'Gardens After Dark: Enchanted Winter Escape' returns to Botanical Gardens with new events

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens has filled this year’s “Gardens After Dark: Enchanted Winter Escape” exhibit with specialty nights and experiences designed “to create unforgettable memories for all ages. Whether it’s a family activity or a date night, the exotic plants, lights and enchanting environment will make for a perfect tropical escape from the brisk Buffalo weather.”

“Gardens After Dark: Enchanted Winter Escape” opens Jan. 20 and will continue from 5:30-9 p.m. Jan. 22, 27-29, Feb. 3 and 5; and will continue from 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 10-11, 13-15,18-20-22, 24-26, and March 2-5, 9-11.

A press release noted, “The Botanical Gardens and the plant collection will be highlighted with soft, colorful lighting to enhance the shapes, sizes, textures and colors of all the plants and the larger-than-life glass conservatory. Visitors will enjoy this ‘Enchanted Winter Escape’ as light bounces off the glass and onto the plants, rocks glow through the desert, and twinkling light installations create a new, magical world.

“Specialty theme weeks and nights will be happening throughout this run of ‘Gardens After Dark,’ so be sure to see what's happening before purchasing tickets.

“ ‘Love Week’ will return for another romantic and beautiful time to share with your valentine, a family member or a friend from Feb. 13-19. Kick off ‘Love Week’ with ‘Galentine’s After Dark’ on Monday, Feb. 13. Explore the Botanical Gardens at night with your besties and treat yourself with special self-care partners including Kismet Corp. and Full Moon Gardens. Tickets include a glass of wine from The Bubble Bar and a delicious waffle pairing from Wonder Coffeehouse.” 

Tickets are now available.

The Botanical Gardens will then be open day and night on Valentine's Day for a romantic day or evening out.

Organizers said, “Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with the most romantic setting in Buffalo at the Botanical Gardens! Treat that special someone to a beautiful, intimate daytime stroll or an evening filled with stunning lights, exotic plants, and create memories that will last a lifetime.” 

Valentine’s Day at the Botanical Gardens is priced at regular admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and regular “Gardens After Dark” pricing from 6-9:30 p.m.

Organizers said, “ ‘Love is Love Night’ returns for a fun, Pride celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 6-9:30 p.m. with the Pride Center of WNY to celebrate Buffalo's LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome to join and celebrate.”

The Pride Center of WNY will be on site throughout the night to chat and mingle. This event is included with regular “Gardens After Dark” admission.

Images courtesy of the Buffalo Botanical Gardens

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Again, organizers said, “ ‘Thurs-Date Nights’ return and will be happening on Feb. 2, 9, and 16 and 23 from 6-9 p.m. Escape the winter blues with a special romantic date night at the Botanical Gardens. Make the most of the ‘Gardens After Dark’ experience by strolling through the tropical conservatory of lights with that special someone with a drink in hand and a bite to eat for an enchanting, romantic evening guaranteed to create magical memories. You’ll also be able to learn more about your partner with some fun conversation activities and competitive games.”

Tickets are now available

To round out “Love Week,” the Botanical Gardens is bringing back its most elegant and romantic package of the whole year, “Courses in the Conservatory,” which organizers called an “evening of fantastic food, cocktails, dazzling lights, live music, and an intimate setting that can’t be found anywhere else in Buffalo.

“Eat and drink your way through the Botanical Gardens filled with the beautiful lights of the ‘Gardens After Dark’ exhibit and enjoy a progressive four-course meal provided by Salvatore's with a cocktail in hand and live music from Jazz Buffalo.

“As guests make their way through the 12 greenhouses filled with exotic plants, water features and twinkling lights under the grand glass conservatory, they will enjoy delicious food and drinks for a romantic, intimate, unforgettable evening.”

Course progressions begin at 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and include the four-course meal, open bar, champagne toast and the “Gardens After Dark” exhibit. Ticket sales end Feb. 14. 

Following “Love Week,” a trifecta of brand-new “Wegmans Family Nights” will take place from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 20-22 – while the kids are off from school. Monday will feature “Deserts After Dark.” Tuesday will be “Rainforest Retreat.” And finally, Wednesday will be “Arctic Adventure.”

“Wegmans Family Nights” are included with regular “Gardens After Dark” admission.

Tickets for all of these events must be prepurchased online at buffalogardens.com.