Phipps Holiday Magic: Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
Visitors explore glasshouses filled with poinsettias, amaryllis, narcissus, gilded foliage, and luminous botanical sculptures. Displays include a 10-foot-tall poinsettia tree, motion-activated ice-skating animal topiaries on a frozen pond, and a miniature garden railroad village with fairies and gnomes. Outdoors, the Winter Light Garden illuminates the night with a color-changing snowflake tree, glowing orbs, and a brightly lit gazebo.
What to Expect
Botanical Brilliance theme featuring sparkling metallics and illuminated topiary displays.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Oakland
Organizer
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and garden lovers
Vibe
Festive and dazzling
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: The page gives closing times, not opening times: until 11 p.m. on November 20, 21, 27 and the text’s “38”; until 10 p.m. on November 22, 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30; December 3, 4, 5, 10–23 and 26–30 until 11 p.m.; December 1, 2, 6–9 and 31 until 10 p.m.; December 24 until 5 p.m.; January 1–2 until 11 p.m.; and January 3–10 until 10 p.m. Closed November 26 and December 25.
- Parking: Valet parking is available during peak attendance hours throughout Phipps Holiday Magic. It costs $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
Tips & Advice
- Reserve your tickets ahead of time, because booking in advance saves time when you arrive at the conservatory.
- Become a member if you plan to go, since members get to book Holiday Magic dates a week before everyone else.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing, because last entry to the conservatory is half an hour before it closes.
- Watch the forecast before an evening visit, because the outdoor Winter Light Garden may close temporarily in heavy rain or bad weather.
- Phipps closes early on Christmas Eve and is closed on Nov. 26 and Dec. 25, so pick another day for your visit.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the Botanical Brilliance theme, with a poinsettia tree, an anthurium tree, ice-skating animal topiaries and a color-changing snowflake tree.
- On Nov. 23 and 24, Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes pairs the displays with scenes from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker.
- Phipps members can reserve tickets a week before the general public each time new visit dates are released.
- Valet parking is offered during peak hours throughout Holiday Magic, for an extra fee.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this year's theme?
Botanical Brilliance. Expect metallics, jewel tones and topiary displays, with poinsettias, amaryllis and narcissus filling the glasshouse alongside gilded foliage and lit sculptures.
What's new this year?
Trees lit in red, pink and white, 130 feet of lit magnolia garland, a 10-foot poinsettia tree, a 12.5-foot anthurium tree, and motion-activated ice-skating animal topiaries on a frozen pond. Outside there's a color-changing snowflake tree, glowing orbs and a gazebo lit in white.
Is the garden railroad on display?
Yes. The new Garden Railroad: Fairies and Gnomes shows a miniature forest with fairy and gnome villages, hovering dragonflies and trains winding through greenery.
Does the outdoor Light Garden open in bad weather?
The outdoor Winter Light Garden may close temporarily during heavy rain or other bad weather.
Can groups get a guided tour or group rate?
No. Guided tours and group rates aren't offered during Phipps Holiday Magic. Groups visiting on their own should book through the general online reservation system.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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