Selby Gardens’ Light Display Returns Dec. 20
The family event, Lights in Bloom, celebrates 15 years of a holiday tradition with 15 nights of holiday cheer!
SARASOTA, Fla. – Nov. 1, 2018: The popular holiday light display at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens returns starting Dec. 20, 2018 and will run for 15 select nights to mark the event’s 15th anniversary. Lights in Bloom will showcase more than one million lights set in holiday scenes throughout the 15-acre garden.
Lights in Bloom is recognized as a holiday tradition for residents of, and visitors to Sarasota. To honor the 15 year milestone, Selby Gardens has expanded from its normally eight-night schedule to 15 evenings. Each night from Dec. 20–23, 26–30, 2018 and Jan. 1–6, 2019, the Gardens will be decorated in lighted displays that showcase iconic scenes at Selby Gardens. Beautifully lit rainforest butterflies, dragonflies, flowers and more will fill the gardens with a magical holiday glow. In addition, the Gardens will feature Lights in Bloom favorites from prior years such as the Wishing Tree and Santa’s North Pole workshop, in addition to new exhibits.
Planning and design for the annual event began in the springtime and it takes several weeks to install the lights. More than 700 volunteer positions help guide the nearly 15,000 people who visit the Gardens throughout the display.
The nightly events also include live entertainment by SoulRCoaster and The Hydramatic, family activities and games. Santa Claus visits nightly through Dec. 23, 2018 before returning to the North Pole. Grilled foods from Michael’s On East, along with beer and wine, will be available for purchase, as well as festive holiday treats like hot cocoa.
Admission for Lights in Bloom is $20 for Selby Gardens Members or $25 for general admission. Children ages 5–12 are $7 and five and under are free. Also offered is a “Selby Experience” pass for one night only on Dec. 22, 2018. The “Selby Experience” tickets are $125 for adults, $30 for children ages 4–17, and includes reserved parking, early admission, open bar, buffet and holiday desserts. Tickets for Lights in Bloom and for the “Selby Experience” can be purchased at https://selby.org/events/event/lights-in-bloom-2/
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is the the lead sponsor for Lights in Bloom, with additional sponsorships from Publix Charities, Visit Florida, and the Tourist Development Tax Revenues.
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About Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of tropical epiphytic plant species, including many orchid, bromeliads and gesneriads, with a focus on botany, horticulture and environmental education. For more information, please visit www.selby.org. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas, regular admission $20 (ages 18 and up), ages 4-17 $10, Members and children 3 and under enter free. Contact us at (941) 366-5731 or selby.org. Get social with us on Facebook, Instagram and more by searching @selbygardens.
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