Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

I recently got to talk to Patrick Newman, CEO and President of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) about this year’s Lightscape.

“If people saw Lightscape last year, they haven’t seen this year’s Lightscape,” Newman said. “Eighty percent of it is new.” (Editorial note: I’ve been. He’s right.) “Our partnership with Sony enables us to make it fresh and new year after year. It follows a similar trail, but we’ve got some really exciting new things.”

However, what’s really exciting isn’t that the field of bluebonnets is 50% bigger (although it is absolutely beautiful) or that you and your family can play on the “Candyland-inspired” path lined with gumdrops, peppermint, lollipops, and more. What’s really exciting is that this year, the FWBG has added value nights with reduced ticket prices.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

“We’re really excited that we’ve added additional value nights,” Newman said. “That really is an effort to make Lightscape even more accessible to families.”

In addition to the value nights,  FWBG has convinced Santa to come to Fort Worth. Newman smiled, “It’s a busy time of year for Santa, but he’s taking a break from the North Pole and will be here for photos on a few special nights. He also wants kids to share their Christmas lists with him!” Don’t forget to grab hot chocolate and enjoy s’mores at the fire pits in the new Santa’s Village while you’re there. 

(Personally, I think Santa is enjoying our balmier weather here in the Fort.)

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

For those of you who went last year and loved the Winter Cathedral (and wasn’t that just glorious?), don’t worry! It’s back! Did you know that 47 couples got engaged in the Winter Cathedral last year? Newman said that they’re already up to 34 proposals this year with two weeks left in the season.

Newman is rightfully delighted with how the people of Fort Worth have embraced Lightscape and incorporated it into their holiday traditions after only two years. “We realized that there were some exciting things happening in Dallas and other parts of the Metroplex, and we knew there was an opportunity to do something special here in the heart of Fort Worth.”

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Oh, and Newman has an insider’s pro tip for families. You can buy parking in advance, but the VIP parking in FWBG’s parking lot tends to sell out pretty quickly. If you’re bringing your children, skip the VIP parking and park in the Dickie’s parking lot instead. It will cost you only $15, and you get to ride the Snowflake Shuttle, a tractor-pulled tram, to start your Lightscape experience just that much earlier!

To purchase your tickets, click here.

Lightscape Family Value Nights

December 18, 19, 20, and January 1

Santa Nights

December 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The post The Newest (and Brightest) Holiday Tradition for Fort Worth Families first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Bring your whole family and visit Lightscape, an immersive holiday experience in the Garden featuring more than one million lights. Guests of all ages will be enchanted by custom-designed installations that come alive with color, imagination, and sound, each of which is expertly choreographed to holiday-themed music in a completely transformed magical atmosphere. New this year is a “Christmas Village,” complete with fire pits, s’more-roasting, hot cocoa, holiday music, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus on specific nights. Lightscape is sponsored by Higginbotham.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

WHEN:

• November 22, 24-26, 29-30
• December 1-3, 6-10, 13-24, 26-31
• January 1

WHERE:

Fort Worth Botanic Garden
3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76107

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

COST:

Adults: $18-$35, Children: $12-$25 (3-12), Children under 3 are free with an adult ticket*
Visit FWBG.org/Lightscape to purchase tickets.

*Parking is an additional fee.

The post Treat Your Guests to an Enchanted Experience in the Garden first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

“You may think you’ve seen Lightscape, but you’ve never seen this Lightscape, said Patrick Newman, CEO & president of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. “This is a celebration of the holiday spirit and a way for families and friends to come together to create a new holiday tradition with long-lasting memories – we like to call them emotional souvenirs.”

Tickets go on sale Friday June 9 for the event, which runs from Nov. 17 through Jan. 1. For tickets, visit fwbg.org/lightscape.

From the moment visitors step foot into Lightscape, they are transported into a world of wonder and awe. The show features an array of stunning light installations expertly choreographed to holiday-themed music. The captivating combination of lights and music creates a magical atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

Lightscape creators aim to build on the success of last year’s inaugural show, which attracted sold-out crowds and garnered widespread acclaim. Artists and designers listened to guest feedback to bring back crowd favorites Bluebonnets and the Winter Cathedral. All other displays are completely reimagined and created exclusively for Fort Worth.

The Garden also listened to feedback when creating a new pricing structure for the event. Off-peak dates are discounted as low as $15 for adult members of the Garden. Guests also have the option of purchasing an Anytime Access ticket that includes parking, flexible arrival times and a dedicated check-in line.

“This year members receive a deeper discount with $8 off each ticket, a great incentive for attending Lightscape at a lower price while also receiving free year-round Garden admission,” Newman said. Guests can learn more about membership online.

Lightscape is produced by the Fort Worth Botanic Garden in association with Sony Music and creatively produced by Culture Creative.

The post Lightscape Will Return with Spectacular New Displays first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

Presented by Bank of America, Lightscape is a one-of-kind immersive experience that takes guests on a journey through the Garden along a walking trail lit by more than one million lights. You’ll travel through singing trees, undulating waves of bluebonnets, a fire garden and a stunning cathedral of light—with stops along the way for hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

“We are beyond ecstatic to announce that Lightscape is making its debut in Fort Worth during the 2022 holiday season, and that North Texans will have the opportunity to experience this internationally renowned holiday light show at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for the first time,” says Patrick Newman, CEO & president of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. “We have truly transformed the Garden into an enchanting after-dark spectacular like no other.”

Designed by a team of international artists, Lightscape has enjoyed sold-out runs in the world’s largest cities including London, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. Reviews are enthusiastic: “When we took our first steps into new territory we were dazzled,” wrote Marielle Bokor at “Third Coast Review” in Chicago. “Each area brought a new sense of wonder.” “This is no Disney-like adventure, but one in which nature and artistically created installations come together in harmony,” wrote Catherine D. Anspon at “PaperCity” in Houston.

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

What its producers describe as an “ode to the holiday season” runs November 18 through January 8 on select nights. Tickets are required for admittance, say Botanic Garden staff, with entry times available every 15 minutes from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly.

“The average tour time from start to finish is 1.5 hours, although there is no time limit,” says Newman. “We encourage you to take your time and enjoy the experience.” The walking trail is a wide, paved path about one mile long. The entire route is wheelchair accessible.

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

Victoria Wise took her whole family to Lightscape over Thanksgiving. “Lightscape exceeded my expectations for a wondrous lighted display,” she said. “From the twinkling musical flower lights to the amazing cathedral tunnel, we were delighted. My favorite part was capturing memories by taking copious amounts of photos of my kids exploring the gardens. We’re so thankful to the Botanic Gardens for hosting Lightscape. Can’t wait until next time!”

Tickets are on sale at https://fwbg.org/lightscape . Adults are $28, children ages three to 12 are $18 and infants are free. Members receive $5 off of each ticket, and groups of 20 or more get ten percent off.

Winter is the darkest time of year, with long nights and cloudy days. But Lightscape promises to lift your spirits with dazzling lights that will bring the magic of the holiday season to you and your family.

The post Create Emotional Souvenirs This Holiday Season at Lightscape first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.