Illuminations is one of Wichita’s most popular holiday events, but you can’t just show up
Illuminations — the massive light display that Botanica puts on every year — is a holiday tradition for many Wichitans, and it’s about to start its 2023 run.
Those who decide to visit this year will find several new features, but they’ll also find that Botanica has decided to permanently adopt several of the changes it made to the event during COVID — like requiring visitors to book the times they’ll visit in advance and asking them to travel through the exhibit on a one-way path. Botanica staff have learned since COVID that the tweaks just make the event run more smoothly, said Nikki Smith, Botanica’s director of community engagement and education.
Following is a list of what’s new at this year’s Illuminations — which runs Friday, Nov. 24, though Dec. 30 — as well as tips about how to get tickets, where to park once you arrive and what to bring.
What’s new, returning this year: Botanica’s display, which includes more than 2 million lights and usually draws around 4,000 people a night, has a few new features this year. Among them: a Candy Land section complete with a walk-through gingerbread house and glowing candy. Also new: Kids who want to visit Santa during the event can get their photos taken with the jolly one then pick up prints to take home. The cost is $5 for two 4x6 prints. (Santa will be at Illuminations through Dec. 23 only.)
The display will also include all the old favorites, Smith said, including the “funky tree,” which is seemingly covered haphazardly with lights, lanterns and glowing bicycles. Also returning to the event: the impressive 62-foot mega Christmas tree set up on Botanica’s Grand Lawn. It’s covered in lights that are programmed to dance to holiday music.
“It’s really a sight to see,” Smith said of this year’s display. “I walked it the other night, and I think it is one of the best displays we’ve ever done.”
How to get tickets: The rule that started during COVID is here to stay: People who want to visit Illuminations can’t just show up at the gate: They must get tickets in advance for specific dates and times through Botanica’s website, botanica.org/illuminations. Though the method was adopted during COVID to keep crowds from congregating all at once, spreading arrival times out ended up making it easier for the venue to handle parking.
People will be able to choose from four time slots: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 p.m. then will be asked to show their receipts on their phones at the gate. Tickets are $16 (up $3 over last year), $13 for children ages 12 and under and members (up $4), $10 for ages 3-12 (up $1), and free for children 2 and younger.
Where to park: People who attend events at Botanica are used to entering through the main gate off Amidon. But that’s not where Illuminations attendees should park. That entrance will be closed, and instead, people will be asked to use the south gate near the Old Cowtown Museum parking lot. Parking will be available both in that lot and in Botanica’s 300-space River Edge parking lot. Botanica will provide shuttle service from parking lots to the entrance for those who need it, Smith said, and extra security will be on hand to help keep people safe.
What to bring: People should prepare to bundle up if the temperatures drop since Illuminations is an outdoor event. Beyond that, they should be sure to bring credit cards to purchase extras like carousel tickets ($3), Santa portraits ($5) and concessions like hot chocolate and adult beverages. Botanica vendors will not take cash this year.
Don’t forget to vote: As long as people are thinking about Illuminations, Smith is urging everyone to vote for the show and help it win the top spot in USA Today’s 10 best list for botanical garden light displays. The venue has been nominated again this year and is up against top botanical gardens across the country. The highest it’s ever placed is fourth, but the staff would love it if Wichita could win the whole thing and urges people to visit botanica.org to cast votes daily. Voting is open through the end of November.
Need more information? Visit botanica.org/illuminations
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