Botanical Gardens announces a brand-new series, 'Gardens After Dark'

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens introduced a brand-new series of exhibits titled “Gardens After Dark.” Offered at different times throughout the year, this new experience was created to open the Botanical Gardens in the evening for all to enjoy.

Each “Gardens After Dark” exhibit will focus on the Botanical Gardens’ mission of connecting people to the natural world in a new way and in a new light – literally. The Botanical Gardens will be filled with colorful and soft lighting to enhance and showcase its mesmerizing plant collection and the beautiful historic landmark that surrounds. A press release said, “Each exhibit in the series will bring a new way to experience the amazing Botanical Gardens and provide feelings of inspiration, peace and calmness during these unprecedented times.”

The first exhibit of the “Gardens After Dark” series, “Magical Poinsettias,” will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16-18, 26, 29-30 to complement the annual poinsettia and railway exhibit.

“The Gardens After Dark” series will continue throughout 2021. “Gardens After Dark: Enchanted Winter Escape” will occur on select nights January through February and will provide a tropical winter respite full of wonder. Additional exhibits are planned for April as part of the annual spring flower exhibit and the popular Fairy Festival. “Gardens After Dark” will also take place on Thursday nights May through August and again for Halloween in October. Organizers will release more information as specific details become available.

Gardens After Dark tickets are $13.50 for adults, $12 for seniors (62-plus), $12 for students (13-plus), $7 for kids 3-12. Tickets for garden members are $11.50 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $7 for children. Guest passes, coupons and Arts Access passes are not valid at “Gardens After Dark.” Reservations are required for all visitors, including members, due to capacity limitations. Walk-ins may be turned away if capacity is surpassed. Tickets can be purchased online at buffalogardens.com. Masks are required at all times when visiting the Botanical Gardens. 

The Botanical Gardens will close at 4 p.m. on days that “Gardens After Dark: Magical Poinsettias” takes place and will reopen at 5 p.m. For more information, visit buffalogardens.com.

Finally, the Botanical Gardens is unable to offer its annual evening light show, Lumagination, in 2021. The popular event will be missed, but organizers hope to bring it back in 2022 in the safest way possible.