Experience a winter wonderland right in California, just a short drive from Rancho Santa Fe. Until December 30, the beautiful San Diego Botanic Garden has been transformed into a Garden of Lights to celebrate the season. Stroll through the park and enjoy the over 100,000 lights illuminating the Garden. Listen to live music from 6 pm to 8 pm as you enjoy the beauty of the Poinsettia Garden or the novelty of the Nutcracker exhibit. The lower portions of the garden are accessible by wagon rides drawn by blond Belgian draft horses.
Children will especially enjoy roasting marshmallows around the Lawn Garden Campfire, and Santa will be in town each night leading up to Christmas Eve from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. There will also be a variety of kids' crafting opportunities. Weather permitting, the garden will have snow for sledding, so make sure to bring your equipment. If you get too cold, treat yourself to a glass of hot mulled wine, coffee, or hot chocolate.
The Garden of Lights will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but open again from December 26-30. Admission is $6 for members, $12 for non-members, $8 for seniors, military, and students, and only $4 for kids ages 3-12. Children 2 and under get in free, and there's no charge for parking.