McCrory Gardens

Garden Glow begins on December 6 at 5:00 P.M.

Until Garden Glow

Dec. 6, 2025-Jan. 6, 2026

Open nightly from 5-9 p.m.

Last admission nightly at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Friends of McCrory SDSU Students General Admission

  • General admission (ages 6 and older): $10 + fees
  • Children 5 and under: Free
  • Friends of McCrory Gardens Members: Free
    *A discount code will be mailed to you. If you are a member and did not receive a code in the mail, please call 605-688-6707.
  • SDSU students with current ID: Free
    *Students should reserve tickets before arriving. It's the same as reserving sporting event/performing arts tickets.

All tickets must be purchased online in advance to avoid wait times and traffic control! No tickets will be sold in person. If you have limited access to the internet, please call McCrory Gardens or stop in during our regular business hours to reserve your Garden Glow tickets!

Hours

Open nightly from 5-9 p.m.

  • (Closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
  • Last admission nightly at 8:30 p.m.

Regular McCrory Hours and Gift Shop Hours

  • Monday-Friday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Stroll through an outdoor wonderland of lights, images and scenes | McCrory Gardens South Dakota State University

Garden Glow FAQ Give to Garden Glow

Mark Your Calendars
Santa At McCrory Gardens!
Mingle with Kringle

Santa is back at McCrory Gardens this month, and he sure is looking forward to seeing everyone again. Santa visits are free, but make sure to register! Our Santa area will be a festive, indoor setting at the Education and Visitor Center.

Dates and Times:

  • Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. sponsored by Bel Brands
  • Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. sponsored by The Brookings Beacon
  • Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. sponsored by Best Choice Real Estate
  • Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. sponsored by Kerry's Landscaping and Irrigation
  • Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. sponsored by Brookings Home Team powered by Century 21 - Krogman & Company
  • Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 from 5-8 p.m.

Please reserve a ticket for each person in the group, from newborns to adults.

All Santa visitors receive free admission to Garden Glow the night of their visit. Please check in with a McCrory Gardens employee to get your ticket.

Register to See Santa
Trolley Rides at McCrory

*For the safety of the horses and riders, trolley rides for Dec. 7 have been canceled due to cold temperatures.

Dec. 14: Enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the Arboretum! Mike Olson and the Belgian horse team of Barney and Jamie will be giving trolley rides from 1-4 p.m.

Trolley prices:

  • Adults (18+): $10
  • Youth (6-17): $5
  • SDSU students (with valid student ID): $5
  • 5 and under: Free

Tickets can only be purchased on-site the day of event.

No member discount is available for this event. In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.

Event Calendar

Outdoor igloo at Frostfest surrounded by snow and a ligthed path.
snowflake icon
Stay out of the cold!
Igloo Rentals

Experience the magic of the holiday season. Fun for dates with your loved one, ladies nights or birthday gift!

Cost: $50

Time Slots:

  • 5:30-7 p.m.
  • 7:30-9 p.m.

Included in your 90 minute rental: A heated space to gather, seating for up to six guests, hot chocolate and popcorn.

The igloo rental is a Garden Glow add-on. All patrons in igloo must be Garden Glow ticket holders. Igloo can be added to your cart towards the end of your ticket purchase.

Glow ups

Check out pictures from our past seasons of Garden Glow. It is a magical holiday journey that never disappoints!

Fall at McCrory gardens showing trees in autumn colors and shedding leaves
Icon of a plant sprout
Support
Become a member. Help us grow!
Your contribution helps us maintain and enhance the gardens. Your membership will support the planting and care of the 41,000-plus flowers, trees and shrubs that are planted each year. It also will support the education of our students and the research and outreach programs of our staff.
Make a Gift
Membership Details
Contact Us
Photo of McCrory Gardens
McCrory Gardens
Physical Address
631 22nd Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
Mailing Address
Box 2140A
Brookings, SD 57006
View Location
* Summer Hours (May 1 - October 31) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Saturday (Last admission at 5:30 p.m.)
* Winter Hours (November 1 - April 30) 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
* Extended hours for special events and holiday shopping.
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