NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025
Events & Programs
Education at New England Botanic Garden is supported by the Alden Trust Education Fund, B.A. Booth Fund, Cary Brothers Fund, Frances E. and Rachel E. McQuaid Trust, Helen Stoddard Fund, and June C. Havens Education Fund.
Program Registration
For program details or to register, visit “LEARN” at nebg.org. Questions? Contact our Registrar at registrar@nebg.org or 508-869-6111 x174.
Adult Programs
Trips & Tours
Discover inspiring gardens near and far by bus or carpool. We plan the day so you can enjoy the plants!
Massachusetts Cider House Tour | Ragged Hill Cider Sip, savor, and explore! Join Steve and Anne Garwood of Ragged Hill Cider for a daytrip complete with orchard tours and fresh-pressed tastings. Learn about apple varieties and explore the connection to New England Botanic Garden’s historic apple orchard. This special Apple Tree Symposium tour is open to all cider lovers. Sunday, November 16, 10am –4pm
Passport to Adventure: See the World, Support the Garden
Unlock your wanderlust! From breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures to extraordinary international gardens, Collette guided tours open doors to unforgettable journeys across the globe—and every trip you book helps support the Garden. Join us for a free trip information session and discover your next travel destination.
Sunday, December 14, 1–3pm INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Symposia & Conferences
Seeds to Sustenance:
Northeastern Nut Tree Symposium
Explore the past, present, and future of native and crop nut trees in this full-day symposium featuring expert talks, hands-on workshops, and guided tours. Learn about the Garden’s chestnut restoration initiative and end the day with the warm tradition of freshly roasted chestnuts.
Sunday, November 2, 9am –5pm
Cultivated: Northeastern Apple Tree Symposium
Explore the world of heirloom apples during a full weekend of apple-inspired discovery. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Garden’s historic Frank L. Harrington, Sr. Orchard, learn how to start and maintain your own home orchard, sample rare and flavorful apple varieties, and dive into the art of cider making. Whether you’re a backyard grower, history buff, or cider enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to learn. Then join us Sunday for a local cider tour!
Saturday, November 15, 9am –4pm
Cider House Tour: Sunday, November 16, 10am –4pm
SAVE THE DATES
Art & Science Symposium
(Online)
Friday, January 23, 2026
9am–4pm
Explore the intersection of creativity and discovery at our new Art & Science Symposium. Join artists, scientists, and garden enthusiasts to gather, share ideas, spark curiosity, and celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Urban Tree Symposium
Friday, February 27, 2026
9am–4pm
Join us for the 28th Annual Urban Tree Symposium and connect with passionate tree lovers, leading experts, and community changemakers. Discover groundbreaking insights on the importance of urban forests and explore innovative ways to grow and protect our green spaces.
Sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts
Gardening & Horticulture
Growing Garlic NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF
Learn which garlic types are best for your garden, how to prepare your soil, when to mulch, what garlic needs during its growth, and what you can do to help it thrive.
Saturday, November 1, 10:30am –12:30pm
RAINDATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 10:30 am –12:30 pm
$20 M; $35 NM
Walking in a Winter Wonderland: Horticulture Walk & Talk NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF
Take a guided stroll with our horticulture staff and uncover the quiet magic of the season—late blooms, seed heads, and winter textures—while learning about historic plantings, designing for winter, and exciting new arrivals.
Wednesday, November 5, 11am –12pm
$5 M; $25 NM
How Not to Kill Christmas Cacti and Other Holiday Plants BETSY SZYMCZAK
Keep your holiday plants thriving! Learn expert tips for caring for Christmas cacti, poinsettias, amaryllis, and more so they bloom beautifully year after year—instead of becoming compost by the new year.
Sunday, November 16, 10:30am –12:30pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Subtropical Splendor: Conservatory Walk & Talk NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF
Escape the chill and explore the Garden’s subtropical conservatories with our horticulture conservatory staff. Discover blooms, foliage, and seasonal favorites thriving in the warmth of the Orangerie and Limonaia.
Wednesday, December 3, 11am –12pm
$5 M; $25 NM
A Botanical Thanksgiving
Friday, November 21, 2–4
CAROLYN GULBANKIAN
GULBANKIAN FLORIST AND GREENHOUSES
Design a stunning botanical and seasonal centerpiece using evergreens, lemon, citrus, magnolia, and dried accents. Perfect for your Thanksgiving table or as a heartfelt gift that transitions beautifully into the winter season!
$82 M; $98 NM
Arts & Photography
Watercolor Wednesdays LINDA SNAY
Learn the basics of watercolor painting, discover how watercolors interact with materials like salt and ink and understand how these techniques influence your artwork. Each week will build upon skills from the last.
SERIES I: Wednesdays, November 5, 12 & 19, 1–3pm
SERIES II: Wednesdays, December 3, 10 & 17, 1–3pm
$150 M; $180 NM
Pet Portrait Photography STEVE MCGRATH
Capture your furry friends in their best light in this three-part workshop. Learn professional tips for posing, lighting, and composition in an online session, then put your skills into practice during a hands-on shoot at the Garden. Conclude with an online follow-up to refine your editing techniques and create frame-worthy pet portraits.
ONLINE: Thursday, November 6 & 13, 7–8pm
IN PERSON: Saturday, November 8, 1–4pm
RAIN DATE: Sunday, November 9, 1–4pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Ink and Watercolor Trees VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Explore the art of trees with pen, ink, and watercolor. Create vibrant compositions inspired by the Garden’s landscapes in every season as you let your imagination take root.
Saturday, November 8, 10am –2pm
$80 M; $96 NM
Watercolors in the Conservatory VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Escape the cold and immerse yourself in the lush greenery of our subtropical conservatories. Join us to paint the vibrant seasonal flora using watercolors.
Sunday, November 23, 10am –2pm
$80 M; $96 NM
Night Lights Nighttime Photography JÜRGEN LOBERT
Learn about night photography during Night Lights, the Garden’s annual winter light display. Begin with classroom instruction to learn the basics then practice your skills with a two-hour outdoor photo session during the event.
Tuesday, December 2, 3:30–6:30pm
RAIN DATE: Tuesday, December 9, 3:30–6:30 pm
$85 M; $95 NM
Photographing Snowflakes STEVE MCGRATH
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Bundle up and step into a winter wonderland to capture the fleeting magic of snowflakes. Learn the art of macrophotography as you explore the intricate, natural geometryof these icy wonders—before they melt away!
Sunday, December 14, 10am–2pm
$45 M; $54 NM
Twelve Days of CRAFT-MESS
The sleigh bells are ringing, and the Garden’s holiday workshops are brimming with creativity and cheer! Step into our cozy indoor oasis, sip tea, coffee, or mulled cider, and craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for sharing with loved ones— or keeping for yourself.
Needle-Felted Holiday Birds LISA MAGNUSON
Learn the art of needle felting while creating charming wool holiday birds. Using colorful fibers and simple tools, you’ll sculpt and shape your own festive feathered friends perfect as ornaments, gifts, or cheerful seasonal décor.
Saturday, November 15, 1–4pm
$65 M; $78 NM
Pysanky for the Tree ALONA POPOVA
Create hanging holiday ornaments using the wax-resist art of Ukrainian pysanky. Add festive colors and intricate patterns for one-of-a-kind treasures to deck your tree or presents.
Sunday, November 16, 1–4pm
Sunday, December 14, 12–3pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Gnome for the Holidays LINDA SNAY
Create your own mini garden gnome to celebrate Gnomevember in this fun painting workshop. Enjoy gnome-sized treats while bringing your very special gnome to life as you learn to paint on 3D surfaces.
Tuesday, November 18, 6–9pm
$65 M; $78 NM
Blueprints of the Season: Cyanotype Art
TONYA LEMOS
Harness winter light to create stunning cyanotype prints with botanical and festive motifs. Learn this historic photographic process and craft unique holiday cards, tags, or art in rich seasonal shades of blue.
Saturday, November 22, 10am –2pm
$75 M; $90 NM
Sugar & Spice: An Herbal Holiday Kitchen
KAREN O’BRIEN, GREEN WOMAN GARDEN
The aroma, taste, and visual delight of herbs can transform any holiday table. In this festive, hands-on class, you’ll make three delicious creations to enjoy or share: a rich herbal butter for seasonal meals, a custom salt rub to elevate your cooking, and a sparkling sugar rim perfect for holiday cocktails. Handouts will include recipes and ideas for additional blends so your celebrations can be filled with flavor all season long.
Friday, November 28, 1–3pm
$55 M; $66 NM
Block Printing Workshop: Make & Gift Napkins
CATHY WILKERSON, THE INDIGO SQUIRREL
Get into the holiday spirit with a joyful afternoon of block printing! Design and carve your own rubber block—or choose from ready-made designs—then print a beautiful set of cotton napkins, perfect for handmade holiday gifts.
Sunday, November 30, 10am –2pm
$90 M; $99 NM
Watercolor Wonders: Paint Your Own
Winter Card VICTORIA CHAPMAN
Paint the season’s charm in watercolor as you create a unique winter scene and then turn it into a heartfelt holiday card. Learn easy techniques to blend colors, add snowy details, and craft a keepsake friends and family will love.
Saturday, December 6, 10am –2pm
$80 M; $96 NM
Holiday Wreath Making
HALEY CORMIER, BLUEBIRD BOUQUETS
Use a variety of fresh foliage, flowers, and decorations to create the perfect holiday wreath to adorn your door, wall, or table in Bluebird Bouquets’ signature asymmetrical style.
Sunday, December 7, 9:30–11:30am or 1–3pm
$135 M; $165 NM
Frosted Fun: Gingerbread Decorating Workshop
LISA CLARK, PEPPERS’ ARTFUL EVENTS
Bring holiday magic to life in gingerbread! Join Chef Lisa Clark, Executive Pastry Chef and Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship finalist, to build a botanical gingerbread greenhouse inspired by the Garden’s conservatories. Master piping, candy windows, fondant trims, and cone trees. Suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Sunday, December 7, 10am –2pm
$95 M; $105 NM
Trim & Bloom: Holiday Trees
SHANNON MCGUIRE RICHARDS, SMR DESIGN
Deck the halls and trim the table in one festive workshop! Craft holiday centerpieces with fresh and dried accents, then design a lush floral arrangement using eco-friendly techniques.
Friday, December 12, 1–3pm
$55 M; $66NM
Winter Holiday Floral Arrangement
MARY BETH HAYES, SEMPERVIRENS FLOWERS
Design an elegant seasonal showstopper with poinsettias, roses, evergreens, and berries. Learn expert floral design skills and techniques for care design.
Saturday, December 13, 10:30am –12:30pm
$115 M (PAIRS $175); $140 NM (PAIRS $210)
Holiday Brush Ornaments & Origami
SAU-MEI LEUNG
Discover the ‘four treasures’ of Chinese brush painting—ink stone, ink stick, brush, and paper—while creating festive ornaments. Then learn the art of folding Japanese Origami holiday gift boxes for a truly handmade holiday touch.
Saturday, December 13, 1–3pm
$66 M; $73 NM
WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATIONS
Winter Solstice Yoga Mini-Retreat
Saturday, December 20, 9:30am –12:30pm
MANDI GARRISON
Welcome the return of the light with a nourishing winter solstice mini retreat. Enjoy yoga, mindful journaling, meditation, and guided relaxation, followed by a peaceful afternoon exploring the Garden.
$40 M; $65 NM
Winter Solstice: Crown, Candle & Yule
Sunday, December 21, 10am –2pm
SAM PARADIS, SAM’S STEMS
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with seasonal crafts. Make a dried flower crown, hand-pour a candle, and create a Yule log centerpiece with evergreens and solstice symbolism and enjoy the magic of the season.
$195 M; $205 NM
Midwinter Celebration: Legends of the Solstice
Sunday, December 21, 2–3pm
NEBG HORTICULTURE STAFF
Wander frost-tipped paths as winter light spills through the trees. Discover pagan solstice tales, Viking legends, and fae folklore on a guided walk through our midwinter gardens.
$25 M; $40 NM
Health & Wellness
Weekday Wellness
Chair Yoga
Enjoy gentle yoga with a chair as a prop in our fun, indoor class. This fully supported practice offers a unique way to experience the benefits of yoga. Ideal for seniors, desk-bound professionals, those recovering from injury, or anyone with limited mobility.
Tuesdays, 11:30am–12:30pm | REBECCA REBER
Fridays, 11am –12pm | KENDRA MCCUINE
$15 M; $30 NM
Yoga at the Garden MANDI GARRISON
Enjoy gentle-to-moderate flow yoga in a class for all levels. Classes are indoors.
Tuesdays, 6–7:15pm
Thursdays, 10:30–11:45am
$15 M; $30 NM
Qigong & Tai Chi Movement
ROSE HORWITZ
Breathe deeply and practice mindful, gentle, fluid movements to reduce stress and improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, range of motion, and stamina.
Wednesdays, 10:15–11:45am
$25 M; $35 NM
Friday Morning Yoga LINDA SNAY
Start your Friday morning with a mindful yoga flow. Our practice will incorporate synchronization of breath and mindful movement while we explore postures to build strength, balance, and stability, and find peace within our morning.
Fridays, 9:30–10:15am
$15 M; $30 NM
Light
Your Path:
NADINE MAZZOLA
An Evening Lantern Walk
Take a tranquil evening walk at the Garden, guided by the soft glow of lanterns and the light of the moon. Stroll garden paths, soak in the night air, and see the landscape in an entirely new way.
Wednesday, November 12, 6–8pm
RAIN DATE: Wednesday, November 8, 6–8 pm
$40 M; $55 NM
Yoga for Everyone HARPER WISE
Enjoy gentle-to-moderate flow yoga in a class for all levels while surrounded by the lush greenery of our subtropical greenhouse.
Thursday, November 13, 6–7:15pm
Sunday, December 14, 9:30–10:45am
$15 M; $30 NM
Weekend Wellness
Saturday Morning Yoga: Mindful Gratitude
EMMA BARTOLINI
Join us for Saturday morning yoga and mindful reflection to cultivate gratitude. This all-levels class is offered with the intention to celebrate the simple pleasures of contentment, relaxation, and the abundance of the season.
Saturday, November 1, 9–10:30am
Saturday, December 6, 9–10:30am
$15 M; $30 NM
Advanced Zentangle KAREN KEEFE
Dive further into the world of Zentangle and learn more complex tangles, how to blend patterns, techniques for tangulation, and how to use various Zentangle tools with different media.
Sunday, November 9, 1–4:30pm
$45 M; $54 NM
Gentle Yoga & Yoga Nidra LINDA SNAY
Renew body, mind, and spirit with this extended and revitalizing yoga session. Participants will experience the balancing effects of both strong and gentle yoga practices.
Saturday, November 15, 9
Saturday, December 13, 9–11
$30 M; $45 NM
Festive Seasonal Poseys
Saturday, December 6, 1–3
MARY BETH HAYES, SEMPER VIRENS FLOWERS
Discover the art of creating fragrant holiday poseys on a budget with evergreens, flowers, holly and berries—seasonal designs perfect for gift giving.
$55 M; $66 NM
Youth Programs
Kids Workshops
Whimsical Watercolor Gnomes | AGES 8–12
Paint with watercolors as you bring your magical gnome character to life.
Sunday, November 2, 2–3:30pm
M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $22 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Falling Leaves Jar | AGES 6–10
Build a fall-themed snow globe jar with a mini tree and swirling autumn leaves.
Sunday, November 9, 2:30–4pm
M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Forest Friends Yoga Adventure | AGES 8–12
Embody woodland animals as we stretch, move, and imagine the forest through yoga!
Sunday, November 23, 10–10:45am
M: $12 CHILD; NM: $20 CHILD
Mini Garden Ornaments | AGES 7–12
Create three festive hanging ornaments using moss, flowers, and animal figurines.
Sunday, November 30, 1–2:30pm
M: $22 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $30 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Winter Solstice Lanterns | AGES 7–12
Craft a lantern to capture the light on the shortest day of the year.
Sunday, December 21,
M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: 28 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Snow Slime
Learn about the water cycle and mix up your own snow-inspired slime.
Saturday, December 27, M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $24 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Snowy Owl Stuffies | AGES 7–12
Use no-sew techniques to create your own adorable stuffed owl plushie.
Sunday, December 28, 10–11:30am
M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $26 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Winter Potions | AGES 6–10
Mix up magical winter inspired potions and conduct experiments with simple household ingredients.
Monday, December 29 10:30am –12pm
M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $26 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Family Fun
Garden Buds | AGES 3–5
Join us for circle time, a story, a take-home craft packet, and a guided garden adventure.
Wednesdays in November & December, 10:30–11:30
No classes: November 26, December 24 and 31
M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $16 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Gnomeventure Walk | AGES 3–8
Meet our new resident gnomes, try a gnome inspired craft, and search for the Golden Gnome.
Saturday, November 1, 11am –12pm
Saturday, November 16, 11am –12pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Little Seedlings | AGES 1–3
Come explore the wonderful world of plants and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.
Tuesday, November 25, 10:30–11:30am
Tuesday, December 30, 10:30–11:30am
M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $6 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Ice Princess Party | AGES 3–10
Join your favorite cold-weather princess for stories, crafts, songs, photos, and autographs.
Saturday, December 6, 10:30–11:30am
Monday, December 29, 1–2pm
M: $12 CHILD, $8 ADULT; NM: $20 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Santa Storytime | AGES 3–10
Tell Santa your holiday wishes as we listen to a story, craft, and sing.
Saturday, December 13, 10:30–11:30am
Sunday, December 21, 10:30–11:30am
M: $12 CHILD, $8 ADULT; NM: $20 CHILD, $26 ADULT
Homeschool Programs
Homeschool: Animal Evidence | AGES 6–12
Become a nature detective as we search for signs of life as animals prepare for winter.
Friday, November 7, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
Homeschool: Gnome Naturalists | AGES 6–12
Search for our garden gnomes and learn about their animal and plant inspired abilities.
Friday, November 21, 1–2:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT
School Programs
New England Botanic Garden offers a wide range of educational programs to engage children from pre-K through high school in handson, minds-on outdoor learning. From gardens to trails, there is so much to discover in our outdoor classroom. Book your guided or self-guided field trip today!
B I R P A R T I E S T H D AY
Make your child’s birthday one to remember and host their special day with us! Now booking for winter and spring. Visit nebg.org for more details.
WINTER DISCOVERIES
AGES 7–10
Join us for two fun-filled days of exploration, investigation, and creation in nature.
Monday, December 29, 9am –3pm
Tuesday, December 30, 9am –3pm
PER DAY: M: $75 CHILD; NM: $85 CHILD
NOVEMBER 22, 2025 through JANUARY 4, 2026
4–10pm Daily
Revel in the wonder of the winter season with friends, family, and half a million lights!
Enter an illuminated world where stars of the botanic garden shine, and where sparkling experiences and one-of-a-kind light displays inspire joy to last all year. It’s a celebration of nature like you’ve never seen before—bright, bold, and full of dazzle.
Tickets go on sale for Garden members on October 15 and for the general public on October 24.
Visit nebg.org/nightlights for more information.
THEME NIGHTS
Amp up your visit with themed costumes throughout the season and make your Night Lights experience even more joyful.
HOLIDAY PARTIES
Make your corporate, family, or social holiday party one to remember when you host it during Night Lights. Pair it with delicious fare by Peppers Artful Events for a truly festive experience!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Night Lights birthday party packages include a 3-hour room rental, admission to Night Lights for your guests, and an hour-long guided activity.
DIWALI LIGHTS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
4–10pm
Kick-off this season of Night Lights with a special cultural celebration hosted in partnership with the India Society of Worcester. Join us in celebrating Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights.’ Enjoy a wonderful evening of Indian cultural programs, delicious Indian food, local vendors, henna, and more—all set against a backdrop of thousands of lights. Visit nebg.org for more details.
Night Lights images are from previous years. Displays change annually.
GARDEN DINING SERIES
DINNER BY DAZZLE
Monday, December 8
6–8:30pm
Monday, December 15
6–8:30pm
Step into a winter dream amid dazzling lights and savor elegant, winter-inspired dishes that warm both body and soul. Seasonal cocktails and craft mocktails, infused with the essence of winter, offer frosty delights in every sip. As you gather with friends beneath the sparkling lights, raise a glass to the quiet magic of the season—a celebration of nature, warmth, and the joy of togetherness. The Garden Dining Series is a 21+ event series. Visit nebg.org for more details.
Sunday, November 2 10am-5pm
Save the date for a unique botanical-inspired tattoo popup in collaboration with North Moon Tattoo. Immerse yourself in the stunning backdrop of our subtropical conservatories as you choose from a curated selection of botanical flash designs. Limited spots available. Visit nebg.org for more details.
EXHIBITIONS
NOVEMBER 1–30
Explore the whimsical world of our garden gnomes! Visiting from near and far, our sneaky gnomes have taken up residence in some of their favorite spots around the Garden.
Created by talented local artists, each gnome has a unique personality and story waiting to be discovered.
Come be part of the magic this Gnomevember!
Visit nebg.org for more details.
SAVE THE DATE!
An Orchid Exhibition
FEBRUARY 7 – MARCH 22, 2026
Escape the winter chill in our lush subtropical conservatories where thousands of dazzling orchids burst into bloom during our annual orchid exhibition. Explore a vibrant paradise and let your imagination soar as you enjoy the breathtaking aerial installations by artist Cicely Carew.
Orchid Exhibition Opening Weekend
Saturday and Sunday, February 7 & 8, 10am-4pm
Orchids After Dark (21+)
Select Friday and Saturday evenings in February and March
Holiday Marketplace
AT THE GARDEN
Saturday, November 8
10am–5pm
Sunday, November 9
10am–4pm
Celebrate the season at the Garden’s Holiday Marketplace, where talented local artists and makers showcase their creations just in time for holiday shopping. Find special, unique and handcrafted gifts from a host of guest artisans and vendors as well as from our own well-stocked Garden Shop.
Garden Members receive 20% off their purchases in the Garden Shop
Visit nebg.org/holiday-marketplace for information..
