A visit to Pittsburgh during the holidays isn’t complete without a visit to the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
We visited last year for the first time and I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to go back again this year. You can check out last year’s visit, A Vist to Phipps Conservatory During the Christmas Season.
On next to the last day of the Holiday Magic: Let it Glow Light Show at Phipps, we made the trip to Pittsburgh. We attended a train show in Monroeville and then headed toward the Oakland area for the Let It Glow Light Show.
Will it Be the Same?
I was a bit concerned that it would just be a repeat of last year’s show. But while a few things were similar it was very different.
This year, Holiday Magic: Let it Glow! featured all-new indoor and outdoor holiday displays. They included an incredible display of holiday trees made with succulents, tropical plants, sedums and even goose feathers, 10 dazzling winter ice towers, and a grand finale featuring a magically decorated tree with Victorian-inspired gifts. Plus thousands of beautiful poinsettias decorated the rooms!
The Entrance
When you get to the main entrance it is decorated with two beautiful trees on each side of the entryway. Last year it was daylight when we arrived but this year we reserved our tickets for a later time so we could enjoy the entire visit after dark.
The entire building is more beautiful after dark during the holiday season with the lights and outdoor light gardens.
The trees are absolutely gorgeous.
Themed Rooms
Each room is decorated with a different theme. All are different and beautiful
Thousands of poinsettias throughout the building.
Check out the size of this gingerbread house!
All the trees were exquisitely decorated. No two were alike.
This was my favorite indoor tree.
Video Highlights of Phipps Holiday Magic: Let It Glow Light Show
Just a few minutes of video of the Let It Glow Flower and Light Show.
Outdoor Lights
Weather permitting the outdoor gardens are lit with a beautiful light display.
Lots of trees in different shapes, colors, and sizes.
More trees!
A blue snowflake tree!
The lighted arch in blue and white was amazing.
You can see more photos on Instagram by following #PhippsHoliday
If You Decide to Go
We were there on the last evening of the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Winter Flower Show and Light Garden’s Holiday Magic: Let it Glow!, but they will have another show next year. They usually begin the light show around Thanksgiving and ends around January 7.
Purchase Timed Tickets
We purchased our tickets online. During the busy holiday season, it is important to purchase your timed tickets in advance. Otherwise, you may wait for hours to get in. Even with the timed tickets, you may have to wait 10 or 15 minutes. The procedure for purchasing is very user-friendly. Just be sure you know the actual time you plan to arrive and get your tickets for about 10 minutes after your arrival time. It takes a while to find parking and walk to the entrance.
They are open evening hours over the holidays. When you book your timed tickets you will see what is available. Costs are $17.95 for Adults and $11.95 for Children up to 18. There is a $1.00 discount for Seniors and College Students.
Parking
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located at One Schenley Park. There are free parking spaces in the center island on Schenley Drive, near the main entrance, but during the holiday season it gets crowded and you may need to park in other lots. There is also metered street parking available on either side of Schenley Drive. It is also free after 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and all day on Sunday. Be sure to allow time for parking and walking.
Plan for Next Year!
I know you will find the visit enjoyable if you decide to attend. Mark your calendars now to reserve your tickets for next year’s light show at Phipps.
