Holidays at Fairchild: A Very Merry Garden

Seasonal décor, holiday trails and visits with Santa turn Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden into a daytime holiday destination. Running Friday, November 13, through Thursday, December 24, A Very Merry Garden pairs the tropical landscape with family activities, storytelling and seasonal treats. The Garden remains open on Thanksgiving Day.

Activities take place throughout the grounds, with special appearances and hands-on projects scheduled across the season:

• Santa at the Gift Shop fireplace: Visits run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 14, 21, 25 and 28 and December 5, 12, 19 and 23.
• Storytime with Mrs. Claus: Readings take place at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on November 13, 15, 22 and 29 and December 6, 13, 20, 21, 22 and 24.
• Reindeer Games: Children’s holiday games are offered in the Children’s Garden on weekends and December 24.
• Letters to Santa and Hot Cocoa Bar: Both are available daily in the Children’s Garden.
• Holiday crafts: Gingerbread Pal Decorating and Paint Your Own Nutcracker are offered on weekends and December 21–24. Craft kits are limited and sold separately from admission.

Holiday drinks and snacks are available at the Bistro, while The Shop offers seasonal gifts and a volunteer-run gift wrap station. Fairchild’s broader seasonal lineup also includes Holiday Jazz with Litus Music on Tuesday, December 8, and NightGarden’s evening light displays. These evening experiences require separate tickets; NightGarden’s real-ice skating rink is an additional ticketed option.

Daytime admission starts at $24.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 3–11, with $17.95 tickets for seniors ages 65 and older. Fairchild members and children ages 2 and younger enter free. Admission includes the Garden, seasonal décor and scheduled Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances. Parking is free.