Holiday Lights at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Oct 28
2 min read
Lights in the prairie Light wrapped tree Walking the Holiday Lights Holiday lit fountain
Get ready to enter a world of festive lights and seasonal cheer at Daniel Stowe Conservancy's "Holidays at the Garden" — the heart of Gaston County's winter celebration! From November 28 to December 30, 2026, the Garden transforms into a holiday wonderland where twinkling lights, sparkling fountains, and immersive holiday displays bring the season's magic to life. Open select evenings from 5 to 10 pm, with final entry at 9 pm. this cherished annual tradition offers a perfect way to make memories and celebrate the season with family and friends.
A Winter Wonderland of Lights and Holiday Cheer
As you enter the Garden, follow beautifully lit pathways that guide you through themed displays bursting with holiday charm. Whether it's your first visit or an annual tradition, "Holidays at the Garden" delights visitors of all ages with accessible paths — ideal for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs — ensuring everyone can enjoy the festivities. Marvel at the breathtaking Orchid Tree outside the Great Hall, cozy up around crackling fire pits, and be sure to visit The Garden Store for unique, local holiday gifts!
Festive Activities to Warm Your Heart
Warm Up by the Fire
Bring family and friends to gather around a glowing outdoor fire to warm up as you treat yourself to irresistible holiday bites, sip on a warm drink that melts away the winter chill and browse Big Leaf Café for one-of-a-kind gifts that make the season shine.
Holiday Lights at the Garden Experiences for 2026
This year, Holidays at the Garden introduces exciting new activities for all ages:
The Holiday Speakeasy is back with new cocktails, elevated decor and a relaxing vibe to take you out of the chaos of the holidays and into your own personal lounge space.
Our Tram Road is home to the year’s Community Trees, creatively designed and decorated by local families, businesses and community partners.
The Holiday Trackless Train returns on Fridays in December leading up to Christmas (December 4, 11 + 18) from 6-9 p.m. for a choo-choo Christmas ride up and down our Tram Road!
Ho ho ho! Santa Claus visits our Garland Board Room on Saturdays and Sundays before Christmas (December 5-6, 12-13 + 19-20) from 6-8 p.m. for a very merry family tradition.
Make parking a breeze with optional VIP parking! Pre-purchase for a spot in our paved lot on Fridays or Saturdays, or during the week of Christmas. Free parking will be available in the grass overflow parking on those nights. On all other nights, parking is first come, first served. (Handicap-tagged cars will receive free reserved handicap parking.)
Local food trucks will be on site with hot dinner options.
Extend the Joy in "Christmas County" – Gaston County's Ultimate Holiday Extravaganza!
Don't let the magic end here— continue your holiday adventure with other incredible seasonal events in Gaston County, lovingly dubbed Christmas County. With enchanting parades, holiday festivals, snowless tubing, ice skating, and much more, Gaston County is your ideal weekend getaway this holiday season.
Create lasting memories and experience the season's joy at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and beyond, embracing all that Christmas County offers. Start planning your holiday getaway today to make the most of these festive experiences in Gaston County!
