Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens is an annual celebration and features over a month of special activities and events for all ages. In 2024, these special events will take place between November 29 – January 5.
Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens
This year’s theme is Peace on Earth, a holiday celebration that connects visitors to nature and encourages feelings of peace, joy, and goodwill. The winter season is a time to rejoice and reflect on how we can make the world a bit better for the coming year.
Holidays Remembered at El Retiro
November 29 – January 5
Your holiday experience at El Retiro includes a delightful display of sparkling holiday décor that accents the estate’s beauty. Make sure to visit the home’s exterior for a wonderful display of holiday plants, including the towering Blooming Holiday tree.
Holiday Hide-and-Seek with Freddy Gnome-sted
Cute, elusive, and wise, El Retiro’s resident gnome friend, Freddy Gnome-sted, loves to watch over the Gardens and celebrate the season. Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up the complimentary hide-and-seek booklet and stickers.
Carols & Carillon with Dr. Jonathan Reed and Friends
Saturday, November 30 | 6:00 PM | Free for members, $20 non-member adults and $10 for non-member children
The holidays are here, and The Shop at Bok is filled with pretty poinsettias for indoor and outdoor displays. Fill your home with nature’s splendor and take home the beauty from The Shop at Bok.
Ring in the holidays at the Singing Tower as Dr. Reed presents a beautiful evening of holiday favorites joined by Dana Hofstrom and Brian Scott. Geert D’hollander will perform carillon selections.
Sing-a-long as these talented musicians begin the holiday season with a night like none other atop Iron Mountain with selections including “Rise Up, Shepherds, and Follow,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” and “O Holy Night.”
Purchase a candle upon arrival and join the candle lighting during the sing-a-long.
Meet Santa
Saturday, November 30 and December 7 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Free for members, $20 non-member adults and $10 for non-member children
Before the big night, Santa decided to take a few vacation days and enjoy the warm Florida sunshine at Bok Tower Gardens.
Dressed in his gardening best, meet Santa each Saturday outside The Shop at Bok.
Ring in Holidays with the Silver Bells Big Band
Saturday, December 7 | 6:00 PM | Free for members, $20 non-member adults and $10 for non-member children
Ring in the holiday season with the Silver Bells Big Band. This evening will feature contemporary hits and holiday favorites played by the area’s finest musicians under the direction of Holly Cordero of Steamin’ Jazz.
Enjoy a concert experience like none other atop Iron Mountain while hundreds of twinkling luminaries light the paths. Geert D’hollander will provide a pre-show concert.
Holiday Centerpiece Workshop with Bloombox Floral
Saturday, December 14 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | $75 members, $90 non-members
Join Bloom Box Floral designers Laurel and Michael Lopes for a fun, educational hands on program creating a “Champagne Holiday” table centerpiece. Silver and gold accents adorn fresh evergreen foliage with beautiful long lasting blooms. All material and instruction included.
Magic of the Holidays Festival with The Nutcracker
Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free for members, included in general admission
Come dressed in your holiday fairy best, as Bok Tower Gardens presents a holiday fantasy extravaganza for fairies, fauns, elves, and gnomes of all ages!
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as they enjoy a weekend of relaxation in the Gardens before the big day arrives. Atop Iron Mountain, be astounded by the mesmerizing aerial acrobatics of fairies and elves as they dance upon the air. Meet Freddie Gnome-sted at El Retiro, and participate in a lively gnome hunt. Visit the Outdoor Kitchen for photos with the Christmas Cookie Baker and enjoy a sweet treat. Ignite your holiday spirit with a stroll through the Gardens and be delighted by a host of holiday characters.
Holiday Charcuterie Workshop
Saturday, December 21 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | $65 members, $80 non-members (Advance registration required)
Create a charcuterie board for your Winter holiday festivities! Get ready to indulge in a hands-on experience where you’ll learn the art of creating beautiful and delicious charcuterie boards. Learn about pairing different flavors, textures, and colors to create an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. Your ticket includes all materials and food to build your charcuterie board and 2 different cheese tastings.
Yuletide: A Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 21 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Free for members, included in general admission
On the longest night of the year, ring in the Winter Solstice and celebrate. Enjoy a path of twinkling luminaries and live music on The Oval Lawn with The Byrne Bros., and Carillonneur Geert D’hollander will present a Moonlight Recital with sacred hymns. Bring your chairs and blankets to sit on the Oval Lawn and at The Singing Tower.
Peace into the New Year
Saturday, January 4 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Free for members, included in general admission.
Start your new year with a fantastic evening on the Oval Lawn with Paisley Craze as they pay tribute to all the iconic music of the 1960s. Come dressed in your favorite tie-dye and celebrate the start of 2025 with peace, love, and fun for all ages. Bring your chairs and blankets to sit on the Oval Lawn.
Known for their incredible musicianship, Paisley Craze performs music from the 33 bands who performed at Woodstock, such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and The Grateful Dead.
More Info & Tickets
To find out more about all of these events, and a few others, click here
