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Houston Botanic Garden's New Light Show Will Illuminate Your Holidays
"Radiant Nature," the new holiday light show at the Houston Botanic Garden, offers an enchanting after-dark experience. The botanic garden has been transformed into an illuminated wonderland featuring dozens of Chinese lantern installations, and the installation will remain in place through late February, following Chinese New Year.
We think it’s an amazing place for your whole family to check out. Read on to learn what to expect from your visit.
Don't forget to check out our list of Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows for more wonderous light shows to explore in Houston this holiday season.
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What You’ll Find at the Houston Botanic Garden Light Show
The "Radiant Nature" exhibit is a mile-long path winding through the Houston Botanic Garden that is lined with more than 50 larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations. There is a 200-foot-long dragon, a 12-foot-tall peacock, illuminated floral arches, and other whimsical creatures that showcase the beauty of nature and the uniqueness of Asian culture.
Music accompanies the exhibit, and the grand scale of the installations makes it feel as if you’re wandering through a magical land. There are also interactive zones, including illuminated swings and seesaws, drums you can play, and a digital kaleidoscope you can walk or dance inside.
RELATED: 31 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Houston for Kids
The installations at the show unfold on a grand scale.
Food Vendors, Photo Opportunities, and the Gift Shop
Along the trail, several food and beverage vendors offer everything from hot cocoa to wine to sweet treats and savory entrees. The gift shop at the Houston Botanic Garden features garden-inspired gifts and holiday items, as well as a festive marketplace selling items tied to the exhibit, like Chinese handicrafts.
There is also no shortage of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, including a giant pair of illuminated wings that you can stand in front of for a picture.
RELATED: Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
The show is running in the evenings until late February.
Tickets, Parking, and Other Logistics at "Radiant Nature"
Tickets are $28.50 and children 3 and are free. Tickets can be purchased on the Houston Botanic Garden website and advance tickets are highly recommended to ensure availability. Tickets are sold by date and by timed entry in 30-minute intervals from 6-8:30pm, selected at the time of purchase.
On-site parking is available for an additional $10 fee that can be purchased simultaneously as admission tickets. "Radiant Nature" is open Friday through Sunday and select weeknights around the holidays through Sunday, February 25, 2024.
"Radiant Nature" is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility assistant devices.
"Radiant Nature" at the Houston Botanic Garden just might be our favorite Houston holiday event in 2023, and it should absolutely be added to your holiday bucket list!
All photos by the author.
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