Green Bay Botanical Garden: WPS Garden of Lights returns with dazzling lights & nature-themed sights at Green Bay Botanical Garden

(Green Bay, WI) (October 26, 2023)  As the final flowers of late autumn fade and the wind takes on a winter chill, things are ramping up here at Green Bay Botanical Garden. In fact, we’re busy getting ready for our biggest fundraiser of the year, WPS Garden of Lights! Kicking off Friday, November 24, join us to bask in the glow of 40 enchanting nature-themed displays comprised of a staggering 350,000 twinkling lights.

Our biggest year yet, we’ll keep the tradition going with familiar favorites like the Caterpillar and Lake of Lights, but keep an eye out for some new handcrafted surprises from our Garden Team!

As President and CEO Susan Garot’s last season of WPS Garden of Lights approaches, she reflects, “I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me to see WPS Garden of Lights grow during my years with the Garden. It’s so inspiring to see how much it connects people in our community, and it’s an honor that it’s become a cherished tradition for so many families.”

Even though the Garden is draped in snow and our beloved plants are dormant, strolling through our light displays is an engaging way to spend time outdoors creating lasting memories with loved ones. If you’d like to rest your feet for a bit, be sure to take advantage of our whimsical horse-drawn wagon rides! Purchase tickets ahead of time for the best seat in the house with a stunning view of the displays.

Need to warm up? Don’t forget to take a break to grab a treat from the Concessions Building on the WPS Foundation Plaza. It’s the perfect spot for festive food and drink options on the go. Also, stop by the Fischer Visitor Center for fun activities for kids of all ages. There, you can shop for gifts in the WPS Trellis Gift Shop, enjoy the Green Bay Area Model Railroaders Club display, read a story with Mrs. Claus, send a letter to Santa, and even snap a photo with him on select nights!

To learn more about Green Bay Botanical Garden and this beloved community event, call 920.490.9457 or visit GBBG.org/Lights.

Dates & Times:

November 24-26

November 30-December 3

December 7-10

December 14-17

December 21-23

December 26-30

4:30-9 pm

Closed: December 24-25, 31

You have 30 minutes after your selected entry time to arrive. Entry times are every 30 minutes beginning at 4:30 pm with last entry at 8:30 pm (7 pm for wagon riders). Lights out at 9 pm.

Family Night: Sunday, November 26

Children 12 and under get free walking admission with one paid adult walking reservation. All reservations, adult and children, will need to be made in advance due to limited capacity. Wagon rides are not available with Family Night special pricing due to limited capacity.

Letters to Santa

Every Night before Christmas | 4:30–9 pm


Bring your letters to Santa to place in his North Pole Mailbox.

Photos with Santa

Select dates before Christmas
Fridays & Saturdays | 5–9 pm (Excluding November 30, December 7 & 14)

Sundays & Thursday, December 21 | 5–8 pm

Get your photos with Santa! Check our website before your visit for updates on availability. Photo packages have an additional fee.

Natural Holiday Trees
Every Event Night | 4:30–9 pm

Check out our natural holiday trees featuring ornaments and decorations made from flowers and plants found in the Garden!

Green Bay Area Model Railroaders Club
Every Event Night | 4:30–9 pm

Green Bay Area Model Railroaders Club are returning once again to WPS Garden of Lights! Check out their display this year with stunning scenery and detailed model trains.

WPS Trellis Gift Shop

Every Event Night | 4:30–8:30 pm

Pick up a unique ornament, refresh your home with seasonal décor, or treat yourself (or a friend) to a new gardening tool. Stop in while you’re here for WPS Garden of Lights or visit us during the week – shop hours are the same as the Garden’s.

Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased online at GBBG.org/Lights.

Event capacity is limited, so purchase your dated and timed entry tickets early and in advance to ensure your desired date is available.

On Sale Dates
Garden Members

On Sale Now!

General Public

Monday, October 30 | 9 am

Value Nights are typically Thursdays, Sundays, and days after Christmas. Peak Nights are typically Fridays and Saturdays and dates leading up to Christmas. Limited Wagon Ride tickets are available every event night.

Value Nights: Adults: $12-$17; Child (3-12): $5-$10; 2 & under: Free

Peak Nights: Adults: $15-$20; Child (3-12): $8-$13; 2 & under: Free

$3-$5 service fee may apply per order.

Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride

Horse-Drawn Wagon Ticket includes a half-mile walk on paved paths through the upper areas of the light show before the start of the Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride (over mulched paths). Transport assistance to the Wagon Ride area is available, please ask at the ticket counter. Tickets for the Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride must be purchased in advance. Walking tickets cannot be upgraded at the door.

Garden Member Pricing on Value Nights (ages 3+)

Walking Ticket: $5
Horse-Drawn Wagon Ticket: $10

Each member household also receives a coupon for up to 2 complimentary 12 oz. hot beverages or popcorns (one beverage or popcorn for Individual membership level) when they arrive.

Group Rates
Reduced-rate tickets are available for groups of 25 or more. Tickets must be purchased with our Events Team at least two weeks in advance. Contact our Events Team at 920.593.5682 or events@gbbg.org to buy your group tickets.

Event Sponsors

Wisconsin Public Service; Boldt, Community First Credit Union; Cornerstone Foundation of Northeastern Wisconsin, Inc.; Green Bay Packaging George Kress Foundation; IBEW Local Union 158; K.C. Stock Foundation; Nicolet National Bank; US Bank: Terri Trantow; Cellcom; Festival Foods; Green Bay Packers Give Back; Hemophilia Outreach Center; Mary Zaborski; Meijer; Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists, Robert E. Lee & Associates Inc.; TDS; Fox Communities Credit Union; Les Stumpf Ford; Prevea Health, Schneider; Merit Financial Advisors;

CoVantage Credit Union, Ansay & Associates, LLC.; Ariens Co.; Selner Tree & Shrub Care; Non-Profit Ticketing Sponsor: Associated Bank N.A. Fund, a fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation; and Schroeder’s Flowers