(CLEVELAND) October 17, 2024 – Year two of Northeast Ohio’s most exciting winter show, Frost: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience presented by KeyBank, at the Cleveland Botanical Garden is just around the corner! This year, expect even more from our winter spectacular, including an expanded outdoor lighting display and decorated glasshouse biomes. Frost will transform our indoor and outdoor gardens creating an immersive new world for the holiday season. 

FROST PHOTOS – ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS 

Frost will open to the public on Saturday, November 23 at 10 a.m. and will run through Sunday, January 5. Nonmember adult tickets are $22 – $26, nonmember child tickets are $14 – $16, member adult tickets are $5 – $14, and member child tickets are $0 – $8. Advance online ticket purchase is required. Prices vary by day of the week and entry time. Tickets now on sale at holdenfg.org. 

“Last year’s debut of Frost was spectacular, and seeing so many visitors enjoy this experience inspired us to make it even bigger and better in its second year,” said Ryan Sandy, Exhibitions Manager. “We are excited to bring this unique show to the next level this season with even more lights, new themed rooms and interactive elements, events, and activities. From family time to date nights, there will be something for everyone.”  

NEW ADDITIONS 

New this year, in our glasshouses, visitors will meet Raine and Shine, spirits of the wet and dry seasons celebrating winter in other parts of the world. New displays and lights will guide people into the Spiny Desert of Madagascar and through the Costa Rica Cloud Forest, allowing them to meet plenty of new friends along the way. 

In our outdoor gardens, an expanded holiday light trail will take visitors into more areas of the garden than even before, including the newly renovated Hershey Children’s Garden. Visitors will make their way through a dazzling moving light tunnel, our rainbow-lit rose garden, and other over-the-top light displays and photo-ops. 

“As we continue to expand Frost each year, we are focused on giving visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that they won’t find anywhere else including plenty of unique plant and flower displays, all expertly crafted by our incredibly talented horticulture team,” said Sandy. 

In addition to these exciting new elements, visitors can expect returning favorites, such as dozens of creative gingerbread houses and festive trees and wreaths decorated by our Affiliate Garden Clubs. 

ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMMING 

Wintery activities, interactive displays, an oversized slide, storybook trail and marshmallow roasting in the evenings are just the beginning. Kids of all ages will be immersed in the joy and wonder of the winter season! 

The six-week experience will include a full calendar of solstice season educational activities and events. Special nighttime hours will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings will feature live performances from JB Cirque, ListenCLE and local musicians reflecting the holiday spirit. On Sundays, Frost will have special performances from 3 – 5 p.m. by The Cleveland Institute of Music. 

KRAMPUSNACHT, December 7, 6 – 8:30 p.m. 

Krampusnacht is a folklore filled evening with Krampuses seeking out deviant attendees throughout the night. Attendees will meet costumed Krampuses roaming around decorated indoor and outdoor gardens as guests shop from local vendors selling Krampus swag and enjoy live music, all surrounded by the magic of Frost: An Ice Capped Garden Experience presented by KeyBank. Swing by the Garden Café for delicious food and drink specials available for purchase. Your ticket purchase to Krampusnacht supports Ohio Hands & Voices. Price: $32 per nonmember, $20 per member. Advance registration is required. Purchase tickets here. 

STORYTIME WITH SANTA, Sundays, November 24, December 1 & 8, 10 a.m. – noon 

Join us for a magical holiday event where Santa himself will read a festive story and take photos with each guest. While waiting for your table’s turn to capture a picture with Santa, enjoy crafting at the table with fun holiday-themed activities. Light refreshments will be provided to keep the holiday spirit going. After the event, stay and experience Frost. Check holdenfg.org for ticketing updates. 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, Sundays, December 15 & 22, 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. seatings 

Join us for a magical breakfast experience! Look forward to a special visit from Santa himself as he stops by each table. You’ll have plenty of time to take photos with Santa after he’s made his rounds, ensuring everyone gets a memorable moment during each seating. Check holdenfg.org for ticketing updates. 

GINGERBREAD COMPETITION 
The Gingerbread Competition is entering its 18^th year and will have openings for approximately 100 gingerbread houses from local bakeries, families, and kids of all ages. Registration will remain open until the space is filled. Gingerbread drop-off is Monday, November 18 from 8 a.m. – noon. Gingerbread creations will be on display during the duration of Frost. Register by November 3 at holdenfg.org.  

ART ON DISPLAY – THE MAGIC OF INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY 

Zackary Hoon captures the beauty of local landscapes encased in ice and snow, offering a unique perspective on the frozen natural world. His striking photographs are on display in Guren Gallery for the duration of Frost. This artwork is available for purchase in the Garden Store. 

“Frost is an opportunity to celebrate the season in a new, unique way, and a place to make lasting winter memories with family and friends,” Sandy says. “We can’t wait to welcome you to another year of winter wonder and cheer.” 
 

Frost hours are Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Botanical Garden will be open on Sundays from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. except for Dec. 22 & 29 when Frost will be open from noon – 9 p.m. The Botanical Garden will be closed on Mondays except for Dec. 23 & Dec 30 when Frost will be open from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Botanical Garden is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Additionally, the Botanical Garden will close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Please check holdenfg.org for updated information. 

About Cleveland Botanical Garden and Holden Forests & Gardens 

Cleveland Botanical Garden, located in Cleveland’s University Circle cultural district, is an ever-changing 10-acre urban oasis where visitors find enrichment and inspiration through fabulous gardens, an exotic Glasshouse, and seasonal events. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is part of Holden Forests & Gardens along with the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio. Holden Forests & Gardens is making an impact in Northeast Ohio through urban greening and forestry initiatives, environmental research, educational programs, and world-class visitor experiences at its two campuses. For more information, visit holdenfg.org. 

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