2023 Holiday Light Show Recap
Our 27th annual Holiday Light Show marked a record year, thanks to you, the incredible 60,000 people who immersed themselves in the glow of 1.5 million lights.
Whether you joined us for Premier Night with 550 of our fellow Friends of the Garden Members and their loved ones, attended one of the 10 corporate parties celebrating under the lights, or made memories during one of the 27 show nights, your presence made each night special. We are so happy to have made it through the month without a single weather-related cancellation!
While many of us think of the Holiday Light Show as a winter celebration, it’s worth noting that behind the scenes, Larry Holterman, our Gardens’ longstanding “light artist,” started the monumental task of stringing lights this year on August 7, with so many other skilled staff and volunteers making the long set up a labor of love.
90% of this years 1.5 million lights were energy-efficient LEDs, “icicle” lights reached heights equivalent to scaling Mount Everest TWICE, and the Gardens dazzled with 160 lit arches and 2,475 luminaries made from recycled milk cartons.
To power this year’s display, we utilized 11.5 miles of extension cords – enough to stretch from Rotary Botanical Gardens to Beloit! The meticulous process of connecting cords, lasting three weeks, ensured the prevention of tripped circuits or damaged cords.
A resounding thank you and shout out to the 83 invaluable volunteers who contributed 1,456 hours (not including set up and take down!) helping the show run smoothly and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Your dedication and passion truly illuminated the Gardens.
The new Comfort Station for concessions and restrooms was a hit as we served 1,148 gallons of hot cocoa, and you all devoured over 5,047 holiday cookies – talk about embracing the festive spirit!
The media took notice, with news and radio features, blogs, travel articles, vlogs, and even a nomination for the 2024 “Christmas Light Fight”! Your enthusiasm and the magic you created at the Gardens resonated far and wide.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous event sponsors who played a crucial role in making this magical experience possible. Your support allowed us to spread joy and create unforgettable moments for our community.
The successful 2023 Holiday Light Show, a record-breaking year and the Gardens’ largest feature fundraiser for our year-round mission, means we can continue serving our community by enriching lives through natural beauty, education, and the arts.
As we embark on the task of dismantling the show, our gaze shifts to the upcoming growing season at the Gardens. Anticipating the welcome of 150,000 visitors throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall, we are gearing up for a range of offerings, including award-winning horticultural displays, diverse education programs for youth and adults, music, art and movement classes, workshops, and engaging talks.
Thank you again, for enjoying the Holiday Light Show with us. We love that we get to be a part of holiday traditions for so many. Here’s to more magical moments in the seasons to come!