The Newest (and Brightest) Holiday Tradition for Fort Worth Families

A few days ago, a member of the Tanglewood Moms groups asked if anyone in the group had been to last year’s Lightscape at the Botanic Garden and this year’s. She had heard that this year’s Lightscape was new with more lights. She asked, “Is it really that different?”
Yes. It really is THAT different.

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