BELMONT, N.C. – Holidays at the Garden, opening to the public on Nov. 18, is one of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s most-anticipated events in which the Garden glows with holiday spirit from the twinkling trees to the sparkling fountains and is transformed into a natural winter wonderland filled with unique festive décor including a towering tree of orchids, more than 600,000 lights, and illuminated displays.

In addition to the lights, visitors can enjoy the following.

Children can visit with Santa from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18, then daily from 6 to 9 p.m. from Dec. 19-23. Mrs. Claus will also visit the Garden on select nights from 6 to 9 p.m. including Monday through Wednesday Nov. 28 – Dec. 21 and also Dec. 22 – 24. The Children’s Holiday Discovery Trail and either karaoke or live music will entertain guests each night.

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from Southern Breezes Carriages from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 31 (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve) and also Dec. 19-21. Carriage rides are $6/adult, $4/child 3-12, and free for children under 3. The Garden Tram will be available for rides when the carriages are not available and rides are free with admission from 6 to 9 p.m.

Visitors can enjoy hand-crafted coffee and espresso beverages from Crowders Creek Coffee Co., s’mores over the outdoor campfire, dinner from a food truck (select nights only), and beverages from the Garden’s bars.

A special model train display created by the Metrolina Model Railroaders depicting North Carolina’s Saluda Mountain Grade, the steepest mainline railway gauge in country, provides a particular fascination for children and train enthusiasts alike. Various model train displays can be found throughout the Garden.

Admission for Holidays at the Garden is $14.95/adult, $13.95/senior 60+, and $8.95/child 2-12. Members receive a 30% discount for themselves and up to four guests. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15+. The Garden is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 18 – Jan. 1 and the lights illuminate at 5 p.m. nightly. The Garden will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving and will be closed on Christmas. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.DSBG.org or call (704) 825-4490. A special thank you to sponsors including David Belk Cannon Foundation as the presenting sponsor, Duke Energy and Gaston Travel & Tourism as the supporting sponsors, and K104.7 and 103.7 WSOC as the media sponsors.

Visitors can also register for special events throughout the holiday season during Holidays at the Garden. Advance reservations are required one week prior to each event and can be made online at www.DSBG.org or by calling (704) 829-1252. Special events include:

Capture the Magic with Santa on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 11 & 18; 3 – 5 p.m.
Packages start at $40. Rick Belden Photography will be available to take professional photos of your children/family with Santa. View photo packages and pricing below which also include a free hot chocolate, special gift from Santa and a fun craft activity. Please note, personal photography is not permitted. Santa will be available for all guests and personal photos 6 – 9 p.m. No discounts apply to photo packages.

Holiday Tea Tasting on Sunday, Nov. 27; Seatings at 1 & 3 p.m.
$30/guest (admission to Holidays at the Garden included) Celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon of traditional tea paired with scrumptious snacks. Sample a variety of teas and learn the benefits of each.

Giving Tuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 29; 12 – 8 p.m.
Free admission with a School Supply Donation for Classroom Central (see website for specific items) Join us as we celebrate this season of giving with regional nonprofits. Visit with the organizations to learn how you can help!

Holiday Wine Pairing on Saturday, Dec. 10; 3 – 5 p.m.
$50/guest (admission to Holidays at the Garden included) Local wine expert Kimberly Forrester of Johnson Brothers Distributors will present an array of wines that will pair with a delicious variety of foods from local vendors. You’re sure to enjoy this afternoon of wine, food and great company.

Sparkle & Glow New Year’s Eve on Saturday, Dec. 31; 6 – 9 p.m.
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. Wish lanterns are available for purchase for a luminary release at the end of the night for wishes in the New Year! Sparkling wine tasting available for an additional $20 per guest.

Hair of the Dog Hike on Sunday, Jan. 1; 11 a.m.
Free with admission to Holidays at the Garden, no registration required. Kick off the new year with a refreshing guided Garden hike on New Year’s Day! A specialty Bloody Mary bar will be available at noon (additional cost).

In addition to special events, a variety of continuing education classes are also offered during the holiday season. Guests can register online at www.DSBG.org or call (704) 829-1252. Classes include:

Photographing Holiday Lights on Sunday, Nov. 20; 5 – 7:30 p.m. Instructor: Dave Kelly, DEK Photography. Learn how to utilize the settings on your camera for beautiful photos of the holiday lights. Cost: $60

Holiday Wreath Workshop on Nov. 26 or 27; 12:30 – 3 p.m. Build a stunning custom wreath from natural materials to liven up your front door or gift to a loved one. Cost: $55

Scandinavian Stars Workshop on Saturday, Dec 3; 12:30 – 3 p.m. Craft two beautiful, old fashioned woven paper stars that can become part of your family traditions! Cost: $25

Pop-Up Holiday Card Making on Sunday, Dec. 11; 3 – 5 p.m. Instructor: Lore Spivey of Art with Pop. Learn the art and technique behind paper pop-ups! Create two intricate and exquisite holiday pop-up cards for your family and friends. Cost: $20

Holiday Sip & Paint on Saturday, Dec. 17; 3 – 5 p.m. Try your hand at painting in our holiday inspired class while sipping on a glass of wine. Cost: $30

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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, the Carolinas’ Garden for All Seasons, provides guests a chance to reconnect with nature. Located within 380 acres on the banks of Lake Wylie, spectacular gardens, sparkling fountains, a children’s garden, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, a visitor pavilion, gift shop and nature walks await the visitor. HGTV named it one of the nation’s “20 Great Gardens” and USA TODAY says the Garden is one of the nation’s best places to “welcome fall with a flourish.” Committed to the best in southern horticultural, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a must-see for all ages.