Illustration of a small red house and a snowman in a red scarf among snowy trees with glowing warm string lights at dusk (Gardens Aglow)

Gardens Aglow

Visitors stroll through a Japanese stroll garden illuminated with more than 225,000 festive lights accenting unique structures and landscaping along a paved half-mile loop. Guests can warm up by fire pits and purchase hot beverages and treats from local food vendors.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

friendsofthegarden.org

When

Tickets

Adults: $6 pre-purchase or $8 at the gate. Children ages 3–12: $4 pre-purchase or $6 at the gate. Friends of the Garden or Sister Cities members: free admission, for the member and others depending on membership level. A Friends of the Garden or Springfield Sister Cities Association membership provides free entry all season; memberships start at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family.

Hours

5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; last admittance at 8:15 p.m.

Food & Drink

Local vendors sell hot beverages and treats; the Dec. 3 adults-only Sip & Stroll ticket includes food and hot cocoa, with beer, wine and spiked hot cocoa available for purchase.

Parking

Free on-site parking with parking attendants. Accessible parking is limited; ask attendants for a paved spot or parking close to the entrance.

Accessibility

Level-stamped concrete pathways accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, complimentary wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served, and one motorized wheelchair can be reserved to rent.

Pets

Animals may come but must be kept on a leash throughout the gardens.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden · 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and garden-lovers

Vibe

Festive and tranquil

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Buy tickets for your selected date in advance if you want the discounted rate; tickets are date-specific, and sales are final.
  • Wear layers and sturdy shoes for this fully outdoor walking event, and be prepared for possible snow or ice on the paths.
  • Ask parking attendants for a paved spot or close parking if needed, since accessible spaces near the entrance are limited.
  • Bring your ticket on your phone or print it for scanning at the gate, and keep dogs leashed throughout the gardens.
  • Allow at least 30 minutes for the winding garden loop, and use the benches along the paved paths as needed.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children ages 3–12 receive discounted admission.
  • Friends of the Garden and Springfield Sister Cities Association members receive free admission; benefits for additional guests depend on membership level.
  • Friends of the Garden or Springfield Sister Cities Association members can get free entry all season with a membership.
  • Tickets purchased in advance are offered at a discounted rate.
  • Members Night is an early preview for Friends of the Garden and Springfield Sister Cities Association members on November 23; bring proof of membership.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gardens Aglow suitable for families?

The regular Gardens Aglow walk welcomes families, and no age restriction is stated. The separate Sip & Stroll is adults-only for guests aged 21 and over.

Should I buy tickets in advance, and can I buy them at the gate?

Tickets are available in advance online or at the Botanical Center, and at the event gate. Advance tickets are offered at a discounted rate; tickets are valid only for the selected date.

What can I see and do along the route?

Walk the garden’s winding loop past more than 225,000 lights, Japanese structures and landscaping. The paved paths have benches, and fire pits offer a place to warm up.

Are food and drinks available?

Local vendors sell hot beverages and treats. A ticket is required to enter the garden, even if you only want to buy food.

How long should I allow, and are the paths accessible?

The organizers recommend at least 30 minutes for the walk. The level, stamped-concrete paths accommodate wheelchairs and strollers; a limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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