Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on November 15, 2018.
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One of our favorite Pittsburgh Christmas traditions is the Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show and Light Garden. This annual event, which runs from November 23 through January 6, is one of our go-to's for holiday cheer every year and is returning for the 2018 season with a show that promises to be better than ever!
(Please note, photos in this post are from the 2017 Winter Flower Show.)
Holiday Magic Should Be Your Christmas Tradition
We've been to the Phipps Winter Flower Show in the past and it is always a highlight of the season for us. Dozens of beautifully decorated trees, gorgeous flower displays, and dazzling lights are truly magical and always put us in the holiday spirit.
Each year it seems like Phipps outdoes themselves with new features, and in 2018 this is no different with new light displays, over 2,000 poinsettias, the renovated Palm Court with new glass panels and an LED light display at night, outdoor ice towers that resemble the frosted glass on the conservatory, and even Tropical Forest Cuba will get into the holiday cheer with 250 feet of pink lighting, illuminated trees, and pendant lights!
For those who love model trains, the Garden Railroad will continue its theme of Memories in Motion, taking you on a train journey throughout Phipps' 125 year history as well.
When planning your visit, you should keep in mind that the outdoor light garden opens at 5pm, and twilight begins from 5 to 5:30pm with true night-time being 6:30pm an onward.
As such, we recommend arriving to Phipps between 4 and 5pm to enjoy the rooms inside while the sun is setting (perhaps closer to 5pm), then plan to arrive in the outdoor light garden no later than 5:30pm to enjoy the lighting shift from twilight to true night.
Trust us when we say that the lighting changes are magical in a place like Phipps.
But there is another reason why you'll want to plan your entry time accordingly, as in 2018 Phipps is bringing back timed entry tickets for all visitors to the Winter Flower Show!
Beat the Crowds with Timed Entry Tickets
If you've ever been to the Phipps Winter Flower Show, you know how popular it is. Timed tickets were introduced in 2017 to mitigate the long lines, and in 2018 the ticketing system is returning and is required for all guests.
You can reserve your timed ticket online by clicking here. All you have to do is select an available date and time, watch for a confirmation email containing your tickets, and print the tickets or show them on your mobile phone at the entrance!
There is no set time when you have to leave the exhibits, so once you enter you can stay as long as you want until close (11PM on all days except December 24th, when Phipps closes at 5PM).
Overall, the Phipps Winter Flower Show is promising to be better than ever with this year's show, and if you want tickets you should purchase them in advance as they go quickly- especially during peak days around Christmas and New Years!
To purchase your timed entry tickets to the Winter Flower Show, click here. Book your ticket early as we suspect these will go fast! This post was sponsored by Phipps Conservatory.