Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature 2023! And let me tell you that me and my friends really enjoyed the experience! 

The Radiant Nature show at the Houston Botanic Garden is not just your ordinary light show — it’s a world of glowing wonders perfect for any age group, your family, and friends.

It’s a new experience that the Houston Botanic Garden has prepared, in presented by Reliant and in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. This lantern and light display is a showcase of the Tianyu Light Festival, right in the heart of H-town.

Looking for more places with Christmas light shows, check out our article on Best Christmas Lights Houston 2023!

Don’t forget to check out my other recent posts: Tanglewood Christmas Lights, and Candy Cane Lane Missouri City Christmas Lights!


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out! 

All videos and images in this article have been captured by our writer and are the exclusive copyright of HoustonOnTheCheap. 


Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights - Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

Holiday Lights

These holiday lights are different from what you will see at other places in Houston. The Houston Botanic Garden turns out to be a celestial spectacle unfolding amidst its lush greenery. Imagine walking paths adorned with 50+ larger-than-life Chinese lantern installations, as well as other plants and animals found in nature!

Radiant Nature Dates and Times at Houston Botanic Garden

Except for November 23 and December 25, 2023, Radiant Nature is open every single night from November 23, 2023 to February 25, 2024. The show is open for 15 three-day weekends from Friday to Sunday! For the whole list of weeknights from Thanksgiving to New Year, refer to the FAQs.

Once we entered the gates and made our way through the gardens, the whole experience took about an hour and a half to two hours. So while the entries are timed every 15 minutes from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm, I’d recommend arriving no later than 8:00 pm so that you’re not rushed!

Where: 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017

Operating Hours: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm


Tickets for Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights - Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

Buy your tickets online and have them scanned at the entrance! You can secure your tickets to Radiant Nature from November 17 to December 31, 2023, or from January 1 to February 25, 2024. Every ticket you buy supports the Garden’s goal to conserve Mother Nature and enrich our community with discovery and education! Do make sure to purchase your tickets in advance, the Houston Botanic Garden does not guarantee day-of ticket availability.

Cost: FREE Children 3 years old and below; $28.50 per person (4 years old+); $25 per Garden member; $22.50 per person for Groups of 10 or more


Parking at Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights - Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

On-site parking costs $10 and space is limited. So, buy your parking spot in advance when you’re buying your admission tickets to see the Radiant Nature lights to ensure that you have a place to park on the day of your visit.

If you’re not able to get a parking space in advance, you can park at the Monroe Park & Ride lot for $5 per vehicle and then use the shuttle to drive out to the Garden. The shuttles depart for the Garden every 30 minutes or so.


Fun and Festive Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights - Radiant Nature by Reliant

Houston Botanic Garden Lights – Radiant Nature by Reliant

Radiant Nature is a Chinese Lantern Festival that celebrates the skill, beauty, art, and tradition that artisans have put into their work. There are food and drink stalls at the entrance of the Gardens and through the trail. I got to grab delicious hot cocoa while I enjoyed the interactive illuminations like the light-up drums, seesaw, bright swings, and even the dancefloor.

So grab your family and friends, and get ready to explore a world of glowing magic at Radiant Nature.  It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss! Our group was glad we did not!


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