Dome for the Holidays

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Availability and capacity at the door cannot be guaranteed. When purchasing tickets, select a 30-minute entry window to help reduce crowding and create a more comfortable experience.

When may I arrive?

The date and time shown on your ticket are your entry date and 30-minute arrival window. You may arrive at any time during that window and stay until Dome for the Holidays closes at 9 PM. Doors open promptly at 5 PM; please do not arrive earlier while Garden and Flora staff prepare for the evening.

How will I receive my tickets?

A purchase confirmation is sent to the email address provided during checkout, and reminder email is also sent on the day of the attending event; both contain a link to access your tickets. Print them or have them ready to scan on a mobile device. Make sure each barcode is visible and turn up your screen brightness before reaching the entrance. If you purchase tickets on the day of the event and do not receive the email before arriving, staff can look up your order.

What if my preferred entry time is sold out?

Capacity is limited, so entry cannot be guaranteed without an advance ticket. Guests without tickets may be asked to wait for a later entry time or return on another date. The final entry window begins at 8 PM, and the event closes at 9 PM.

How much do tickets cost?

Adult tickets are $18, youth tickets for ages 1–13 are $13, and children younger than 1 are admitted free. Botanical Garden members receive $3 off each eligible ticket.

How should I purchase tickets?

Purchase tickets online or call 515-323-6290 to confirm availability. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable unless the Garden cancels your selected date.

Are you open on holidays?

Dome for the Holidays runs on select evenings from Nov. 14, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. The Garden will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26; Thursday, Dec. 24; Friday, Dec. 25; and Friday, Jan. 1. Visit the ticketing page for the complete list of available dates and entry times.

What happens if the Garden cancels an evening?

If weather or another condition requires the Garden to close, we will post the cancellation on our website and social media channels and may also appear on local closure lists. Ticket holders will receive an email at the address used during checkout with options to reschedule or request a refund.

What should I expect?

Dome for the Holidays is an indoor walking experience featuring thousands of lights and interactive displays throughout the tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House. Most guests spend approximately 45–70 minutes at the event. Some displays include moving or flashing lights, but the event does not use strobe lighting.

What should I bring?

Bring your printed tickets or have them ready to scan on a mobile device. Dress in layers: it may be cold outside, but the tropical conservatory is warm. Coat racks are available, but the Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

May I bring outside food or beverages?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Flora offers alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, sweets, light snacks and seasonal concessions for purchase in the Garden Gateway. Menu selections may vary.

Will food and beverages be available?

Yes. Flora offers seasonal concessions, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, sweets and light snacks, each evening of Dome for the Holidays.

May I bring a stroller or wagon?

Small strollers are welcome, but some paths are narrow and may be difficult to navigate during busy periods. Please leave double-wide strollers and large wagons at home or in your vehicle.

Will the Garden Shop be open?

Yes. The Garden Shop will be open each evening of Dome for the Holidays.

How do I get to the Botanical Garden?

Direct access from University Avenue is closed. From University Avenue, travel south on Pennsylvania Avenue, turn right on Des Moines Street and continue to the T-intersection at Robert D. Ray Drive. Turn right; the Botanical Garden will be on your right after you pass beneath the I-235 bridge.

Where should I park?

A limited number of free spaces are available in the Botanical Garden parking lot. Because the lot fills quickly, guests are encouraged to carpool or use a rideshare service. Free overflow parking is available along Robert D. Ray Drive.

What accessibility options are available?

The Botanical Garden offers accessible entrances and restrooms, paths and sidewalks of varying widths, and an elevator to the conservatory balcony. Guests may bring wheelchairs and motorized mobility scooters. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis near the entrance.

For accommodations or additional accessibility questions, call 515-323-6290 or email info@dmbotanicalgarden.com before your visit.

What is the photography policy?

Guests are welcome to take casual photographs of their visit, the plants and the light displays. Portrait and professional photography require an advance reservation under the Garden’s Photography Reservation Policy.

What is the smoking policy?

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a nicotine-free environment. Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and similar products are not permitted anywhere on Botanical Garden property, including the grounds, buildings, restrooms and parking areas.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not permitted on Botanical Garden grounds. Service animals are welcome in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support, comfort and therapy animals that do not meet the ADA definition of a service animal are not permitted.

What should I do if I lose an item?

Email info@dmbotanicalgarden.com so our team can check the lost and found. The Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Do these experiences include Dome for the Holidays admission?

Yes. Private Igloo Experience reservations include tickets for up to six guests. Dinner at Flora reservations include tickets for each registered guest. Arrival information will be provided with your reservation confirmation.

When are the experiences offered?

Private Igloo Experiences are available each evening of Dome for the Holidays in three one-hour time slots: 5–6 PM, 6:15–7:15 PM and 7:30–8:30 PM.

Dinners at Flora are offered Nov. 21 and 27 and Dec. 4, 11, 19 and 31, from 5:30–7 PM. The Dec. 31 offerings feature a special, 4-course New Year’s Eve dinner from 5-7pm or a Cocktail Reception from 7:30-9:30pm.

How much do the experiences cost?

Private Igloo Experiences are available in three packages: the standard experience for $130, Cookies & Cocoa for $155, or Charcuterie for $170. Each package accommodates up to six guests.

Dinners at Flora are $75 per person, including tax, gratuity and Dome for the Holidays ticket. The special, 4-course New Year’s Eve dinner and Cocktail Reception on Dec. 31 are each $145 per person, including tax, gratuity, and Dome for the Holidays ticket.

How do I reserve an igloo or dinner?

Reservations must be made online in advance and will not be sold onsite. You may also call 515-323-6290 to confirm availability. Igloo reservations close at 2 PM on the day of the experience, subject to availability. Dinner reservations close at 10am the morning before each scheduled dinner.

Do members receive a discount?

Botanical Garden members receive $15 off one Private Igloo Experience reservation. The member discount does not apply to Dinner at Flora reservations.

May I cancel or reschedule my igloo or dinner?

Private Igloo Experience and Dinner at Flora reservations are nonrefundable. More than 24 hours prior to your reservation date and time, you can request a reschedule. Reschedules with less than 24 hours prior to the reservation date and time do not qualify for a reschedule. To ask about rescheduling, email events@dmbotanicalgarden.com or call 515-323-6290.

May I enjoy Dome for the Holidays before or after my reservation?

Yes. You may enjoy Dome for the Holidays between 5 and 9 PM before or after your reservation. Please do not arrive before 5 PM or plan to remain after the event closes at 9 PM.

What should I expect during a Private Igloo Experience?

Each experience provides 60 minutes in a private, heated geodesic igloo for up to six guests. Your time begins at the scheduled reservation time; late arrivals cannot be given additional time. Igloos include space heaters, pillows, blankets and complimentary water, along with dedicated service from Flora.

The igloos are located on the outdoor terrace, a short walk from the conservatory doors. Other outdoor garden areas are closed during Dome for the Holidays, and igloo guests must remain within designated event areas. Restrooms are available in the Evergreen Gallery and near the main lobby.

What should I bring for an igloo reservation?

Dress for outdoor winter weather. Although each igloo is heated and includes pillows and blankets, it may still be cold. You are welcome to bring additional blankets. The Garden is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

May I bring a stroller to the igloo?

Small strollers are welcome but do not fit comfortably inside the igloos. Space is available to park them outside. Please leave double-wide strollers and large wagons at home or in your vehicle.

May I bring outside food or beverages into the igloo?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Cookies & Cocoa or Charcuterie may be selected when booking your igloo. Additional beverages and seasonal concession items may be purchased from Flora; menu selections may vary.