BELMONT – Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s annual Holidays at the Garden, opens to the public on Nov. 23. Visitors will experience a new orchestrated topiary display, wander through the new illuminated Piedmont Prairie Garden, explore the lights of fire and ice plus new lanterns in the perennial gardens and more.

Visitors may enjoy annual traditions including the 15-foot towering orchid tree, live music (daily 6 to 8 p.m.), holiday shopping in The Garden Store, crackling fires, the Children’s Discovery Trail of activities, warm beverages and more. Food service will be available every night in addition to beverages including coffee, hot chocolate, cider, beer, wine and other spirits.

Model train displays built by the Metrolina Model Railroaders can be found throughout the garden in addition to an expanded display of quaint buildings from Department 56’s Dickens’ Village Series. Santa Claus will be available Tuesday through Thursday from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for personal photos. Mrs. Claus will visit the garden Friday through Sunday evenings from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23 in addition to Christmas Eve from 6 to 8 p.m.

  Holidays at the Garden will be open Nov. 23 through Jan. 6, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m. each evening, although the garden will be closed Christmas Day. Holidays at the Garden admission is discounted for tickets purchased online in advance; prices increase at the door. Admission online in advance for Monday through Thursday is $12.95 per adult, $11.95 per senior 60+, $7.95 per child 2-12 and free for children under age 2. Admission online in advance for Friday through Sunday is $14.95 per adult, $13.95 per senior 60+, $8.95 per child 2-12 and free for children under age two. Guests may buy tickets online at www.DSBG.org.

Visitors can also enjoy special events throughout the holiday season.

Capture the Magic with Santa on select Mondays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 — Packages start at $49, visits available between 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Capture a magical memory with professional photos of your children or family with Santa. Please note, personal photography will not be permitted during this time. Advance reservations are required and can be made online.

Tea Tasting on Sunday, Dec. 2; Seatings at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.; $30/guest. Celebrate the holiday season with a variety of teas paired with scrumptious snacks while learning more about each type of tea. Advance reservations are required and can be made online.

First Tuesday: Behind the Scenes of Holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 4; 12-1 p.m.; free for members or with general admission. Guests will learn more about exciting updates to the 2018 display, how the display comes together and get some ideas for their own holiday décor for the holiday season. No need to register – just bring a lunch and enjoy.

Wine Pairing on Sunday, Dec. 9; 3-5 p.m.; $65/guest (admission to Holidays at the Garden included). Join special guest Chef Chad Hutcheson of the String Bean in Belmont, six-time winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, for this afternoon of small bites and delectable wine samples. Advance reservations are required and can be made online.

Sparkle & Glow New Year’s Eve on Monday, Dec. 31; 5-9 p.m. Free with admission tickets to Holidays at the Garden. A family-friendly event featuring traditions from around the world, live music, Holidays at the Garden and more.

Holidays at the Garden tickets are available at www.DSBG.org.

Hair of the Dog Hike on Tuesday, Jan. 1; 11 a.m. Free with general daytime admission or free for members Kick off the New Year with a refreshing guided garden hike on New Year’s Day.

Bloody Marys and mimosas will be available for purchase.