Get Into the Holiday Spirit at Garden Glow St. Louis

Christmastime has arrived! I don’t know about you, but we are fascinated with discovering unique places to visit to get in the holiday spirit. The Garden Glow St Louis, with its two million lights and festive installations, seems to do the trick.

The Missouri Botanical Garden — one of our favorite U.S. botanical gardens, by the way — is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland every season. 

Learn about what’s going on inside this winter glowland, find out tips for your visit, and discover the other unique events held at the Missouri Botanical Garden. 

The Garden Glow, which began in 2012, is now a popular holiday tradition for many St. Louisans. Our first visit went like this. 

Joyful and merry music plays as we move along the illuminated walk. Humming and shaking our way to making our spirits bright!

Scroll to the Bottom for Info on Garden Glow Tickets

Greeting us almost immediately is the Blizzard Bar with drinks like the Merry Manhattan, Tree Topper (Fireball Hot Chocolate), and Snowed In (Peppermint Hot Chocolate). What better way to warm up than from the inside out, right?

We didn’t indulge in a drink this time since it would get in the way of us taking pictures. But as an adult, I like that it was an option. 

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We continue on our way through balls of light, lantern row, the twinkling tunnel, and even race through a radiating maze. 

The one-way path through the garden is just over a mile long. But there are so many fun photo opportunities throughout the walk that it takes some time getting through.

Looking for other holiday ideas in St Louis?

Check out Anheuser-Busch’s spectacular display here.

Concessions are set up throughout the botanical garden that offer refreshments, hot chocolate, kettle corn, hot dogs, and other snacks. The garden even has open fires where you can toast your own marshmallows.

The garden does a great job every year, making adjustments so it feels like a new experience. 

Garden Glow tickets also include admission to the Gardenland Express Holiday Flower and Train Show. The indoor playland will have six tracks of animated model trains and hundreds of festive holiday plants. 

READ NEXT: BEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS IN THE MIDWEST

The Missouri Botanical Garden was once the garden and country estate of a prominent local businessman, Henry Shaw. Opened in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States.

The Tower Grove House, where Shaw lived, is open to the public and decked out with holiday decorations. Warm up with a short self-guided tour inside!

Other special events include Family Nights on select Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights that offers discounted children tickets for $6; Interaction with Santa (previously Meet Santa) on select dates included with Glow admission; and an early family-friendly New Year’s Eve with dancing and a ball drop. 

Meet Santa Dates & Times Below

Hours: 5 – 9 pm

Mondays and Tuesdays, November 18th – December 9th, from 5 pm to 9 pm. 

RELATED: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN CHICAGO

Walking through the Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden is just the right thing to kick-start the holiday season. Read below for details and tips for your visit.

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Unique Places to Stay Near St. Louis Botanical Garden

• An Upscale B&B great for couples looking for a unique experience.
• The Drury Lane is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families. 
• Moonrise Hotel, a charming boutique hotel.

Details

• Address: 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri
• Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Dates: November 15th – January 3rd (Closed November 17th and 27th, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
• Garden Glow St Louis Tickets 2025: General Admission Adults $24, Children $12 and Family Nights & Bargain Nights Adults $22, Children $6.

Tips for Visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden Glow 2025

• Purchase Garden Glow tickets online in advance (a full refund will be given if due to the current situation if the event is canceled.) to guarantee entry.
• Follow the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Facebook page for Garden Glow coupon action. Every once in a while, they post discounts for certain dates. 
• Go on a weekday right at opening for discounted Missouri Botanical Garden tickets and to avoid crowds.
• Meet Santa is included in the Garden Glow ticket prices on Mondays and Tuesdays. 
• If you cannot make it on a weekday, purchase tickets online beforehand to save money.
• Avoid family night (discounted tickets for children) if you do not have kids.
• Parking is free and the lot is attached to the garden.
• Dress warmly. Although there are some parts indoors, the majority is outdoors.
• Selfie sticks are not permitted.

Have you been to the Garden Glow in St Louis? Share your experience below, and don’t forget to sign up to follow our adventures! 

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