Conservatory Aglow

Conservatory Aglow is back at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens this season, running through December. It's an evening experience that opens after general admission hours, so you'll need a special engagement ticket to get in, and reservations are strongly recommended.

The display transforms the gardens and the interior biomes with lights, and there's a good mix of new additions and returning favorites. This year, you'll find a whimsical Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., a life-sized Candyland board game, and a winter wonderland dance party. The returning highlights include the festive igloos, games like corn hole and curling, a 100-foot light tunnel, and the Through the Vines installation, which takes you through the four seasons. There's also the Paul Busse Garden Railway with its magical train display.

On select nights, The Amazing Giants roam the outdoor experience as mirrored dancers, fire jugglers, stilt walkers, and snowflake roller skaters, and musical guests perform indoors starting at 7 PM. If you want a home base for the night, you can rent a private, heated igloo in the Bonsai Courtyard. There's also a Holiday Glass Ornament & Gift Sale with hand-crafted items made in the Conservatory's Hot Shop or by local artists, and a bar on the West Carriage path loop serving cocktails, beer, and wine on select evenings.

It runs 5–9 PM Sunday through Thursday and 5–10 PM Friday and Saturday through December. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, as well as December 2 and 3. The venue is at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus, OH 43203.