glaze’EM
December 20: Cupzilla
December 21: Cupzilla
December 22: Schmidt's
December 23: Ninja Bowl
December 26: Hogback BBQ
December 27: Dos Hermanos Taco Truck
December 28: The Queen’s Table
December 29: Hogback BBQ
December 30: Where It All Vegan
December 31: Dos Hermanos Taco Truck
January 6: Where It All Vegan
January 7: Pitabilities
Charlie's Old Fashioned Kettle Corn will be available on select nights.

Bar:

On select dates, a bar on the Botanical Garden Pathway will serve cocktails, beer and wine. Two specialty cocktails and one specialty mocktail will be available and served in a special light-up cup.

Spiced Cherry Mule: Simple Times Cherry Mule Mixer with Smirnoff Vodka or Jim Beam Bourbon
Cranberry Margarita: Simple Times Cranberry Margarita Mixer and Sauza Blanco Tequila
Santa's Little Helper Mocktail: Ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, maraschino cherry, grenadine

November 18-19
November 23
November 25-27
December 2-4
December 9-11
December 16-18
December 19-January 8

Vote for Conservatory Aglow!

Conservatory Aglow has been selected by USA TODAY as one of the best light shows at a botanical garden. Supporters can vote for the Conservatory daily through December 5. Vote Now

Date: November 19 - January 8, 2023

Time: 5pm-9pm

Location: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43203.

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