The gardens of the Quad City Botanical Center will be bedecked with holiday lights beginning on Thursday, Nov. 21, for the Rock Island center’s annual Winter Lights Powered by MidAmerican Energy Company.
Winter will remain in bloom until the new year with more than 250,000 glowing lights, featuring new lighted elements of the display, a botanical center news release said. The event also gives Quad Citians the opportunity to participate in the center’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Guests can explore the Crawford Company Tropical Sun Garden, Children’s Garden, lawns, pond, and pocket gardens of the light exhibit. This year includes more lighted elements and nature motifs, a lighted tunnel, an additional holiday vignette, a new dancing light show performance and lighting in the parking lot gardens.
Visitors are urged to bundle up, stroll the gardens at night and visit the outdoor events canopy for hot drinks, cocoa and treats for purchase. Parents also can bring the kids for free make-and-take crafts or they can plan a visit on one of the Winter Lights event nights.
Botanical Center members and FunBundle members will enjoy free admission Wednesday nights during the exhibit. Memberships can be purchased at qcgardens.com.
Lights & flights
The Thursday, Nov. 21, opening night will feature a 5:30 p.m. lighting and a fireworks display. Guests who gather around the pond for the first lighting of the season also will hear a short introduction of the event by presenting sponsor, MidAmerican Energy, before enjoying the fireworks.
Advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended for the evening, the release said.
Following the fireworks, guests will be treated to this year’s first Lights & Flights night with Bent River Brewing Company, Crawford Brew Works, and Huckleberry’s Pizza. Bent River and Crawford will be serving up sample flights of their locally brewed beers, and Huckleberry’s will dish out an artisanal pizza sampler. Tickets are $35 per person and $21 for designated drivers.
Each ticket includes access to the Lights & Flights room, one beer flight from each brewery, one flight of food, admission to the light display, and access to the Lights & Flights room. Enjoy live music by Roger Carlson & friends. Guests must be 21 to enter and a valid ID is required. Advance ticket sales also are recommended.
Pet-lovers also are urged not to miss the event’s popular Lights & Leashes on Sundays from 5-6 p.m. through Dec. 29. It allows guests to experience the decorated gardens with their furry friends by their side.
“Bring your pups for a nighttime stroll every Sunday night,” the release said. To ensure safety for all visitors and pets, all dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. The last entry time is 8:30 p.m.
Exhibit dates, times
- Nov 21. – Dec 15, Wednesday through Sunday, 5-9 p.m.
- Dec. 18 – Dec. 31, daily, 5-9 p.m., with last entry at 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Schedule
- Open on New Year’s Eve.
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Admission details
- Admission is $11 for adults; $7 youth 2-15, and free to children under 2.
- Free admission – Botanical Center members and FunBundle members will get in for free on Wednesday nights throughout the exhibit duration.
- Members must show a membership card upon entry.
- Tickets available on qcgardens.com.
