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Images courtesy of the Botanical Gardens
Images courtesy of the Botanical Gardens

Magical winter fun at Botanical Gardens

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Mon, Dec 5th 2022 07:00 am

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens says it has filled the month of December with “magical holiday experiences that will create unforgettable memories for all ages. Whether it’s a family activity or a date night, the seasonal plants, lights and train displays will bring joy to all visitors. Make the most of this holiday season with a stunning tropical oasis filled with plants, lights and joy.”

The Poinsettia and Railway Exhibit is a holiday favorite that has become an annual traditional for many in the Buffalo area. This year, the poinsettia collection features hundreds of bold, bright colors in deep reds and whites, including the winter rose red poinsettias the Botanical Gardens haven’t featured in years. There are also unique bright yellows, deep pinks, and even autumn leaf colors to complement the traditional varieties that one won’t see at the stores. Visitors can also enjoy the return of a popular peacock made out of bright white and red poinsettias.

The railway exhibit by the Western New York Garden Railway Society is filled with whimsical characters and holiday trains that are on the move during the day and night, and even have some special lighting features that can be experienced during “Gardens After Dark: Magical Poinsettias.” The exhibit is open daily from now through Jan. 1, 2023, and is included with regular admission to the Botanical Gardens.

Make the most of a daytime visit with the return of “Winter Wonderland,” a “Wegmans Day of Play,” happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10-11. Frolic around the festive Botanical Gardens with play-based learning activities and a themed activity book, including a scavenger hunt. Families can also enjoy a “magical carriage ride” around the exterior of the conservatory to experience the view of the Botanical Gardens the way visitors in the 1900s did when they first opened the Botanical Gardens.

Also joining the fun for the weekend will be Prehistoric World Zoo and the Buffalo Science Museum on Dec. 11. Don’t forget to bring toys for kids in need – The Botanical Gardens is a designated Toys For Tots drop-off location again this year. 

“Winter Wonderland” is included with regular admission, and e-tickets are strongly recommended. Tickets for the Poinsettia and Railway Exhibit and Winter Wonderland are available online at buffalogardens.com.

Images courtesy of the Botanical Gardens

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Gardens After Dark: Magical Poinsettias” will return for what organizers called “a magical winter experience filled with gorgeous lights, soothing music, and of course the spectacular poinsettias.” The exhibit will take place from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 9-11, 16-18, 20-21, 23 and 27-30.

Organizers said, “The beautiful plants will be dazzled in twinkling lights that will bring warm feelings of holiday joy, as visitors walk into the grand structure of the main palm dome.”

Prepurchased e-tickets are required for and can be purchased at buffalogardens.com.

To make the most of the “Gardens After Dark” experience, visitors over 21 can indulge in the return of “Thurs-Date Nights” at the Botanical Gardens for “the most romantic rendition of the series yet.”

Tickets are $45 per person ($40 for Botanical Gardens members) and include the live, jazzy musical stylings of Alex McArthur; one glass of wine or beer from Salvatore’s or the Bubble Bar, with a cash bar following; a cheese and charcuterie date box from The Grazeful Gatherer; and chocolate from Dark Forest Chocolate. “Thurs-Date Nights” are happening from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 22. Pre-purchased tickets are required and can be reserved at buffalogardens.com. Walk-ins will not be permitted.

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