Celebrate the holiday season at Midland’s Dow Gardens with these upcoming events
A view of red berries along a trail in Dow Gardens in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
MIDLAND, MI – Midland’s Dow Gardens may be blanketed with snow, but the 110-acre botanical garden is still offering plenty of events and attractions for visitors to enjoy this holiday season.
A view on the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
From Christmas story readings to quiet walks through an illuminated pathway, the December calendar for the gardens, located at 1809 Eastman Ave., is jam-packed with festive events for the whole family.
Christmas at the Pines
Visitors will be able to stop by The Pines of Dow Gardens, the home of Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow, for Christmas at the Pines from Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Saturday, Dec. 20.
A view from the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
During the event, guests will be able to tour the home which will be adorned with fresh Christmas garland. During the tour, guests will learn about how the Dow family celebrated Christmas as well as late 19th century and early 20th century holiday traditions.
Christmas at the Pines will take place at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. The event will also be held at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Dec. 20.
A view of the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Admission for Christmas at the Pines costs $8 for adults and $5 for children and students with IDs. Attendees must also pay for general admission.
A look at a Dow Gardens map in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Holiday Open House
An open house will be held at The Pines of Dow Garden from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. The event is free with the cost of admission.
Open house attendees will be able to go on self-guided tours of the home. Docents will be available to answer questions about the home as well.
The open house will also feature music and refreshments.
Tales of Christmas Past
After the open house, Dow Gardens will host Tales of Christmas Past in the Sun Parlor of The Pines, the home’s sunroom, which will be decorated for the holiday season.
The event will take place from 4-5 p.m. on Dec. 6 and will feature hot cocoa, cookies and readings of classic Christmas stories as well as poems. Reservations are required for the event, and participants are urged to arrive 30 minutes early.
A view on the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Participating in the event costs $15 for adults and $8 for children and students with IDs. The cost includes admission to Dow Gardens.
A view on the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Christmas Walk and Cart Tour Nights
For guests looking to take a stroll down the Dow Gardens’ softly lit pathway this winter, the gardens will host its Christmas Walk from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, through Saturday, Dec. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 11, through Saturday, Dec. 13. The last entry for the free family-friendly event will be admitted at 7:30 p.m.
A view from the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Walkers will be able to meet Santa’s reindeer from Dec. 4-6 and hear holiday songs from carolers. From Dec. 11-13, Dow Gardens will host Silent Nights, during which guests will be able to walk silently on the pathway.
Additionally, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Saginaw will sell hot beverages outside of the Dow Gardens Visitor Center.
Visitors can also tour Dow Gardens from the inside of a golf cart from 5-7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Dec. 3 and 10. The guided golf cart tours are free and meant for guests with limited mobility and their family members.
Space for the golf cart tours is limited, and participants must make reservations by calling Dow Gardens at 989-631-2677.
The view when you look up from the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
General information
General admission for the Dow Gardens costs $15 for adults and $5 for children 4 and older. Admission is free for children under 4 and annual card holders.
Visitors can check in and pay for admission at the Dow Gardens’ welcome trailer at the gardens’ main entrance.
A view of the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens Canopy Walk in Midland, Mich., on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Tickets to events at the gardens this holiday season and general admission can be purchased online at sales.dowgardens.org/calendar.
The gardens regular hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Guests can also stop by the gift shop at the Dow Gardens Education Center, located at 2203 Eastman Ave., to purchase a keepsake to remember their visit.
Visitors are urged to plan their visit in advance and consider alternative parking options as the gardens’ new welcome center is currently under construction, which has affected access to the gardens’ main parking lot.
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