Celebrate the holiday season at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden celebrates Cleveland’s holiday magic.

Let the countdown to the holiday season begin! Twinkle in the 216 celebrates the historic character of Cleveland’s neighborhoods as they twinkle and shine to add warmth and joy to the cold winter months. The winter show is open now through

Saturday, Dec. 31.

The indoor and outdoor gardens pay a festive holiday homage to the beautiful blocks that knit neighborhoods, people, and plants and trees together. Guests seeking a holiday escape a little farther from home can enter the Madagascar and Costa Rica Glasshouses, transformed in the spirit of the season with special horticultural displays, lights and postcard vignettes referencing iconic towns within the spiny desert and cloud forest.

“Holidays are about coming together — as family, as friends, as community. This year’s winter show at the Cleveland Botanical Garden celebrates Cleveland neighborhoods by featuring vignettes of iconic local architecture, as well as holiday favorites such as handmade gingerbread houses, lighted outdoor trails, festive horticultural displays and decorated trees,” says Ryan Sandy, exhibitions manager.

Visitors will be surrounded by beautiful holiday plants and trees from evergreen conifers to poinsettias in shades of white, pink and red. Popular traditions return including dozens of trees decorated by more than 30 Affiliate Garden Clubs from Northeast Ohio and candy-coated gingerbread houses assembled by bakers from across the community. In the Ellipse, visitors will be greeted by postcard vignettes of iconic Cleveland landmarks and a stunning 20-foot-tall “living” tree built from live and dried plant material — a delightful background for holiday photos.

Be sure to get outside this year to experience festive displays from the terrace to the Hershey’s Children’s Garden complete with various activities for the whole family. Daily indoor and outdoor activities led by our educators and volunteers will include hot cocoa story time, marshmallow roasting, community crafts and more.

Tickets are on sale now and can be reserved in advance at holdenfg.org. Walk-up tickets will be available.

The Costa Rica Cloud Forest Biome features plants and trees with twinkle lights and spot lighting to create a festive scene.

Additional Twinkle in the 216 events include: KRAMPUSNACHT WITH SPECIAL GUESTS, THE OHIO KRAMPUS SOCIETY

Saturday, Dec. 3, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Band: Erin Nicole Neal and the Chill Factors

$5 for Members $5 plus gate admission for Nonmembers Music, drinks and a special Krampus-inspired craft help celebrate this unique holiday tradition. The cost of the event is $5 in addition to admission. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Sunday, Dec. 11 & 18, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Nonmember Adults $38, Nonmember Child $25 Member Adult $28, Member Child $22 Enjoy a limited seating breakfast inside the magically decorated Botanical Garden. Following breakfast, meet Santa for a picture and to share a wish list. Create a custom cookie plate for Santa.

TWINKLE IN THE 216 - TOGETHER TIME THURSDAY

Thursday, Dec. 22, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Gate admission only. Enjoy all the holiday fun — together. Tear up the outdoor terrace as you dance along with our DJ. Light up the outdoor paths by making your own luminaires. Pile on the toppings at the hot cocoa bar.

Twinkle in the 216 hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays Noon - 5 p.m. The Botanical Garden will be closed on Mondays except for Dec. 19 and Dec. 26, when A Garden Holiday will be open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Special evening hours at the Botanical Garden will occur on select Saturdays – Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 11 – when we will be open until 9 p.m. The Botanical Garden is closed on Nov. 25 (Thanksgiving), Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), and Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day). Additionally, the Botanical Garden will close at 3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Please check holdenfg.org for updated information.

Twinkle in the 216 admission is $20 per adult, $14 per child ages 3 to 12 (free for children 2 and under). Admission is free for Holden Forests & Gardens members. Tickets are available for purchase on-site at the visitor’s welcome desk or online at holdenfg.org. The Botanical Garden is located at 11030 E. Blvd. Indoor parking is available for a fee based on availability.

Find unique botanical gifts at the Garden Store.