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Christmas Eve at the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden

December 24 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm PST

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Spend Christmas Eve beneath more than one million sparkling lights at the Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden in Henderson.

The three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden will be open during special Christmas Eve hours from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Families, couples and friends can enjoy an evening stroll among illuminated cacti, colorful holiday displays and festive photo opportunities before Christmas Day.

Date: Thursday, December 24, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Admission: $3 per person
Free Admission: Children younger than 2 and guests ages 65 and older
Venue: Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store & Cactus Garden
Age Requirement: All ages

View Christmas Eve Garden Details

Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Holiday Cactus Garden

Ethel M Chocolates offers one more opportunity to enjoy its dazzling Holiday Cactus Garden before closing for Christmas Day.

On Christmas Eve, guests can explore the garden from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. More than one million lights illuminate the walking paths, cacti, succulents and seasonal displays throughout the three-acre garden.

The relaxed self-guided experience provides a festive activity before Christmas Eve dinner, church services, family gatherings or other holiday traditions.

Event Details

Event: Christmas Eve at the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden
Date: Thursday, December 24, 2026
Hours: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
General Admission: $3 per person
Complimentary Admission: Children younger than 2 and guests ages 65 and older
Reservations: Not required for standard garden admission
Age Requirement: All ages
Venue: Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store & Cactus Garden
Address: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
Phone:

The garden will be closed on Christmas Day and will reopen on December 26.

What to Expect on Christmas Eve

More than one million sparkling holiday lights
A self-guided walk through the three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden
Illuminated cacti, succulents and desert plants
Colorful Christmas decorations
Family-friendly holiday photo opportunities
Hot chocolate and chocolate treats available for purchase
Access to the Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store during posted hours
Limited-edition holiday chocolates and gifts available while supplies last

Is Santa at the Garden on Christmas Eve?

Santa will not be at the Holiday Cactus Garden on Christmas Eve. Santa’s scheduled 2026 appearances end on Wednesday, December 23.

The Christmas Eve experience focuses on the illuminated garden, holiday displays, seasonal treats and last-minute gift shopping. Guests hoping to see Santa should visit by December 23 and confirm his current appearance hours before arriving.

A Desert Christmas Light Experience

The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden presents a distinctly Southern Nevada interpretation of a traditional Christmas light display. Instead of snow-covered evergreens, more than one million lights cover desert plants and winding pathways.

The garden features more than 300 species of cacti and succulents, creating a colorful setting that looks especially striking after sunset. Guests can explore the display at their own pace throughout the evening.

Christmas Eve Chocolates and Last-Minute Gifts

The Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store offers premium small-batch chocolates, seasonal gift boxes and items from the 2026 Holiday Collection.

Christmas Eve visitors may find:

Holiday chocolate gift boxes
Limited-edition seasonal flavors
Build-your-own chocolate boxes
Chocolate-covered treats
Holiday hostess gifts
Last-minute Christmas gifts

Store hours, product selection and inventory may differ from the garden’s operating hours. Popular holiday products may sell out before Christmas Eve.

Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store and Cactus Garden

The Christmas Eve event takes place at the Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store & Cactus Garden in Henderson.

The destination includes an operating chocolate factory, retail store, café, tasting room and three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden.

Address:
Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store
2 Cactus Garden Drive
Henderson, NV 89014

Parking and Arrival Information

Guests may park in any of the designated Ethel M Chocolates parking lots or across the street in the Smith’s parking lot.

Do not park in the surrounding Green Valley Business Park or Roseman University parking lots. Unauthorized vehicles parked in those areas may be towed.

Christmas Eve visitors should arrive early enough to find parking and complete their garden walk before the special 8:00 p.m. closing time.

Know Before You Go

The Christmas Eve garden hours are 5:00–8:00 p.m.
General admission is $3 per person.
Children younger than 2 and guests ages 65 and older enter free.
No reservation is required for standard garden admission.
Santa will not be present on Christmas Eve.
The garden will be closed on Christmas Day.
The experience takes place outdoors, so dress for the evening weather.
Food, chocolates, drinks and merchandise cost extra.
Pets are not permitted in the garden.
Qualified service animals are permitted in accordance with the ADA.
Hours and operating conditions may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden open on Christmas Eve?
A: Yes. The garden is scheduled to be open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, 2026.

Q:How much is Christmas Eve admission?
A: Admission is $3 per person. Children younger than 2 and guests ages 65 and older receive complimentary admission.

Q:Are reservations required?
A: No. Reservations are not required for standard admission to the Holiday Cactus Garden.

Q:Will Santa be at the garden on Christmas Eve?
A: No. Santa’s scheduled appearances end on December 23, 2026.

Q:Is the event family-friendly?
A: Yes. Guests of all ages are welcome to explore the lighted garden.

Q:Is the Holiday Cactus Garden open on Christmas Day?
A: No. The garden will be closed on December 25 and is scheduled to reopen December 26.

Q:Is parking available?
A: Yes. Guests may use the Ethel M parking lots or the Smith’s parking lot across the street. Do not park at neighboring businesses or Roseman University.

Q:Are pets allowed in the garden?
A: Pets are not permitted because exposed cacti are located close to the walking paths. Qualified service animals are permitted under ADA guidelines.