When most people think of winter activities, visiting the botanical gardens isn’t high on the list. However, the Amarillo Botanical Gardens is changing that. For the last 12 years, they’ve had Christmas at the Gardens, a holiday event that gathers a crowd of all ages. Visitors can explore the Gardens, sip on hot cocoa or coffee, make s’mores, listen to live music and even visit with Santa, all while enjoying the 400,000 lights on display.
“The time of year that people aren’t thinking about the Botanical Gardens is through the winter, so it helps us to get through the rest of the winter and into spring,” said executive director Greg Lusk.
The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so Christmas at the Gardens and the other events help to keep the Gardens in operation and available for visitors. The Amarillo Botanical Gardens has been open for 53 years, and hosts events, activities and attractions for all kinds of visitors.
“We see close to 100,000 guests a year, and that’s amazing for anything in Amarillo I think,” said Lusk. “I think the Botanical Gardens is a very important part of our community. Most botanical gardens are only found in larger cities, so we’re very fortunate. It gives an extension of the outdoors, it’s a great learning place for kids and adults, and it’s a cultural center as well. A lot of activity goes on here.”
You can attend Christmas at the Gardens Thursday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. until December 23. For more information, visit amarillobotanicalgardens.org.
