Conservatory Aglow

Starting November 18, 2023, through January 7, 2024, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will host Conservatory Aglow, transforming it into a winter wonderland. This holiday event features elegant displays of twinkling lights, live entertainment, seasonal foliage, and a grand gingerbread house, offering a magical experience for all ages.

 

About the Conservatory Aglow

Conservatory Aglow, situated at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, features one of the best Christmas lights displays in Ohio that features festive plants and internationally renowned artwork. The Franklin Park Conservatory Christmas lights are a one-of-a-kind seasonal attraction that will leave you in awe.

It opens one hour after “Holiday Bloom” closes each day and aims to make potentially dreary winter evenings merry and bright. It is an evening experience in which visitors will be beckoned to various light displays by entering through a light tunnel. Thousand of lights will illuminate the grounds of the Conservatory, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the gardens after dark. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be Conservatory Aglow without the tried and true favorites like the gingerbread house display and the ornament trees, constructed with glass-blown ornaments from the hot shop at the Conservatory. The most exciting part of Conservatory Aglow this year will be the inclusion of an ice skating rink! The rink is synthetic ice, so no matter what the temperature is, the rink will be open. Guests can bring their own skates or borrow some from the on-site inventory. The Ahlum & Arbor Ice Rik is limited to 60 guests skating at a time and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

(Photo credit: Franklin Park Conservatory Facebook Page)

 

Festival Highlights:

Separate tickets are necessary for entry to Conservatory Aglow, available daily from 5-9 pm, excluding closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Hanukkah Celebration

The evening celebrations will commence with the public lighting of the menorah at 7 pm. The remaining activities will be available throughout the event, which runs from 5:00 to 7:30 pm.

Musical Performances at Conservatory Aglow
Starting at 7 pm on select dates, a variety of musical guests will perform indoors.

• Friday, December 1: Scioto Valley Chorus
• Friday, December 8: Imani & Halle
• Saturday, December 9: The Molly Winters Duo
• Friday, December 15: Bryden String Quartet
• Friday, December 22: Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra
• Sunday, December 31: Alex Burgoyne Quartet

Sweet Turkeys Program
Wednesday, November 22 from 11 am – 2 pm

Breakfast with Santa at Franklin Park Conservatory
December 2-3, and December 9-10, 2024 from 8 am – 12 pm

Ice Skating Rink
December 1-14, 2024

Annual Gingerbread Competition and Display
December 1-30, 2023

 

Additional Offerings:

• Holiday Blooms
• Paul Busse Garden Railway
• Gingerbread Competition
• Gingerbread Display
• Chihuly Collection
• Holiday Glass Ornament and Gift Sale

 

Ticket Information

Conservatory Aglow is an after-hours special engagement and is not included with general admission. To ensure your admission and streamline the check-in process, it’s highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance.

Special Engagement Admission Rates:

Ages 13–59: $26
Seniors (ages 60+): $22
Children (ages 3-12): $15.50
Museums for All (SNAP, EBT, WIC, and Medicaid Participants): $3

Special Engagement Member Rates:

Member (ages 13–59): $13
Senior Member (ages 60+): $11
Child Member (ages 3-12): $7.75
Access Family Member: $3
Patron, Benefactor, and Monarch Members: Free

Register for your tickets here:

 

Member Holiday Party and Preview Nights

It’s a great time to become a member of Franklin Park Conservatory. Members get ½ priced admission to special engagements and they can visit Conservatory Aglow first. Reservations are required for these special member nights.

FPC Member Holiday Party
November 17 from 5 pm – 9 pm: The entire Conservatory will be open for members to explore. Refreshments will be available from the Garden Cafe, Aloha Tacos food truck, and a cash bar. Botanica Gift Shop & Greenhouse is offering 20% off all regularly priced merchandise for members.

Member Appreciation Nights
November 20, 21 and 22: Members get FREE admission to Conservatory Aglow on these preview nights. It is strongly recommended to make reservations, as Preview Nights tend to fill up quickly.

 

Location:

Conservatory Aglow 2023 unfolds at the iconic Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, located at 1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203. 

 

Parking Information:

• Free parking in lots A & B (east of the main Conservatory) and Wells Barn lot. Additional parking at Adventure Center, Conservatory Drive, and Broad Street.