

"I think the world's going to be a better place. "2021, I think, will be a better year," Santa said assuredly. But since we had Santa on the phone, we figured we’d ask him for a present: a kinder, gentler year to come. COVID wasn’t able to cancel Botanica’s Illuminations, but it will be different this year. It is the perfect way to create lasting memories and new traditions with friends and loved ones. Illuminations has been voted Top 10 Best Light Show in the country. It’s 20 per car Sunday - Thursday and 25 per car on Friday and. All tickets must be pre-purchased and no walkups will be allowed. Botanica’s annual holiday light show, Illuminations, will take place nightly from November 18th December 31st from 5:30pm-9:30pm. Botanica Illuminations has added a Drive Thru tour where 350,000 lights dance to music. Please visit our website to view a map for parking and entrance locations. There’s no question that 2020 has earned a spot on the naughty list. Thank you for supporting Botanicas largest fundraiser All guests for Illuminations walk thru will enter at our South Gate entrance. "If I’m in Walmart or something, you know, they'll go ahead and say, 'Mom, Mom, I think that’s Santa standing there,'" Little Santa said. He keeps his bushy white beard year-round, which he said can lead to interesting comments from children when he’s out shopping in his street clothes. restless because I can't wait till Christmas comes around," he said. "I enjoy Santa and when it comes around … to December or, well, actually June, July, I'm getting all. Little Santa said he starts looking forward to the holidays during the heat of the summer. Claus' heart to see all these kids."Īnd kids aren’t the only ones who can’t wait for Christmas. "That sparkle in their eye, the gleam, the excitement. He said that transaction hasn’t changed much over the decades. He estimates he has had thousands of children sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. Both of them wear custom, handmade outfits that were sewn by Santa’s mom. Claus and is by his side when makes appearances. Santa got started when his wife made an offhand comment 30 years ago when his hair and beard quickly transformed from gray to white: "You’re starting to look like Santa," she said. Claus and myself could make just a little bit of happiness for a child at this time of the year, that's what we want to do." "I tried to see as many kids as I can," Santa said. And he said he never charges for his services because it doesn’t feel right.ĭespite the limitations brought on by the pandemic and a reduction in the number of appearances he made this month, he said his goal remains the same. Santa said he has a special affinity for special needs and underprivileged children. You got to stay your distance and all this stuff." For children who cannot be on a horse by themselves, the adult purchases the token and that child is free. "That's what is a little bit hard for me this year because I can't really visit with the kids. 24 and 25 How much does Illuminations cost 13Non-Member Adults 9 Members and Children 3-12 FreeChildren 2 and Under Carousel rides are 3 per person. "I love to see the kids," said Little Santa, who has donned his red suit for 12 years. The worst part of the pandemic, they both said, was it interrupted their interaction with children, which is the reason for their season. Great place to spend the afternoon.Credit Courtesy Botanica Little Santa says social distancing brought on by the pandemic is disappointing, but necessary. It's absolutely beautiful and I was glad it was brought back to life to create happy moments for families. I was excited to see the restored carousel in the indoor pavilion. The Chinese Garden of Friendship provides a stunning backdrop to capture wedding memories that will last forever. On my visit they were preparing for a wedding and caught a peek of the bride and groom taking their pictures before the nuptials. I can see why brides choose such a wonderful Walking about the grounds was very tranquil and serene. Delightful colors, marvelous floral arrangements with a range of delightful colors. I think my favorite garden was the Shakespeare Garden. The butterflies were all really pretty and it was fun to watch them fly around in Gorgeous gardens filled with flowers inviting their small animal visitors to pollenate them. The grounds were breathtakingly beautiful.
