Tropical Holiday Brings Island Warmth to the Botanical Garden
A family walking through the Costa Rica Glasshouse
Cleveland winters may be cold, but the Cleveland Botanical Garden is heading someplace warmer for the holidays.
Tropical Holiday opens Saturday, Nov. 21, transforming the Garden into a mix of tropical scenery and traditional holiday favorites. The exhibit runs through Sunday, Jan. 3.
Visitors can follow the story of a shipwrecked crew traveling through desert and jungle settings on its way to a Holiday Bazaar. In the Madagascar and Costa Rica Glasshouses, families can take part in a storybook scavenger hunt, searching for plants and natural features that could help the travelers survive their journey. Children who complete the hunt can turn it in for a free postcard.
At the center of the display is a 20-foot living tree surrounded by bromeliads, ferns, monstera and palms and decorated with lights and jewel-toned ornaments. Hundreds of poinsettias and tropical plants add holiday color throughout the indoor gardens. Families can also explore the expanded children’s play area, complete with an oversized slide, while outdoor displays include a light tunnel stretching from Geis Terrace to the Rose Garden.
Another favorite returns with the Garden’s 20th annual gingerbread competition. Approximately 100 creations from local families, children and bakeries will be displayed throughout the run of Tropical Holiday.
Several special events and activities are also planned:
Saturday, Dec. 5, 6–9 p.m. Costumed Krampuses will roam the indoor and outdoor gardens during an evening featuring live music, local vendors and food and drink specials. Admission is $35 for nonmembers and $30 for members; advance registration is required.
Storytime with Santa
Sundays, Nov. 22 and 29 and Dec. 6 and 13, 10 a.m.–noon. Santa will read a holiday story, pose for photos and join families for crafts and light refreshments. Cost is $30 per nonmember adult and $25 per child; members pay $25 per adult and $20 per child.
Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, Dec. 20, with seatings at 9 and 11 a.m. Santa will visit each table, followed by opportunities for family photos. Ticket prices will be announced.
Children’s Holiday Classes
Kids can make tropical paper wreaths, nature-inspired ornaments, stuffed yeti pillows or decorated holiday cookies on select dates throughout the season. Classes cost $8 for member children and $10 for nonmembers; one adult admission to the class is included, although general Garden admission is separate.
Tropical Holiday is included with general admission: $21 for adults, $15 for children ages 3–12 and free for children 2 and younger. Advance timed tickets are required. Evening hours are offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m.
Please check cbgarden.org for a full list of special events, dates and times.