'Merry & Bright' holiday show in full bloom at Garfield Park Conservatory

This winter, Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory invites visitors to step into a seasonal escape with its 2025–2026 edition of the winter flower show, Merry & Bright. From now through Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Conservatory’s Show House will glow with festive botanical displays that transform the cold, gray season into a lush, colorful retreat. 

Inside, you’ll find a cheerful array of richly hued poinsettias, varieties such as ‘Viking Cinnamon’, ‘Lemon Glow’, ‘Chorus Hot Pink’ and ‘Candy Wintergreen’, surrounded by vibrant coleus, flowering lantana and red begonias. Freshly cut Frasier fir trees, draped in multi-colored LED lights, add a soft, warm glow to the space, evoking the cozy spirit of the holidays. 

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The show’s schedule accommodates both daytime and evening visits. On Thursdays through Sundays the conservatory is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while on Wednesdays it stays open until 8:00 p.m. — offering a different ambiance once the city lights begin to shine. 

Admission to Merry & Bright is free, though registration is required for all visitors. The conservatory is located at 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624. (Garfield Conservatory)