AT A GLANCE:
- Media invited to attend Opening Ceremony on Friday at 5:45 p.m.; H-E-B mascot H-E-Buddy will be joining Botanic Garden executives and members to officially light the entry gate for the first time
- Radiant Nature is open Friday-Sunday nights plus select weeknights, Nov. 14 – Feb. 22
- Tickets are available for $28.50; guests can save $2 per ticket on Thursday & Sunday nights
HOUSTON (Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025) – The holiday season in Houston gets a radiant glow-up on Friday night when the Houston Botanic Garden opens Radiant Nature, presented by H-E-B. Featuring all-new installations in its third season, Radiant Nature has been made possible with the generous support of The Susan Vaughan Foundation.
Houston-area media are warmly encouraged to attend a special Opening Ceremony on Friday at 5:45 p.m. during which the Botanic Garden’s leaders, along with presenting sponsor H-E-B’s mascot H-E-Buddy, will officially turn on the lights for the first time before opening the gate to members and guests.
WHAT: Radiant Nature, presented by H-E-B, Opening Ceremony
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 14 – 5:45 p.m.
WHERE: Houston Botanic Garden – 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017
WHO: Houston Botanic Garden Leadership
H-E-Buddy, H-E-B’s mascot
Houston Botanic Garden members
RSVP: Please RSVP to Zac Emmons at zac@aimcommunications.net if you plan to attend
ABOUT RADIANT NATURE
Set among the Botanic Garden’s diverse array of plant life, Radiant Nature’s vibrant, gently glowing lanterns offer a sense of tranquility and serenity not found anywhere else during the bustling holiday season.
The 2025-26 show is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays along with select weeknights through Feb. 22. In total, the show will be open 59 nights between Nov. 14 and Feb. 22, starting at 6 p.m. each evening.
The Botanic Garden held its admission fee constant for the third consecutive year at $28.50 and is offering a $2 discount on Thursday and Sunday nights throughout the show, a total of 19 discounted nights.
Each ticket purchase for Radiant Nature helps support the Botanic Garden’s mission of enriching life through discovery, education, and the conservation of plants and the natural environment. Premium on-site parking, which must be purchased in advance, or an off-site shuttle service are available for an additional fee.
ABOUT THE LANTERN INSTALLATIONS
Once again produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture and inspired by traditions celebrating the Lunar New Year, the zodiac calendar, and regional plant and animal life, Radiant Nature this year will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. In the Chinese zodiac, the Fire Horse represents passion, energy, independence, drive and enthusiasm.
The floral-inspired portion of Radiant Nature is punctuated by a field of giant Texas bluebonnets, the brilliant red of holiday poinsettias, a tunnel of morning glories, and a luscious, glowing peach tree.
Highlights of the Zodiac-inspired portion of the show include a snake half the length of a football field, a glowing corridor of traditional red lanterns, and a massive display of the 12 animals of the Zodiac calendar.
This year’s display includes an expanded array of interactive elements, including a stunning mirror room, a “rain cloud,” numerous illuminated seating options, and Radiant Nature’s Instagram-famous angel wings display.
The extended run through late February allows Houstonians to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14 and Lunar New Year on February 17, in addition to traditional Western holidays in October, November and December. Radiant Nature will be open on Black Friday (Nov. 28), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).
