South Coast Botanic Garden invites guests to be Merry + Bright this Holiday Season.

Holiday offerings include new seasonal plantings throughout the garden and photo opportunities, including the garden's twist on iconic pine trees.

Merry + Bright is sprinkled through all of the Garden’s offerings during this time, including:

• Nature POP!  - Winter Edition: some of the sculptures made from LEGO® bricks are transported into a winter wonderland!
• Elf in the Garden: Poppy is back! The popular Elf in the Garden returns November 25. This sneaky scout elf – and maybe a few friends – can be found in a new location within the Garden every Friday until Christmas day. Each week, come see what hijinks Poppy is up to, take a picture and post on Instagram using #ElfintheGarden. If you post a picture of Poppy at each of the four locations, you’ll be entered to win tickets to Astra Lumina. 
• Santa Photos: Santa is coming! Guests can share their Christmas wishes and pose for pictures. Santa is at the Garden on December 9 from 2pm to 4:30 pm and December 10 and 11 from 10am to 3pm.  All guests receive a free digital file of their photos. 
• Dog Walking Hours: Fur friends (and human friends) are invited to the Garden's Howliday Costume Contest during the dog walking hours on December 18. Come to the Garden with your pups and/or yourself dressed in your best holiday outfits and costumes. Santa, elves, reindeer, snowmen, menorahs, dreidels, ugly holidays sweaters and more… all are welcome! 

Merry + Bright is included with General Admission, but some of its offerings may be an additional fee, including classes and food and beverage.

Merry + Bright runs from November 25 through December 24.  Garden hours are 8am to 5pm.