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See the Garden in a New Light
Step into a world of enchantment as the San Antonio Botanical Garden presents an awe-inspiring exhibition from Tianyu Arts & Culture. Journey through breathtaking illuminated displays that blend art, nature, and culture in a mesmerizing celebration of light. This stunning showcase invites you to explore larger-than-life sculptures, intricate designs, and dazzling scenes that will leave you spellbound.
Join us for this unforgettable evening adventure—where every visit is a new discovery.
Dates & Times
Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025
Entry times are available every 30 minutes from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Most guests finish the trail in 90 minutes.
Prices
- Adults $23 - $30
- Children (3-12) $18 - $21
- Infants (0-2) Free
- *All tickets subject to $3 convenience fee; Garden Members receive a 10% per ticket discount. Members also receive a discount on Member Mondays.
Parking
- Rideshare and drop-off highly encouraged
- Free, overflow parking available on Old Austin Rd. (.8 mile walk to entrance)
- $20 first come, first serve parking available for pre-purchase ONLINE ONLY
Know before you glow
- Please plan to arrive at the gate 10 minutes prior to your entry time slot, allowing time to park and check in.
- Early entry cannot be accommodated. Late entry is not guaranteed and will be granted at the discretion of the box office.
- Please dress appropriately for this outdoor walking experience.
- Food and drink will be available for purchase at the event. Outside food and beverage is not allowed in the Garden. NO CASH will be accepted - Visa, Master Card, American Express & Apple Pay are all accepted.
- The event is rain or shine. No rainchecks for inclement weather.
- The member discount is 10% per ticket; no member discount on Flex Date tickets.
- Guest passes and reciprocal benefits are not accepted for this special event.
FAQ
What is Illuminate?
Illuminate is a larger-than-life lighted exhibition, comprised of hundreds of handcrafted lanterns, produced by Tianyu, Arts & Culture.
Guests will go on an immersive journey with beautiful installations, glowing tunnels, and vibrant scenes celebrating the beauty of nature and cultural artistry.
What are the dates for IIlluminate?
November 29, 2024 – January 12, 2024.
What are the ticket prices?
General Admission Weekend:
- Public Ticket Pricing: $30 for adults, $23 for children
- Member Ticket Pricing*: $27 for adults, $21 for children
General Admission Weekday:
- Public Ticket Pricing: $27 for adults, $21 for children
- Member Ticket Pricing*: $25 for adults, $19 for children
Flex Date Ticket:
- Adult Ticket: $42
- Children Ticket: $30
Additional Info:
- Day of Purchases are $5 more per ticket
- $3 convenience fee applies
*Member pricing is automatically applied at checkout when logged into your member account.
What is the member discount?
Members receive 10% off ticket prices.
Member Monday Ticket Pricing: $23 for adults, $18 for children. All sales final.
Please take note of the following details: Tickets are bought for 30-minute time slots, which serve as your entry time to the exhibition. A restricted number of walk-up tickets are offered at the front kiosk. On-site parking spaces are available for purchase ONLINE ONLY at a cost of $20. Limited overflow parking is available on Old Austin Rd. on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the $3 per ticket fee?
This convenience fee helps ensure the Garden’s commitment to efficient online ticketing and contributes directly to the Garden’s non-profit mission to transform lives through plants and nature.
Where do I park?
On-site parking spaces are available for purchase ONLINE ONLY at a cost of $20. Limited overflow parking is available on Old Austin Rd. on a first-come, first-served basis.
We also recommend utilizing ride share services.
Is there a drop off area for rideshare?
Yes! Parking Lot A is the designated drop-off and pickup area for Uber and Lyft. The Garden highly encourages guests to use rideshare to enhance their Illuminate experience.
Who is Illuminate suitable for?
Illuminate is suitable for all ages – to be enjoyed by everyone. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do Garden members need to buy tickets?
Yes. Garden members must purchase tickets online and receive 10% off regular ticket prices. Only Garden members are eligible for this discount. Additional service fees apply.
If I become a member am I eligible for the discount?
Yes, you can become a member online or by visiting the admissions kiosk during normal business hours.
The date I want is sold out. Can I buy tickets at the door, day of?
Due to limited capacity, the Garden does not guarantee ticket availability at the door (day of). Due to high demand, guests are strongly recommended to purchase tickets online and in advance.
Does my Garden daytime admission or membership give me access to the Illuminate event?
No. Admission to Illuminate and the Garden are separate. Illuminate is a ticketed evening event with admissions starting at 5:30 p.m. Regular Garden admission prices apply if you visit the Garden during the day. If you have both regular admission and Illuminate tickets, you must exit the garden by 4 p.m. and return to enter Illuminate at your designated timed entry.
Should I arrive in advance of my ticketed time slot?
We strongly advise arriving at the Garden 15 minutes before your entry time. Please allow time to park and check-in. To provide you with the best experience, entry is granted based on the time designated on your ticket.
Do I have to leave before the next entry group comes in?
Once you are admitted, you do not have a time limit to complete your visit.
If I am delayed and miss my slot, can I join a later slot?
The Garden will try and accommodate you on the next available slot within Illuminates’s operational hours on the day. Please ensure you leave enough time to arrive on time if you travel a long way.
What if I can’t use my ticket? Can I get a refund?
Choose your date carefully! Please ensure that you have chosen the correct date and time slot for your booking. The Garden cannot offer exchanges or refunds once Illuminate tickets have been purchased.
Can I change the date of my tickets?
Choose your date carefully! Please ensure that you have chosen the correct date and time slot for your booking. The Garden cannot offer exchanges or refunds once Illuminate tickets have been purchased.
How long is the walk?
The exhibition route is a little over a mile long. This is a self-guided walking event. There are no shuttles or tours.
Is the path dark or covered?
In some areas, the lighting will be at a low level as part of the experience. You are encouraged to bring a flashlight in case of an emergency; this should not be used unless necessary.
The path is not covered, and all guests are reminded that this is an outdoor illuminated event, and the weather may be inclement. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for winter.
What are the last entry times?
The last time slot is 8:30 p.m. and the event closes at 10 p.m.
What time does Illuminate finish?
All guests must exit the Garden no later than 10 p.m.
Can I take photographs?
Yes! Please use hashtag #sabotilluminate to share your experience. While waiting for that perfect shot, please do not block pathways or the view of others. No tripods allowed. Photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes. No night commercial photography is allowed during Illuminate, permits will not be given.
Can I bring my drone?
Drones are not permitted.
Are dogs allowed?
Pets are not allowed. Only ADA-designated service animals are permitted.
Will Illuminate be open in inclement weather?
Illuminate is a rain-or-shine event. The Garden reserves the right to shut down or cancel the event if weather conditions are assessed to pose a risk to our guests’ safety.
Is there ADA access at Illuminate?
Yes. The event is accessible for wheelchairs, mobility assistant devices, and strollers. Wheelchairs are not provided and cannot be rented on-site.
Do you have accessible parking?
Yes, accessible parking spaces are available.
Is the trail accessible for wheelchair users?
The illuminated path is approximately one mile in length. The exhibition route is a little over a mile long is designed so that it can be viewed solely from even paths.
Does it get cold?
We strongly recommend dressing warmly. The Garden may get cold during winter months.
Can I purchase food and drink on-site?
Yes, a selection of food and drink will be available to purchase.
Can I bring food and drinks?
No. Only food and drinks purchased on-site are permitted to be consumed during the illuminated trail.
What shopping facilities are there?
The Garden Gift Shop will be open.
What will happen if the weather is bad? Will Illuminate be cancelled?
Illuminate is an outdoor illuminated event. If the weather presents a hazard and a risk to safety, any decision to cancel will be taken by 2 p.m. on the day of the event. If Illuminate is cancelled, you will be notified by email and text message and you will be informed of the re-booking process. We advise you to check the website for the latest updates before you travel to the Botanical Garden.
If I am unable to attend on a rescheduled day, can I get a refund?
If Illuminate is canceled per the cancellation policy and ticket holders cannot attend an alternative night offered, a refund will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We can also offer a voucher for the following year. The transaction fee is not refundable under any circumstances.
I have lost my ticket, what can I do?
If your tickets are lost or if you require your eTickets to be re-sent to you, please get in touch with ticketing@sabot.org or 210.536.1400.
I have a question that is not listed here. Who can I speak to for more information?
Please email ticketing@sabot.org or call 210.536.1400.
