by | September 11, 2025
It’s Garden Party Season at Naples Botanical Garden
From shimmering lights to not-so-spooky skeletons, these upcoming events at Naples Botanical Garden aren’t your average garden party.
While there may not be a kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow foliage to denote the change in seasons in Southwest Florida, Naples Botanical Garden is ushering in the autumn and winter months with a leaf season of its own, featuring a lineup of can’t-miss happenings. The 170-acre tropical oasis located just 10 minutes from downtown Naples has truly planted roots within its community, delivering unparalleled horticultural education and experiences for visitors of all ages. These award-winning grounds, that include everything from Brazilian and Asian gardens to orchids and succulents and beyond, always provide a serene escape, but an amazing way to see the property in a different light is by touring them during one of their special events.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Much like a tropical garden, the Day of the Dead is an explosion of color and costume. The holiday, which originated in Mexico, is a time to celebrate the memories of loved ones who have died through gatherings with family and friends. On November 1 and 2, explore the Mexican tradition’s cultural significance through special displays, musical performances, hands-on arts and crafts stations and more. The Garden also has its own take on ofrendas, or offerings, with community altars and a memory wall in addition to plenty of festive fare, from Mexican food trucks to specialty dishes from the on-site Fogg Café.
Wonder Circle
Starting October 1, Naples Botanical Garden’s W.O.N.D.E.R. program moves to its Performance Lawn spot dubbed Wonder Circle. There, budding green thumbs can explore hands-on activities, play games and enjoy the outdoors. Kids can drop in to enjoy the fun Friday-Monday and learn to interact with the Garden’s natural beauty through walking, observing, navigating, drawing, exploring and reading. While activities are geared toward children from pre-K to fifth grade, kids of all ages (and kids at heart) can traverse the tropics in the nearby Jungle Hollow and Palm Hop nature play areas.
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
This annual celebration running from November 28 through January 4 is the epitome of the phrase “merry and bright.” The beloved dazzling lights display is the surest way to get in the spirit of the season amongst towering tropical plants. Walk under palms and florals illuminated by twinkling lights as you sip hot cocoa or cider, enjoy live music from local acts and snap a picture at one of the many photo ops stationed throughout the property. There’s even a living bromeliad tree that’s designed to look like a traditional fir, showcasing just how magical winter in the tropics can be.
To see what’s growing in the Garden this season, visit naplesgarden.org.
About the Author
Maddy has served as a contributing style and travel editor at Flamingo since her return to the Sunshine State in 2016. A former beauty editor for Seventeen and People Style, the Orlando native has also written for national and regional publications, including Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health and Southern Living. She currently lives in Winter Park with her husband and two children.
