Frequently Asked Questions
Getting here
Ride your broom, bike, or dragon. We love our planet and we love it when our guests use alternative forms of transportation. The Boise Green Belt makes for an excellent pre-event experience. But if driving is a must, here are some directions!
2355 Old Penitentiary Road Boise, Idaho 83712
Who hangs your lights?
A combination of IBG staff, some dedicated volunteers, and the folks from the Community Reentry Center across the street all help us make this possible.
What nights is Santa there?
The Treasure Valley’s most authentic Santa will be in-person every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday beginning November 26th through December 24th.
What night is the bar open?
The Snow Globe Bar is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday on these dates:
11/23-11/25 11/30-12/2 12/7-12/9 12/14-12/16
Then we will switch to Friday, Saturday and Sunday for:
12/22-12/24 (Christmas Eve)
12/29-12/31 (New Year’s Eve)
Who are the food or beverage vendors each night?
Please check our website or social media posts for this information as it is subject to change.
Will the Grinch be there?
The elusive Grinch will be taking this season off but look for the Gingerbread Man.
Why do you have timed entry?
Timed entry allows for a better experience because we can control the crowd size.
The last entry is at 8p because we suggest allowing an hour to experience all the installations, but if you arrive after 8p and would like to experience Winter Garden aGlow, we would allow it! Just understand the lights go out at 9p.
What time is last entry?
Is my child’s choir performing tonight?
Please check our website for musical performances.
Where should I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online or in person at our main gate on the night you want to attend.
How can I get free or discounted tickets?
If you are a Garden member, you receive discounted tickets! Additionally, we work closely with many local organizations to give them complimentary tickets for distribution.
Can I get a refund?
We are a not-for-profit and this is our biggest fundraiser, we cannot offer refunds but you may use the receipt as a tax deduction. Or your tickets can be given to someone else for use.
Why is your event not free?
Unlike some other light shows, we are not supported by a business or city. IBG is a local non-profit that receives no outside funding. We rely on sponsorships, memberships, and event revenue to keep our Garden open. The price reflects the many months of time it takes to get the event set up and all the work is done by hand.
Do you offer printed tickets? I would like to give one as a gift.
We do not have printed tickets but we can sell you an Event Voucher. The voucher allows the recipient to attend any of our IBG Signature Events including Bug Day, Great Garden Escape and Winter Garden aGlow.
Someone in my party can’t attend, what are my options?
You can offer the ticket to someone else or consider it a donation for your taxes.
How many lights do you display?
It’s hard to get an exact number but it is over 500,000!
How long does it take to go through the Garden?
We suggest about an hour, but you can stay as long as you like.
I lost my ticket, now what?
If you send an email to info@idahobotanicalgarden.org with the name the tickets were purchased under, we can look them up and resend them. Sometimes the tickets will go to your junk mail folder, you may want to check there first.
Are you open if it is raining/snowing/icy?
We will be open as long as visitor safety is not compromised. If it is, we will shut the event down and will notify you via email by 2p that day. We will also post on our social media channels and our outbound voice messaging system. If we close, we honor your ticket(s) on another day. No need to reschedule just come when it is convenient for you.
How accessible is the event? Do you offer wheelchairs?
The event is held outside, at night and on pathways covered with a sand-like material called chat. There are a few areas with slopes and stairs. There are two brick pathways and a central plaza with brick. Plan on wearing sturdy walking shoes and being able to navigate stairs. If there has been rain, snow or ice it makes navigation more difficult.
Some of the staircases are made of sandstone and have a degree of unevenness, but many have another path as an option. Strollers can be pushed on most paths, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available at no charge.
The walk from the admission kiosk to the central part of the Garden is 212 yards long. This includes a 24 yards-long ramp that meets ADA slope requirements. The kiosk offers free all-terrain wheelchairs on a first come basis.
I’m a member, but I’m not getting my discount applied when I try to buy the tickets. Help!
If you are a Garden member, you must be signed into your account in order to receive your membership discount. When you click to purchase tickets, a popup screen will appear for you to log in with your email and password. Your discount will not appear until the checkout screen.
If you attempt to log in and receive an error message, you most likely have not registered an account yet. Click on the “Create an account” button on the popup screen, and create an account with the same email associated with your membership.
I didn’t get my membership discount for the event; can I get a partial refund?
Sure thing! We can refund the partial difference. Just shoot us an email at info@idahobotanicalgarden.org with your name and membership number, and we can assist. Please note, that refunds can take up to 7 business days to be reflected in your account.
I have vouchers that I want to use for the event, how do I redeem them?
Great! No need to purchase tickets ahead of time. Just show up with your vouchers.