The holiday season is here bringing with it the 12th annual Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Fla. This popular event will run nightly from Friday, December 18 through Wednesday, December 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (closed December 24 and 25).

Walk through the beautiful grounds of Selby Gardens surrounded by more than 500,000 holiday lights. Enjoy the magical wonderland of illuminated live flowers and plants, as well as decorative butterflies and dragonflies; holiday music featuring some of Sarasota's finest performers; food and beverages; photos with Santa; and other festive activities.

Perennial favorites and new features for 2015 include:

• Santa's Workshop and Toyland – Have your picture taken with Santa Claus. There will be old-fashioned games for the kiddies like tic-tac-toe, tops, and bean bag toss. (Santa will be on hand through Wednesday, December 23 before he returns to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas.)
• The Winter Wonderland Tunnel – The name says it all. This massive tunnel filled with lights will transport you from the tropics to the North Pole for your visit with Santa. Experience nightly snowfalls!
• The Radiant Rainforest – The family-friendly Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden is decorated in tropical holiday flair for the young and young-at-heart to enjoy. Lighted butterflies and oversized flowers add to the playfulness of this garden.
• The Wishing Tree – This special area near the pavilion is a place where guests can choose a colored ribbon and leave a written memory or wish for friends and loved ones. Different colors represent happiness, tranquility, peace, celebration, or In Memoriam.
• Holiday Splendor at the Payne Mansion – See the mansion decked out for the holidays. In addition to the extensively decorated façade and the 20-foot Bromeliad Holiday Tree where you'll find additional festivities and music, be sure to visit the interior of the mansion, transformed into a glittering “Holiday Showhouse” by talented interior designers.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available online or in person.
Adults: $25, Members: $20; Children ages 5-12: $7.50, Children under 5 are free.

Guests may opt for “The Selby Experience” tickets which include reserved parking, early admission, open bar, cocktail buffet, and holiday desserts. Adults: $100, Children ages 5-12: $30.

Selby Gardens is located at 900 S. Palm Avenue in Sarasota. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.selby.org.