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CLEVELAND, Ohio — “Frost” transforms the Cleveland Botanical Garden into delightful spaces with light installations, plant displays and seasonal soundscapes.
The annual immersive and festive winter experience runs Saturday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 5, and is significantly different last year, from the entrance display of woodland animals to the colorful schemes in the Glasshouse biomes.
“We have a lot of the same things from last year, but we made some changes and added more to keep people coming back,” says Exhibition Manager Ryan Sandy. “Everything is decked out completely in the entire building. We have an expanded outdoor light trail, new types of lights and displays.”
While the visuals are stunning, storybook stations are set up to guide, inform and inspire guests.
The Realm of the Winter Spirit, a signature display, has returned to the ballroom with a different dramatic treatment to the entrance. Children and adults can again enjoy the interactive icicle xylophone and an oversized “Lite Brite” pegboard.
The Costa Rica and Madagascar biomes have colorful cutouts and playful sprites as well as two new spirits. Shine and Raine capture the essence of the dry and wet winter in different parts of the world.
“There are a lot of hidden details,” Sandy promises, noting that “most of the stuff in the show is handmade.”
While the fantasy land is enchanting, 40-plus pine trees decorated by affiliate garden clubs are inspiring. Those who haven’t yet dressed up a home tree may come away inspired to run with a new theme. Look for an Enchanted Fairy Forest or a Barbie-bedecked Nutcracker tree and so much more.
Local bakers – amateur children, amateur adult and professional bakers — have been busy over the past weeks, even months, constructing 60 gingerbread structures. They’re “structures” because many are not traditional cookie-and-candy houses. They include gingerbread globes, beehives, skylines, islands and entire villages. Winners will be announced at a later date.
“I want people to just come here and enjoy time with their family/friends, to feel like they had an experience that unique,” says Sandy. “I want them to be excited to this in their city. This is an experience you’re not going to have anywhere else.”
The best time for viewing “Frost” may be after dark when lighting ups the drama. The botanical garden is open extended hours for that opportunity.
Advance online ticket purchase is required. Prices vary by day of the week and entry time.
Nonmember adult tickets are $22 to $26, nonmember child tickets are $14 to $16, member adult tickets are $5 to $14, and member child tickets are $0 to $8.
Tickets now on sale at holdenfg.org.
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