Nature Lights
8+ acres of Festive Light Displays
Live music on 2 stages each night
Local chef pop-ups
Holiday Market (select dates only)
5pm – 8pm
Don’t miss Nature Lights 2025 opening November 26 at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden! With new light exhibits, music on two stages, food vendors, an artist marketplace, and even a few visits from Santa…it is a wonderful, immersive evening for the whole family.
14 nights ONLY
Don’t miss SLO’s newest holiday tradition – plan your visit today!
Buy today – holiday weeks will sell out!
Adult $28 / Youth $18 / 5 & under Free
Members save 20% on all tickets with code MEMBER20.
FAQ
If I'm visiting the Garden during the day, can't I just stay for Nature Lights?
No, Nature Lights is a separate, ticketed after-hours event. The Garden closes at 3:00 PM on Nature Lights days and visitors will be cleared off the grounds. The gate will re-open at 5:00 PM for the event.
Are you open if it is raining?
Usually! Unless there is heavy wind and/or rain, we will be open! If you have purchased tickets online, you will receive an email in the event of cancellation.
Can I change the date of my visit?
Yes. If you have a change of plans or get rained out, you can change your ticket to another night assuming we are not sold out. Please email dana@slobg.org.
Will there be food and beverages available for purchase?
Yes. We have beer, wine, water, soft drinks, cocoa, and snacks available for purchase every night.
On most nights we’ll also have specialty chefs and food trucks. Check the schedule to see what’s cooking!
Performance Schedule
| Date | Main Stage | Acorn Stage |
| November 26 | B & The Hive (duo) | Toan Chau |
| November 28 | B & The Hive (duo) | Teddy Oldham |
| November 29 | B & The Hive (duo) | Aaron Russell |
| December 5 | Gary Wooten | Jamie Pennelly |
| December 6 | TTK Music (Cal Poly a cappella) | Gary Wooten |
| December 12 | Big Sierra | Kevin Sean |
| December 13 | Gary Wooten | Kevin Sean |
| December 19 | Joy Polloi | Keys & Strings Duo |
| December 20 | Hakeem | Jamie Pennelly |
| December 21 | Bellisima Handbells | Hakeem |
| December 22 | Jingle Belles | Bellisima Handbells |
| December 23 | Jingle Belles | Hakeem |
| December 26 | Nataly Lola | Keilo Smith |
| December 27 | Nataly Lola | Keilo Smith |
*all performances subject to change
Schedule of Food Vendors 2025
| November 26 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| November 28 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| November 29 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| December 5 | Carolyn’s Kitchen |
| December 6 | Marcerro |
| December 12 | Carolyn’s Kitchen |
| December 13 | Marcerro |
| December 19 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| December 20 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| December 21 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| December 22 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| December 23 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| December 26 | Sichuan Kitchen SLO |
| December 287 | Marcerro |
*chefs subject to change
Artists' Market
On select dates we’ll have a markeplace of artists in our Pavillion — just in time for holiday shopping! Our gift shop and nursery will be open every evening.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!
November 26, 28, 29
December 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes! If you have a group of 12+ or would like to offer a discount to your company, social club, or non-profit organization please contact dana@slobg.org or call 805.541.1400 x303
Can I have my holiday party at the Garden?
Yes! Holiday parties are better under the lights! Rentals are available for events of all sizes, both on nights where Nature Nights is open to the public and on other nights if you prefer a private event. Please contact Mia at mia@slobg.org or at 805.541.1400.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes! Dogs on leash are welcome at Nature Lights.
Is Nature Lights wheelchair/mobility aid friendly?
Yes, for the most part, you can access all of Nature Lights if you use a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Some exhibits require a few stairs to access, but can be viewed from the main path. Be aware, Nature Lights is outdoors and at night, and paths are gravelled and can be uneven.
There is handicapped parking located in the Mariposa parking lot and accessible restrooms.

