What was once a well-kept secret has grown to become one of the community’s most beloved holiday traditions, the annual holiday lights display at Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory. I don’t know exactly when my family began attending this event (I think I was in middle school, so more than 15 years ago), but it was well before lines would wrap around the building. It’s lovely to now see so many other families and visitors of all ages enjoying this spectacular display, for which the greenhouse’s beautiful plants are draped with thousands of twinkling lights. While the main event runs through Dec. 16 (see below), the lights remain up through New Year’s Eve, with visiting hours from noon to 3:30 pm from Dec. 17-31. The prettiest time to go, however, is after dusk.
Fri, Dec. 7 to Sun, Dec. 16 from noon-7:30 pm • Free; donations accepted • Manito Park • 1709 S. Grand Blvd. • thefriendsofmanito.org • 456-8038