Bring the whole family to walk Gardens Aglow, a botanical-themed light festival in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. Friends of the Garden donates half of the Gardens Aglow admission proceeds to the maintenance fund for the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, sponsored by Simmons Bank. The remaining admission proceeds further Friends of the Garden’s mission to support the Springfield Botanical Gardens.

Stroll through a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 225,000 festive lights accenting unique Japanese structures and landscaping. Cozy up to a fire pit with hot beverages and treats available for purchase from local food vendors. Light features are made possible by the Friends of the Garden, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Mr. Electric, Hogan Land Title, Rosalie O’Reilly Wooten, Heavy Metal Christmas,  Iris Society of the Ozarks, Springfield Herb Society, Ozarks Daylily Society, Ozark Regional Lily Society, and the Parks Construction Crew.

HOURS

5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
(last admittance at 8:15 p.m.)

DATES

Fridays-Sundays
Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2025
(closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Special Dates

• Members Night: Nov. 24, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Adults-Only Sip & Stroll: Dec. 4, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $30 per individual.

ADMISSION

Tickets available NOW – CLICK HERE!

Pets are welcome; standard park rules apply.

Please note that all sales are final and tickets are only valid for the selected date. We kindly ask that you take this into consideration before making a purchase. This policy has been implemented to ensure fairness and consistency for all customers, and to ensure that our operations run smoothly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted at the top of this page and on our social media pages: Facebook, Instagram.

SEASON PASSES

Purchase a membership with Friends of the Garden or Springfield Sister Cities Association and receive free entry all season long!

Memberships make great holiday gifts and come with various other benefits. Perfect for your loved one who has it all or just wants more quality time with the people they love!

Join Friends of the Garden

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

 

Special Thanks to our Mizumoto Japanese Garden Sponsor

 

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Help bring a unique event to the Springfield community as Gardens Aglow transforms the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden into a botanical winter wonderland.

For more information, please contact Friends of the Garden Executive Director Kathryn Wall at 417-874-2952 or email [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gardens Aglow takes place in the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden located within the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

After passing through the gates of the Springfield Botanical Gardens, take the first left (north). Follow the road until it ends at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden parking lot or until you are directed to a parking spot by Park Board staff.

View PDF Map

We recommend planning to spend at least 30 minutes strolling Gardens Aglow, though you are welcome to spend more or less time. The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is 7.5 acres with a 0.51-mile winding pathway that loops through the garden. The main pathways are lit, paved, and dotted with benches.

Paved Pathways

Pathways are level-stamped concrete suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Wheel Chairs

A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

One motorized wheelchair is available to rent for $15 for a maximum of two hours. Please contact the Botanical Center at 417-891-1515 to reserve the motorized wheelchair. The Botanical Center is open Mondays-Saturdays from 8am-5pm and Sundays from 11 am-5 pm.

Accessible Parking

A number of accessible parking spots are available near the entrance to the Stroll Garden. Please inform parking attendants if you need a paved parking spot or need to park close to the entrance. Typically, a disabled license plate or visible disabled placard will be enough to inform them.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE!

Many volunteers are needed to safely bring this unique event to the Springfield community! Volunteers receive free entry to the event, a voucher to use with one of our vendors, water and light snacks.

Volunteers assist with guest hospitality and sales during a 3.5-4 hour shift. All volunteers receive brief training when they arrive for their shifts. You are welcome to sign up for as many shifts as you’d like!

In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, volunteers will be notified via email.