WASHINGTON — The U.S. Botanic Garden is turning up the holiday cheer with its annual Season's Greenings display, opening Thanksgiving Day and running through Jan. 5, 2025. This free and festive event invites visitors to explore dazzling holiday decorations, nature-inspired sculptures and a fan-favorite train exhibit, all while celebrating the magic of plants.
The theme of "pollinators" was such a hit last year that it's back again. You'll find displays of pollinators made from plant parts throughout the outdoor garden with model trains winding throughout them, with some educational info spinkled throughout the display.
What’s new this year?
WUSA9's Kaitlyn McGrath caught up with Devin Dotson, the garden’s senior communications specialist, to get the scoop:
- Expanded train display: The outdoor trains chug through a world of pollinator-themed sculptures made entirely from plant parts. Just a heads-up: the trains may take a rain check during inclement weather.
- Five new Christmas trees: Each tree is exquisitely decorated with materials sourced from—you guessed it—plants!
- DC landmarks galore: The Conservatory’s 21 iconic D.C. landmarks, from the Capitol to the Washington Monument, are crafted from dried plant materials. These intricate creations bring history to life with a botanical twist.
"Of our 3,000 poinsettias we have several new varieties that you have not seen grown before so we're excited to share those," Dotson said. "We also have some new living wreaths throughout the conservatory made of plants that match the plant collection of that room. So you can look for one made out of succulents in the desert house. There's one made out of rosemary in the Mediterranean house so that's fun and new this year for our horticulture team."
When to visit:
The display is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on select evenings: Dec. 10, 12, 17, 19, and 26. These special nights also feature live holiday music and tasty treats from food vendors, making it a perfect outing for families or date nights.
Need a break?
Warm up with coffee, hot chocolate and snacks from Vintage Views, located near the outdoor trains. Or, pick up a unique gift at the Conservatory’s botanical-themed shop, curated by Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and local business Rewild.
Important Details
- When: Nov. 28, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Dec. 25); select evenings until 8 p.m.
- Cost: Free; no tickets required.
- Accessibility: Strollers welcome; sensory-friendly programming on Dec. 8.
"We've got five evenings this year where we'll be open until 8 p.m.," Dotson confirmed. "We'll have live music, there's going to be food and drinks available for sale. The garden is beautiful at night. The full conservatory will be open in addition to the train show outdoors so we hope people come and enjoy those five evenings."
The evening hours start Dec. 10 and take place most Tuesdays and Thursdays in December. So bundle up, grab your loved ones and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and festive spirit of Season's Greenings. Whether you’re here for the trains, the trees, or the poinsettias, this annual celebration at the U.S. Botanic Garden is sure to spark joy this holiday season.
