This wonderful holiday exhibit at the Naples Botanical Garden has become a holiday tradition for residents and visitors alike. The exhibit, now in its 15th year, runs in the evenings through January 7th. Not only do you get to enjoy the lush tropical landscape, but the stunning display illuminates the vegetation brilliantly for the utmost in holiday lights.
Some like to dine at the Fogg Cafe before they stroll around the gardens. The café’s menu offers salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and more. As you enter the garden a small pop-up bar on the right serves beer, wine, water and more for your enjoyment as you walk. It is one of two such bars along the pathway through the gardens. After the second, you’ll come to an area with a musician playing for your listening enjoyment. Benches and lit chairs are available, so sit, take a break, and enjoy the music.
You can continue to enjoy the glow of colorful holiday lights as you meander the path, seeing the lush tropical vegetation in a completely different way. Near the end, you will find a stand with hot chocolate, beignets and poffers with a variety of toppings, just the right amount of sweet.
Continuing along the path you’ll see a bromeliad Christmas tree leading to an open area with more colorfully lit seating. This is across a small pond which features the main musical entertainment for the evening. Check the calendar at naplesgarden.org for a full schedule of music and available tickets. Certain dates sell out quickly. Naples Botanic Garden members will pay $17 per ticket, non-members are $34 through December 15. December 16th through January 7th tickets are $20 for members and $40 for non-members.
If you’re not sure of the date, you can purchase a ‘flex’ ticket for a one-time only date exchange and now there is a GLOW ticket for an added price which gives you holospek glasses with a drink ticket and a light up necklace. The Glow ticket is also exchangeable for a one-time date change.
Naples Botanical Garden is at 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, Florida. 239-643-7275.