The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is beautiful any time of the year, but during December, it’s lit. The 12th Annual Holiday Lights at the Garden is coming up and has become a tradition for many families. Not only will the garden have lights throughout, but it’s a great addition for any family celebrating Christmas.

This annual event has become a staple for the Gardens.

“Not only is Holiday Lights at the Garden one of the primary ways guests have the opportunity to experience the Garden for the first time, and a special memory-making time for our guests, but it also serves as a key fundraising event to support our gardens, education events, therapeutic horticulture programs and other functions of the garden in pursuit of our mission to bring our community closer to plants and the natural world,” said Sheila Hanrick, director of marketing for the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

Santa will be there for kids and photos. S’mores will be available at the bonfire. Crafts and games will be plenty for kids and adults who are kids at heart.

New this year will be the showing of the movie “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” at the Gazebo. There will also be a scavenger hunt, aptly named “The Best Christmas Scavenger Hunt Ever,” with nightly prizes. For those who want to make sure their letter gets straight to Santa, there will be a drop-off spot for letters.

There will also be live music and performances from local dance troupes. These performances will vary depending on the availability of the entertainment each night.
Food and drinks will be available from food trucks and the Garden Bar. For those who need to do last-minute holiday shopping, the Garden Gift Shop will be open, as well as a Vendor Market, featuring local artisans.

“We have a few other surprises, too, that we know our visitors will enjoy,” Hanrick said.

There will be a complimentary preview night on Dec. 1, which will be free to members, sponsors and donors. The event will run from Dec. 2 through Dec. 22 – every weekend in December and nightly from Dec. 16 through Dec. 22.

“Advance tickets are highly recommended,” Hanrick said. “Many of our nights will sell out. Tickets are date and time specific for entry to help reduce parking and entry delays, but once you enter, your experience is self-directed, and you can stay as long as you’d like.”

Ticket prices range from $6 to $14. They can be bought at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/26840/cape-fear-botanical-garden. For more information, call 910-486-0221.