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Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights 2026

Name: Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights 2026
Start: 2026-11-10T17:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-11-10T17:00:00-08:00
Location: Ethel M Chocolates Factory

November 10 @ 5:00 pm PST

Event Series (See All)

More than one million sparkling lights transform the three-acre Ethel M Chocolates Cactus Garden into a festive desert wonderland during the 33rd Annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights.

This family-friendly Henderson holiday tradition returns nightly from November 5, 2026, through January 3, 2027, with illuminated cactus displays, seasonal treats, visits with Santa, chocolate tastings and special themed evenings.

Dates: November 5, 2026–January 3, 2027
Opening Time: Nightly beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free on opening night; $3 per person beginning November 6
Venue: Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store & Cactus Garden
Age Requirement: All ages

View Holiday Cactus Garden Details

About the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights

Now in its 33rd year, the Ethel M Chocolates Holiday Cactus Garden Lights invites families and friends to celebrate the season beneath more than one million sparkling lights.

The holiday display illuminates the company’s iconic three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden, creating a uniquely Southern Nevada winter experience filled with glowing desert plants, colorful decorations and festive photo opportunities.

Visitors can stroll through the lighted garden while enjoying hot chocolate, chocolate-covered treats, cocktails and mocktails available for purchase. Seasonal activities, live entertainment, Santa visits and limited-edition chocolate tastings are scheduled throughout the event.

Event Details

Event: 33rd Annual Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights
Dates: Thursday, November 5, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027
Garden Opening Time: Nightly beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Hours: Closing times vary throughout the season
Opening Night: Thursday, November 5 at 5:00 p.m.
Opening Night Admission: Complimentary
General Admission: $3 per person beginning November 6
Complimentary Admission: Children younger than 2 and guests ages 65 and older
Age Requirement: All ages
Venue: Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store & Cactus Garden
Address: 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014
Phone:

Hours and special-event schedules vary throughout the season. Check the official event calendar before visiting.

Opening Night Celebration

The holiday festivities begin Thursday, November 5, at 5:00 p.m. when Santa and Mrs. Claus flip the switch and illuminate more than one million lights throughout the Cactus Garden.

Opening night will also include a special snowfall experience. Admission to the garden is complimentary on November 5.

What to Expect

More than one million sparkling holiday lights
A self-guided walk through the three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden
Illuminated cacti, succulents and holiday decorations
Seasonal photo opportunities
Visits and photographs with Santa through December 23
Hot chocolate and chocolate-covered treats available for purchase
Cocktails and mocktails available in the garden
Holiday chocolate tastings and optional wine pairings
Special trivia, live music and themed activity nights

Photos with Santa and the Santa Express Pass

Santa will be available for photographs nightly from November 6 through December 23. Guests may take their own photographs or purchase a professional photo package from Cashman Photography.

The new Santa Express Pass provides a reserved date and time along with front-of-the-line access to Santa. The pass costs $40 and accommodates a group of up to six qualifying guests.

Children younger than 2 and adults older than 65 do not count toward the six-person pass limit. Quantities are limited each night, and purchasing a pass in advance is recommended.

Check Santa Express Pass Availability

Holiday Chocolate Tastings

Limited-Edition Holiday Chocolate Tastings will be offered daily at the Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store throughout the Holiday Cactus Garden season.

The seasonal tasting selection is scheduled to include:

White Chocolate Peppermint Silk
Milk Chocolate Cookie Butter
Milk Chocolate Gingerbread
Dark Chocolate Passion Fruit Caramel
Dark Chocolate Kona Bean Espresso

Chocolate Tasting: $35 per person
Chocolate and Wine Pairing: $45 per person for guests ages 21 and older

Guests with a confirmed tasting reservation receive complimentary front-of-the-line access to the Holiday Cactus Garden Lights. Advance tasting reservations are recommended.

Additional information about year-round tastings is available in the Vegas4Locals Ethel M Chocolate Tasting Guide.

Special Holiday Events

Henderson Silver Knights Rink Night

Friday, November 20 at 6:00 p.m.

Guests wearing Henderson Silver Knights or Vegas Golden Knights apparel receive complimentary garden admission. Lucky, the Henderson Silver Knights mascot, will also be available for fan photographs.

Family-Friendly Holiday Trivia

Friday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m.

Test your seasonal knowledge during family-friendly holiday trivia. Admission is $5 per person and includes entrance to the Holiday Cactus Garden Lights. Participants will need a mobile phone to submit answers.

Live Music Nights

Thursday, December 10: Del Sol High School Mariachi Band
Sunday, December 20 at 6:00 p.m.: Saxophonist Sam Shades
Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00 p.m.: Jessica Manalo from Season 27 of The Voice

Winter Wonderland

Tuesday, December 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Winter Wonderland features falling snow, appearances by Elsa and Anna, face painting and a screening of Frozen inside the Pavilion. Admission is $5 per person and includes entrance to the Holiday Cactus Garden Lights.

2026 Ethel M Holiday Chocolate Collection

The 2026 Holiday Collection includes limited-edition seasonal chocolates and the Ethel M Holiday Advent Calendar. The collection is scheduled to become available online beginning October 29 and in stores starting November 3.

Holiday chocolates, gift boxes and Advent Calendars are sold separately from garden admission and are available while supplies last.

Giving Back to Southern Nevada

A portion of the Holiday Cactus Garden Lights admission proceeds will benefit Three Square Food Bank and HELP of Southern Nevada. By attending, guests can enjoy a beloved local tradition while helping organizations that serve Southern Nevada residents.

Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store and Cactus Garden

The 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 featuring more than 300 species of desert plants.

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

Flagship Store Hours: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. during the holiday event period

Parking and Arrival Information

Complimentary customer parking is available at the Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store. Parking may fill quickly during weekends, Santa visits, themed nights and the weeks immediately before Christmas.

Arrive early and follow onsite traffic and parking directions. Guests with tasting reservations or Santa Express Passes should allow enough time to park and check in before their scheduled reservation.

Know Before You Go

The garden opens nightly at 5:00 p.m., but closing times vary by date.
Opening-night admission on November 5 is complimentary.
General admission beginning November 6 is $3 per person.
Guests ages 65 and older and children younger than 2 receive complimentary admission.
Standard garden visits do not require reservations.
Santa Express Passes and chocolate tastings require separate purchases.
Wine pairings are restricted to guests ages 21 and older.
The garden is outdoors, so dress for current evening weather conditions.
Special activities, appearances and entertainment may change.
Check the official schedule before making a special trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights open?
A: The lights are scheduled nightly from November 5, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The garden opens at 5:00 p.m., with closing times varying throughout the season.

Q: How much is admission?
A: Admission is complimentary on opening night, November 5. Beginning November 6, general admission is $3 per person. Children younger than 2 and guests ages 65 and older enter free.

Q: Do visitors need reservations?
A: Reservations are not required for standard admission to the Holiday Cactus Garden. Santa Express Passes and holiday chocolate tastings should be reserved separately.

Q: When will Santa be at the garden?
A: Santa is scheduled to appear nightly from November 6 through December 23. Hours and availability may vary.

Q: Can visitors take their own photographs with Santa?
A: Yes. Guests may take their own photographs or purchase a professional package from Cashman Photography.

Q: Is the Holiday Cactus Garden suitable for children?
A: Yes. The garden and most seasonal activities are designed for guests of all ages.

Q: Are food and drinks available?
A: Yes. Hot chocolate, chocolate-covered treats, cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes. Complimentary customer parking is available at the Henderson Flagship Store, although spaces may fill during busy evenings.

Plan Your Holiday Cactus Garden Visit

Experience more than one million lights, seasonal chocolates and festive activities during one of Henderson’s most beloved holiday traditions.

View Dates, Hours and Admission Details

Dates, hours, admission prices, Santa appearances, activities and tasting availability may change. Confirm current information with Ethel M Chocolates before visiting.