Holidays at the Garden transforms the Daniel Stowe Conservancy (the garden formally dropped “Botanical Garden” from its name in April 2025) in Belmont, North Carolina, into a nightly winter walk of over one million lights and dancing fountains across its gardens and lake. For 2026 the event runs select dates from November 28 through December 30, open 5 to 10 p.m. with final admission at 9 p.m., and the Holiday Speakeasy returns with new cocktails and an updated lounge setup.
The event suits families and couples looking for a relaxed, walkable light display rather than a fast-paced show, and most visitors spend one and a half to two hours strolling the paths. Tickets are sold online in advance for a specific date or as a flexible any-night pass, so it’s worth booking ahead rather than planning to buy at the gate, since popular nights can sell out.
Stats at a Glance
- Venue: Daniel Stowe Conservancy (formerly Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden)
- City: Belmont
- State: North Carolina
- Dates: Select dates Nov. 28 to Dec. 30, 2026 (check the event calendar for exact nights)
- Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, final admission 9 p.m.
- Tickets: $24 to $33 depending on ticket type and night; members save 15%
- Timed entry: Date-specific tickets for General and Value Night; a flexible Any Night ticket is also sold
- New for 2026: Holiday Speakeasy returns with new cocktails and elevated decor
2026 dates and what we know
Daniel Stowe Conservancy has confirmed Holidays at the Garden for select dates from November 28 through December 30, 2026, open nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. with final admission at 9 p.m. Not every single night in that window is necessarily included, so check the official event calendar for the exact dates before booking. Within the run, the Holiday Trackless Train operates on Fridays December 4, 11 and 18 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Santa visits the Garland Board Room on the weekends before Christmas (December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20) from 6 to 8 p.m.
The lights and displays
The 2026 event fills the Conservancy’s gardens with over one million lights alongside fountains that dance to festive music and interactive, photo-ready installations along the walking paths. The self-guided route winds through the garden’s lake area and main display gardens and is stroller and wheelchair friendly. The venue has not published a detailed map of new 2026 installations beyond the returning speakeasy, so check the event calendar closer to opening for specifics.
Tickets, prices and member nights
For 2026, pricing is tiered by ticket type and night. Any Night tickets, which allow flexible rescheduling to any open date in the run, cost $33. General tickets for a specific date are $28 for adults and $25 for children ages 2 to 12. Value Night tickets for a specific Monday-through-Thursday date are $24 for adults and $18 for children. Children under 2 are free. Active Daniel Stowe Conservancy members get 15% off. Parking has been free for Holidays at the Garden. Tickets are sold online in advance, or at the Gardens’ front desk.
Food, drinks and extras
Local food trucks are on site for hot dinner options, and bars including the Holiday Speakeasy serve hot chocolate and seasonal beverages, with the speakeasy bringing new cocktails and an upgraded lounge look for 2026. The Holiday Trackless Train runs select December Fridays for a ride along the Tram Road, and Santa Claus greets families in the Garland Board Room on select weekends before Christmas. Whether fire pits and s’mores return in the same form as prior seasons has not been confirmed for 2026.
Tips for your visit
Value Night tickets (Monday through Thursday) are cheaper and typically less crowded than weekend General dates, so they’re a good pick for a more relaxed visit. If you want to catch the train or Santa, plan around their specific dates and arrive early, since those draws create lines. The display is entirely outdoors across a large garden footprint, so dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes, and check for weather-related closures before heading out. Plan for one and a half to two hours to see the gardens at a leisurely pace, and parking is free.
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Holidays at the Garden 2026 at Daniel Stowe Conservancy FAQs
When is Holidays at the Garden 2026?
Daniel Stowe Conservancy’s Holidays at the Garden runs select dates from November 28 through December 30, 2026, open 5 to 10 p.m. nightly with final admission at 9 p.m. Check the official event calendar for the exact list of included nights.
How much are Holidays at the Garden tickets in 2026?
2026 tickets range from $24 to $33. Value Night tickets for a Monday-through-Thursday date are $24 for adults and $18 for children ages 2 to 12. General tickets for a specific Friday-through-Sunday date are $28/$25. A flexible Any Night ticket is $33. Active members save 15%.
Do you need to buy Holidays at the Garden tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets are date-specific or flexible (Any Night) and are sold online in advance, or at the Gardens’ front desk. Buying ahead is recommended since popular nights can sell out.
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Photo: Robert Nunnally / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.