Gardens Aglow 2026
Gardens Aglow will take place on selected dates in November and December 2026. The schedule will be posted here and at Friends of the Garden, which hosts this annual holiday tradition.
Gardens Aglow 2025
About Gardens Aglow
Bring the whole family to walk Gardens Aglow, a botanical-themed light festival in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden produced by Friends of the Garden with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
SSCA supports the event through planning, staffing and volunteer efforts. Free admission is a benefit of both Friends of the Garden and SSCA membership. Stroll through a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 225,000 festive lights accenting the unique structures and landscaping of the Stroll Garden and capturing the winter beauty of nature. Light features include RGB lights, light tunnels, firecracker lights, framed installations, water feature lights, up lighting, and string lights.
Cozy up to a fire pit with hot beverages and treats from local vendors: Lae’s Authentic Egg Rolls, SnoNut Mini Donuts and Seasonal Sweets, Sweet Pieces, and Xurros Handcrafted Spanish Donuts.
Hours
Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2025
(closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
(last admittance at 8:15pm)
Admission
Friends of the Garden donates half of the Gardens Aglow admission proceeds to the maintenance fund for the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, sponsored by Simmons Bank. The remaining admission proceeds further Friends of the Garden’s mission to support the Springfield Botanical Gardens.
Advance Tickets:
$6/adult
$4/child ages 3-12
(small processing fees apply)
Tickets purchased online are nonrefundable and are only valid for the selected date. You can purchase same-day tickets online through 8pm.
GET TICKETSTickets at the Gate:
$8/adult
$5/child ages 3-12
(cash or card accepted)
Pets
Pets are welcome; standard park rules apply.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on Friends of the Garden‘s social media pages: Facebook, Instagram.
Season Passes to Gardens Aglow
Purchase a membership with Friends of the Garden or Springfield Sister Cities Association and receive free entry all season long! Members also get to skip the line and use the prepaid lane.
Memberships make great holiday gifts and come with various other benefits. Perfect for your loved one who has it all or just wants more quality time with the people they love!
Purchase now and you will immediately receive a confirmation e-mail with proof of membership so you can begin enjoying your benefits right away!
Special Dates
MEMBERS NIGHT
Monday, November 24, 5:30-8 p.m.
Friends of the Garden and Springfield Sister Cities members are invited to enjoy an exclusive early preview of the event.
SIP & STROLL
Thursday, December 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; $30 admission
Join us for an exclusive, adults-only evening at Gardens Aglow. With a limited number of tickets available, you’ll enjoy a peaceful and serene experience as you take in the stunning light displays. Your ticket includes complimentary cocoa and cider served in a commemorative cup, along with a delicious charcuterie box. Beer and wine are available for purchase.
Volunteer at Gardens Aglow
Many volunteers are needed to bring this unique event to the Springfield community! Volunteers receive free entry to the event, a $5 voucher with one of our vendors, and water and light snacks.
The majority of volunteer opportunities are outdoors, but all volunteer areas will have heaters. Volunteers are also welcome to take breaks to warm up in the heated pavilion.
Volunteers assist with guest hospitality and sales during a 3.5-4 hour shift. All volunteers receive brief training when they arrive for their shifts. You are welcome to sign up for as many shifts as you’d like!
In the case of event cancellation due to inclement weather, volunteers will be notified via e-mail.
VOLUNTEERThree Organizations Working Together
