Illuminate The Gardens
Schedule
Thu Dec 11 2025 at 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
1927 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA, United States, Iowa 50701 | Waterloo, IA
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Illuminate the GardensJoin us for the first-ever Illuminate the Gardens at the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. Experience the magic of the season as the gardens glow with thousands of lights and festive displays. Enjoy free hot cocoa and s’mores as you stroll through the illuminated pathways and warm up by the fire pits.
Select evenings will feature special-themed nights, such as Date Night, Family Night, Pet Night, and visits from Santa and carolers.
Event Dates: November 28 through December 27
Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5:00 to 9:00 PM
Admission:
Members: $8
Non-members: $10
Youth (ages 5–17): $2
Children (4 and under): Free
Opening night is Black Friday, November 28. Enjoy a 25% discount on memberships available in-office only that day.
The Welcome Center will be open with seasonal items available for purchase. Weather updates will be posted frequently on our social media pages. Come out and celebrate the season and start a new holiday tradition at Illuminate the Gardens.
Please show proof of ticket purchase/registration upon arrival. Email confirmations will be sent after your purchase is complete. Members should have their membership card ready at check-in.
Tickets may be purchased for any date and used on any event night. For example, a ticket purchased for November 28 can be used on any evening during Illuminate the Gardens.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: Black Hawk Gaming Foundation, VGM, Nestlé, The Craven Family, Fareway, and Hy-Vee.
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Where is it happening?
1927 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA, United States, Iowa 50701Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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