Experiencing Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens
A Winter Wonderland for the Whole Family
Powell Gardens is known for its terrific seasonal festivals and this holiday season they bring the return of the Evergy Festival of Lights (November 10 – December 30, 2022 (Wednesday – Sunday* | 4-10 p.m.)) with all the magic visitors have come to love and some new experiences as well.
We attended the Festival on opening weekend, experiencing the magic of the winter wonderland - a nice respite for the family. This festival runs all season long, so the crowd size is manageable and guests are able to enjoy the lights and displays at a leisurely and comfortable pace.
This year, the light installations by featured new media artist, Kevin Heckart are truly spectacular. We began in the conservatory... transformed into a tropical paradise:
The Conservatory is decorated as an Enchanted Tiki Bar with tropical plants, an island bar, and a suspended installation creating a fun and festive Hawaiian Christmas. Mele Kalikimaka!
We then took a stroll through the magical lit outdoor path, while you stroll a lighted outdoor path enjoying the many displays along the way, including beautifully lit trees, a light tunnel, and sculptures (the butterfly is a favorite)
Our favorite display is the Quixotic Fountain of Light in the Fountain Garden. This immersive installation presents a truly dazzling show of light and sound.
The Illuminated Passage in the Heartland Harvest Garden is whimsical and fun. Guests are encouraged to stand in the center and take group photos. The display looks like a colorful starry night sky overhead.
Another crowd favorite is the Light Labyrinth at the Missouri Barn & Silo. We wandered the quilt-like pattern of the garden beds all decorated with a maze of lights. The colors transition from cooler to warmer colors representing fall, winter, spring, and summer.
A trip to Powell Gardens wouldn't be complete without going to the top of the Silo for a birds' eye view of the lights below.
Additional Favorites:
Magic Tree: Tram Circle near Visitor Center. This is a new installation this year and a guest favorite!
Snowglobe Selfie Station: Jump into a life-sized snow globe for a winter selfie!
NEW! Santa's Workshop: Opens with Santa’s arrival on November 25. Education Building (in Children’s Garden). Children of all ages will enjoy visiting Santa’s Workshop inside the Children’s Garden. Visitors can purchase a Powell Garden craft ornament to decorate or shop for stocking stuffers. Santa’s Workshop is full of unique and traditional toys, games, candies, and gifts.
Food & Drink
There are many great food and drink options throughout the festival so you an enjoy warm drinks and snacks along the way (Powell Gardens does allow outside food, so we brought water bottles as well).
- Enchanted Tiki Bar Conservatory (Visitor Center). Powell Gardens’ signature glass-domed conservatory is transformed into a holiday-themed enchanted tiki bar complete with island cocktails, live tropical plants, music and the evolving glow of a suspended installation by featured new media artist, Kevin Heckart. Mele Kalikimaka!
- Grand Hall Bar + Bites Grand Hall (Visitor Center). Beer, wine, hot chocolate, and hot cider (with spiking options!) and snacks are available in the Visitor Center. Guests can upgrade their Country Club Bank Cocoa order to an Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens branded reusable cup, sponsored by Country Club Bank, FDIC.
- The Marketplace at Powell Gardens Visitor Center. The Marketplace at Powell Gardens has garden-inspired and locally made gifts, including Powell Gardens grown poinsettias. Shop a selection of sweet and savory snacks alongside favorite beverages.
- Peppermint Warming Station: Garden Galleries. Warm up halfway through your walk! One side of the warming station in the Garden Galleries greenhouses will serve Country Club Bank Cocoa and hot cider (spiked or non-alcoholic) amidst a festive peppermint display. On the other side, a new interactive installation from featured artist Kevin Heckart adds cheer and whimsy. Warm up and enjoy the lights amidst a display of Powell Gardens grown poinsettias.
- Holly Jolly Rest Stop Missouri Barn and Silo. Enjoy warm drinks (spiked and not!), hot food, sweet and savory snacks, and a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails at this festive outpost. The Missouri Barn features fire pits where families can cozy up together in front of a spectacular view of the Lighted Labyrinth display in the Villandry Garden. Head up to the top of the Silo and gaze out over the Gardens and experience the twinkling wonderland from above. Guests can upgrade their Country Club Bank Cocoa order to an Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens branded reusable cup, sponsored by Country Club Bank, FDIC.
- Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop: Missouri Barn and Silo. Coffee lovers can enjoy a cup of local roasted coffee along with fresh bakery sweets and treats at Sip & Sugar Coffee Shop located at the Missouri Barn and Silo. Guests can upgrade their Country Club Bank Cocoa order to an Evergy Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens branded reusable cup, sponsored by Country Club Bank, FDIC.
Special Dates:
- Visit with Santa November 25 – December 17 | Friday & Saturday, 5-9 p.m. (Daily December 19-22) Santa’s Workshop in Children’s Garden. On Fridays and Saturdays between November 25 and December 17 (and daily Dec. 19-22), create and deliver your holiday wish lists to Santa in a festively transformed corncrib in the Children’s Garden, where he will be posing for photos.
- Friday, November 18: Emily Dix (6-8 p.m.)
- Saturday, November 19: Huixqui Sister (6-9 p.m.)
- Sunday, November 20: Hammer Dulcimer & Guitar by Linda and Dan (6-8 p.m.)
- Friday, November 25: Bonbons Gitaus Gypsy Jazz (6-8 p.m.)
- Sunday, November 27: KC Horn Club (5:30-7:30 p.m., Missouri Barn & Silo)
- Sunday, November 27: Hammer Dulcimer & Guitar by Linda & Dan (6-8 p.m., Grand Hall)
- Friday, December 2: Hammer Dulcimer & Guitar by Linda & Dan (6-8 p.m., Grand Hall)
- Friday, December 2: St. Paul Ringers Bell Choir (6-8 p.m., Visitor Center Terrace)
- Saturday, December 3: St. Paul Ringers Bell Choir (6-8 p.m., Visitor Center Terrace)
- Saturday, December 3: Center Place Restoration School Choir (6-6:45 p.m., Grand Hall)
- Saturday, December 3: Carolers of Note (6-8 p.m.)
- Sunday, December 4: Tre Venti Woodwind & String Trio (6-8 p.m., Grand Hall)
Gifts and Souvenirs
The gift shop sells a variety of gifts and souvenirs for all ages!
Powell Gardens' Evergy Festival of Lights is a wonderful holiday tradition to enjoy this season. Dates: November 10 – December 30, 2022 (Wednesday – Sunday* | 4-10 p.m.