Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens is an annual celebration and features over a month of special activities and events for all ages. In 2023, these special events will take place between November 25 – January 7.
Holidays at Bok Tower Gardens
This year’s theme is Holidays in the Highlands, a holiday celebration that features beautiful displays of poinsettias, begonias, evergreens, and more. Learn about Edward Bok’s legacy of peace at an outdoor exhibit located around the Oval Lawn.
Go GNOME for the Holidays in the Gardens of El Retiro
November 25 – January 6
This holiday season, Tucker and Tillie invited their friend Freddie Gnomested for a delightful outdoor hide & seek in the gardens and terraces of El Retiro. Stop by the Visitor Center at Bok Tower Gardens and pick up the complimentary hide & seek booklet and stickers. After the fun, visit to The Shop at Bok for a gnome surprise.
Symphony Serenade: Holiday Strings Concert
Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8 | 7:00 PM | $30 members, $40 non-members (advance)
Enjoy an intimate holiday concert experience with the Orlando Philharmonic. This program is specially curated by the musicians performing them. This evening of beautiful holiday music will feature outstanding OPO Principal Musicians plus a few special surprise guests.
Holly Jolly Plant Pop-Up Market
Saturday, December 9 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free for members, $20 non-members, included in general admission
Add greenery to your holidays with beautiful plants from The Shop at Bok and several outstanding botanical vendors.
Holiday Arrangement Workshop with Bloombox Floral
Saturday, December 16 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | $65 members, $75 non-members
Ring in the season with floral designers Laurel and Michael Lopes of Bloom Box Floral for this holiday arrangement workshop. Participants will learn floral arranging and styling techniques, tips and tricks to make and take home a festive holiday arrangement. All materials will be supplied and include natural evergreen foliage that can be adorned with bright berries and whimsical accents like small wrapped gifts and candy canes. Enjoy a morning of expert instruction and masterful tips and tricks of the trade.
Christmas Jazz Party with Paul Gavin and Mosaic
Saturday, December 16 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | $35 members, $45 non-members (Advance registration required)
Drummer, composer, and arranger Paul Gavin and his band Mosaic return to Bok Tower Gardens for another Christmas Jazz Party celebrating the holiday season! Featuring incredible vocalists Valerie Gillespie and Bryan Hughes in a huge 9-piece band, swing in the Christmas season. Enjoy Little Drummer Boy, Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bells, and much more. Tap your feet, sing along, and dance too.
Natural Holiday Ornaments
Wednesday, December 20 and Saturday, December 23 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Free for members, included in general admission
Drop by Hammock Hollow with your children to make an all-natural, decorative ornament to take home.
Yuletide: A Winter Solstice Celebration
Thursday, December 21 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 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, live music on the Oval Lawn with The Byrne Bros., and Carillonneur Geert D’hollander will present a Moonlight Recital with sacred hymns.
Holiday Charcuterie Workshop
Saturday, December 23 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | $65 members, $75 non-members (Advance registration required)
Create a charcuterie board for your 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.
New Year’s Day in the Gardens
Monday, January 1 | Concerts at 1 PM & 3 PM | Free for members, included in general admission.
Start your New Year’s Resolutions with fresh air and a hike. Enjoy two carillon concerts featuring holiday favorites at 1 PM and 3 PM.
Jazz into the New Year
Saturday, January 6 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Free for members, included in general admission.
Swing into 2024 with live jazz on The Terrace. Enjoy a delicious meal from the Blue Palmetto Café and hot tunes.
More Info & Tickets
To find out more about all of these events, and a few others, click here
