New Year’s Eve at the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden
Begin your New Year’s Eve celebration 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 New Year’s Eve hours from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., giving families, couples and friends time to enjoy the illuminated desert garden before their late-night celebrations.
Date: Thursday, December 31, 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 New Year’s Eve Garden Details
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Holiday Cactus Garden
Celebrate the final evening of 2026 with an early New Year’s Eve visit to the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden.
More than one million lights illuminate the garden’s cacti, succulents, walking paths and seasonal decorations. The relaxed, self-guided experience provides a colorful start to the evening before fireworks, parties, dinners and midnight celebrations begin across the Las Vegas Valley.
Because the garden closes at 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, visitors will still have time to continue to another celebration or head home to welcome 2027.
Event Details
- Event: New Year’s Eve at the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden
- Date: Thursday, December 31, 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: (800) 438-4356
The garden is scheduled to reopen on New Year’s Day from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
What to Expect on New Year’s 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
- Festive displays and seasonal decorations
- Family-friendly New Year’s Eve photo opportunities
- Hot chocolate and chocolate treats available for purchase
- Access to the Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store during posted hours
- Holiday chocolates and gifts available while supplies last
- An early-evening activity before midnight celebrations
A Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Activity
The Holiday Cactus Garden is a good option for families looking for an early New Year’s Eve activity that does not require staying out until midnight.
Guests can stroll through the lights, take photographs and enjoy seasonal treats before the garden closes at 8:00 p.m. The event does not include a midnight countdown, fireworks display or late-night party.
Children are welcome, and admission is complimentary for those younger than 2.
Is Santa at the Garden on New Year’s Eve?
Santa will not be at the Holiday Cactus Garden on New Year’s Eve. Santa’s scheduled appearances for the 2026 season end on December 23.
The New Year’s Eve experience focuses on the lighted garden, holiday decorations, seasonal treats and an early evening outdoors with family and friends.
More Than One Million Holiday Lights
The Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden puts a Southern Nevada spin on the traditional holiday light display. More than one million lights illuminate hundreds of cacti, succulents and other desert plants throughout the three-acre garden.
The experience is self-guided, allowing visitors to walk the paths and enjoy the displays at their own pace. The combination of colorful lights and desert landscaping creates memorable New Year’s Eve photo opportunities.
New Year’s Eve Chocolates and Seasonal Treats
Guests can complement their garden visit with Ethel M Chocolates and other seasonal treats available for purchase.
Available selections may include:
- Premium small-batch chocolates
- Holiday chocolate gift boxes
- Limited-edition seasonal flavors
- Build-your-own chocolate boxes
- Chocolate-covered treats
- Hot chocolate
- New Year’s hostess gifts
Store hours, menu options and product availability may differ from the garden’s operating hours. Seasonal merchandise is available while supplies last.
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 containing more than 300 species of desert plants.
Address:
Ethel M Chocolates Flagship Store
2 Cactus Garden Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
Parking and Arrival Information
Guests may park in any designated Ethel M Chocolates parking lot or across the street in the Smith’s parking lot.
Do not park in the lots surrounding Green Valley Business Park or Roseman University. Vehicles parked in those areas without authorization may be towed.
New Year’s 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
- New Year’s 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 New Year’s Eve.
- There is no midnight countdown or fireworks show at the garden.
- The garden is scheduled to reopen on New Year’s Day from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- The experience takes place outdoors, so dress for the weather.
- Food, drinks, chocolates and merchandise cost extra.
- Pets are not permitted inside the Cactus 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 New Year’s Eve?
A: Yes. The garden is scheduled to be open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2026.
Q:How much is New Year’s 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:Is there a midnight countdown?
A: No. The garden closes at 8:00 p.m. and does not host a midnight countdown or fireworks display.
Q:Will Santa be at the garden on New Year’s Eve?
A: No. Santa’s scheduled appearances end on December 23.
Q:Is this New Year’s Eve event family-friendly?
A: Yes. The garden welcomes guests of all ages and provides an early-evening alternative to late-night parties.
Q:Is the garden open on New Year’s Day?
A: Yes. The Holiday Cactus Garden is scheduled to open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on January 1, 2027.
Q:Where can guests park?
A: Guests may use designated Ethel M parking lots or the Smith’s parking lot across the street. Do not park at neighboring businesses or Roseman University.
Plan Your New Year’s Eve Garden Visit
Start the final evening of 2026 with more than one million lights and a festive stroll through the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden.
View Official New Year’s Eve Information
Hours, admission prices, store access and operating conditions may change. Confirm current information with Ethel M Chocolates before visiting.
Explore More New Year’s Eve Events in Las Vegas
Find fireworks, concerts, parties, family activities and other celebrations in the Vegas4Locals New Year’s Eve Guide.
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