This blog post is sponsored by Ohio. Find it Here. All pictures and opinions are my own unless noted otherwise.
The holiday season has arrived, and Franklin Park Conservatory is kicking it off with the start of Conservatory Aglow, Holiday Blooms, and few fun events sprinkled in between. The outside gardens have been transformed into a wonderland of lights, with thousands of lights presented in stunning displays. Inside, they’ve decked the Conservatory’s halls, and they’re blooming with holiday spirit! Indeed the most magical time of year.
We like to start outside because it is wonderfully captivating and the girls’ eyes light up at all angles, but also because when we get a bit cold, we can go right inside and warm up!
As soon as you walk outside, your eyes are met with adventurous and bright colors and dazzling lights wherever you turn. The moving snowflakes shining from the trees to the ground as you walk towards the tunnel are always the girls’ favorite. They love chasing them. But, as soon as their eyes meet the light tunnel, they go at full speed to explore.
This year, the dazzling walk through the light tunnel has been reimagined with a wintry color theme. The light tunnel is the perfect entrance into the spectacular winter wonderland you’re about to walk into.
Elephants, giraffes, flamingos, and fish – oh my! Just after the light tunnel and throughout the Children’s Garden, keep an eye out for your favorite animals as topiary statues light up.
What’s sweeter than a Gingerbread House? Maybe three cute toddlers oohing and ahhing over all the bright and festive colors? You can find this larger-than-life house in the Grand Mallway, just where you saw the Pumpkin House this fall. A sweet surprise on the outside, but make sure to venture inside to see sprinkles and uniquely placed ornaments.
Make sure you go inside to check out Central Ohio’s culinary creativity is on display for the 15th Annual Gingerbread Competition. This years’ theme is “there is no place like home for the holidays.” Viewing the homemade gingerbread houses is included in admission during December 2021. You even have a chance to vote on Best of Show. You can get a sneak peek of this year’s entries before visiting if you click the link.
Once you’ve followed the gumdrops out of Candyland, take a walk over to the magical train display in the Paul Busse Garden Railway. The railway features 1,122 feet of miniature train tracks that weave through gardens, over visitors’ heads, and alongside waterfalls as they travel from one whimsical scene to the next. During the evening hours, it is shining just a bit brighter. See if you can find the tree with the glowing lights inside and Thomas the Train – two of our favorites.
As you’re walking through the railway, keep an eye for the gorgeous Holiday Arch by Applied Imagination. You’re able to experience a bit of Paris under the archway as it is inspired by the rue Royale.
We typically leave the Children’s Garden for last because there are more opportunities for free play. Within the 2-acre garden, you will discover a fort-building wonderland, stump jumps, canopy walks, a whimsical playhouse, and more. Oh, and you guessed it – all lit up!
The whimsical Whirly Tree, created by Tork Inc., is back this year and one of our first stops, even though it’s in the very back! We like to start in the back and work our way forward, + it’s one of our favorite trees. It is styled in pink, blue and green – all of our favorite colors.
The pathways are lit up, making it easy to navigate if you haven’t been to the conservatory before. In the center of it all is this stunning light show with music to go along — the perfect time to stop and have a little dance party.
We participated in one of their Thanksgiving cookie classes, which allowed us to see all the decorations during the daylight and explore our favorite parts of the Children’s garden.
The entire Conservatory is open during Conservatory Aglow allowing visitors to enjoy the seasonal horticulture of Holiday Blooms and the interior biomes.
Outdoors isn’t the only place to see the holiday magic at Franklin Park Conservatory. Indoors, they’ve decked the halls, and they’re blooming with holiday spirit everywhere you turn. Inside, you’ll find festive horticulture featuring poinsettias, evergreens, and decorations galore.
We love the yearly poinsettia trees, but this year they’ve added two themed [Brilliant Blizzard and Joyful Comfort] vignettes, and they’re beautiful. The perfect photo opportunity.
I think we could have sat on these benches all day, admiring the creative details they put into each space.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s strongly recommended that all guests, including members, reserve their tickets in advance. Many nights will sell out, and you don’t want to miss out. It is less busy during the week versus the weekend nights.
- Special engagement rates are in effect for Conservatory Aglow.
- It’s the perfect time to join as a member. With your membership, you get tickets half-off for Conservatory Aglow.
- Conservatory Aglow occurs regardless of the weather. No refunds are given.The Conservatory will close to the public at 4 pm before Conservatory Aglow begins at 5 pm. You could go and see Holiday Blooms, leave and eat dinner at a local restaurant and head back for Conservatory aglow. The perfect way to make an entire night out of it.
- Following the City of Columbus, all guests are required to wear face coverings while indoors. Unvaccinated guests should wear face coverings both indoors and outdoors.
- The Conservatory practices thorough sanitization procedures and utilizes air purification systems that kill airborne viruses and neutralize harmful pollutants.
- The outdoor and indoor gardens are stroller and wheelchair-friendly. I will mention that a few spots inside the Conservatory can be tight, but I’ve always been able to get my large strollers through.
- Bring cash for fresh kettle corn. They pop it on-site, and you won’t be able to pass on it once you smell it!
- Free parking is available in the paved parking lots just east of the main Conservatory building. f the Conservatory is busy, parking lots may fill up quickly. Additional parking is available within Franklin Park, but keep in mind it is a bit further of a walk.
Mark Your Calendars
Santa, Reindeer & Cookie – On December 18 and 19 from 6-8pm, you will have the opportunity to see Santa and two live reindeer out in the gardens. For $2 more, yo will also be able to decorate a packaged sugar cookie.
Breakfast with Santa – On December 11 and 12, “Catch” your breakfast from Katie’s Pancakes who will be onsite flipping pancakes. Enjoy all the pancakes and sausage you can eat, plus fresh orange juice or coffee and a visit with the big guy himself, Santa! There is timed ticketing with registration required. Santa will be set up outside, physically distanced but within hearing and speaking distance. More info can be found here.
Fantastical Hedgehog Magic Show – On December 27 at 11 and 2, Children’s entertainer, Erica Carlson, brings comedy, magic, and her famous hedgehog “Hedgie” together in this performance that’s fun for all ages. Performances are included in admission. No registration is required.
Comedy Juggler Matt Jergens – On December 28 at 11 and 2, This international gold medalist juggler will thrill and captivate the audience with his one-man variety show of juggling, stunts, acrobatics and comedy. Performances are included in admission. No registration is required.
On select nights of Conservatory Aglow, they have Live Entertainment with outdoor performers from 6-8 pm. Various musical guests will perform indoors, starting at 7 pm on select evenings. I hope to see Snowflake Roller Skaters on 12/21 and 12/30, The Amazing Giants Mirrored Dancers on 12/26, and In Full Swing Big Band with Kelly McLennan on 12/31! You can find the full schedule on their website, which is subject to change.
Don’t forget to get your holiday shopping done while visiting!
- They have a wonderful gift shop that has houseplants, jewelry, home decor, children’s books, hand-blown glass and more!
- You might know this, but the conservatory offers a ton of classes! If you have a growing gardener, chef or artist in the family – check out the list of upcoming classes.
- My favorite gift is the gift of membership! My mom renews ours each year and I am thankful fo rit. We are able to get free admission all year, discounts on special engagements like Conservatory Aglow, discounts to the cafe & gift shop + so much more.
If you’re looking for more holiday lights, check out the 2021 Ohio Holiday Lights Trail! 43 stops take you around Ohio to the best light shows in the state. Download the trail map and visit these dazzling displays for an unforgettable holiday experience!
