Pictured: Millions of lights transform Selby Gardens into a winter wonderland. Photo by Phil Lederer.

Sarasota may not have much snow to ring in the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean the scenery can’t take on a special glow this time of year. And over at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the glow is literal, as the annual Lights In Bloom celebration kicks off tonight at 5:30pm. “Every year, the garden transforms into a magical wonderland, filled with laughter, wonder, and the spirit of the season,” says Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki. “[It’s] one of the most cherished must-do traditions in the Sarasota region.”

How do 15 acres of botanical gardens turn into a magical winter wonderland? Start by orchestrating a display of more than two million lights in every color of the rainbow, dangling them from towering trees like magic light-sicles and wrapping branches in scarlet. Cover the lawn with great illuminated arches lined with luminous flower petals and flocks of pink flamingoes with light-up antlers. Use strings of light as a sculpting medium for everything from gargantuan light-up butterflies populating the treetops to toadstools, cacti and oversized blooms unfolding in the dark. And in the back of the gardens, hang glowing lanterns from a Wishing Tree and pose for photos on benches overlooking the water, framed by giant red bows.

And it wouldn’t be a true immersive holiday experience without something truly immersive. Enter the canopied walkways and illuminated tunnels—literally—where guests find themselves cocooned in light for a remarkably transportive effect and an incredible photo opportunity.

“I encourage each of you to take the time to visit the show with your families and friends,” Rominiecki says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to unwind, enjoy the natural beauty around us, and create lasting memories.”

Opening tonight at 5:30pm, Lights In Bloom will be on display at Selby Gardens through January 1. As a new addition this year, The Green Orchid, Selby Gardens’ onsite restaurant, will be open on select nights for dinner service throughout the event.

Pictured: Millions of lights transform Selby Gardens into a winter wonderland. Photo by Phil Lederer.

To learn more, visit