For more information: Gardens Aglow
A Twilight Wonderland of Lights, Music & Holiday Cheer at Sonoma Botanical Garden
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, December 5-21, 2025
5-8pm (Timed, ticketed entry at 5pm or 6:30pm)
$30 general, $25 members, $12 youth 5-17, Free for children 4 and under
(advanced purchase required)
Rain or Shine
This holiday season, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) becomes a twilight wonderland for three weekends in December where twinkling paths set the stage for Gardens Aglow, a merry and bright celebration for the whole family. After the sun sets, the magic begins. Visitors stroll through a dazzling tunnel of light to arrive at the Garden’s Winter Workshop, brimming with festive crafts for all ages, music that fills the evening air with cheer, lawn games, face painting, and more. Then gather for fireside fun to make s’mores, sip hot chocolate, or enjoy local wines, making cozy memories with loved ones under the glow of holiday lights. Gardens Aglow is set in an intimate area of the Garden, centered around the Founder’s House and adjacent to the Rose Garden.
“We are so excited to launch a new holiday tradition here in Sonoma Valley,” says Jeannie Perales, Executive Director, SBG. “The Founder’s House offers a unique opportunity to create a magical indoor/outdoor experience for the season—where visitors of all ages can enjoy festive activities and be enchanted by the sparkle of lights in the night. With Gardens Aglow, we’re designing more than just a celebration—we’re creating a joyful gathering place, a seasonal hub where our community can come together and make lasting memories.”
Visitors follow a twinkling path through the Rose Garden, and then through a glittering tunnel of lights into the Winter Workshop. There, the young and young at heart can enjoy a nature-based craft lounge with classic holiday make and take projects such as festive ornaments, holiday cards, garlands, and more. Face painters will be on hand to brighten cheeks with festive designs.
In the spirit of Garden founder Jane Davenport Jansen, who loved to entertain in this house, an elegant fireside lounge offers live, traditional holiday piano music in a setting that feels like home with local wines and hot chocolate to sip. Outside in the beautifully illuminated Founder’s House Garden, visitors can gather around the fire pit to make s’mores, play holiday-themed lawn games, dance through bubbles, visit with Santa on select evenings, and add their wishes for the new year to an ancient oak Wishing Tree.
A holiday pop up shop offers garden-themed gifts for sale and freshly popped popcorn for shoppers as they browse. From ornaments to scented candles, gift items will include offerings that are locally made and sustainably sourced.
Gardens Aglow shines thanks to the generous support of Sonoma Clean Power, with additional valued support from the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley.
About Sonoma Botanical Garden
Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants. Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian woodland, a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.
General Information
The Garden is located at 12841 Hwy 12, Glen Ellen, CA. Visit www.sonomabg.org for general information or to purchase Gardens Aglow tickets. Call 707-996-3166 or email info@sonomabg.org for other inquiries.
