FREE Dow Gardens Christmas Walk in December 2023 | 7 Things To Do! | See Santa's Reindeer + Candlelit Pathways in Midland Michigan
FREE Dow Gardens Christmas Walk in December | See Santa's Reindeer, Candlelit Pathways in Midland Michigan
By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated: January 14, 2023
Since I'm obsessed with all things Christmas, Chris and I have attended the Dow Gardens Christmas Walk in Midland Michigan several times. We love walking hand in hand along the peaceful paved candle-lit walkways while listening to the sweet voices of the carolers.
Chris and I always get a hot chocolate or other warm beverages as we excitedly make our way to Santa's adorable reindeer. It's such a lovely Christmas Event in central Michigan.
When Is The Dow Gardens Christmas Walk?
December 8–10 & 15–17, 2022 from 5:00 pm – 7:30 p.m.
The Dow Gardens Christmas walk is an extremely popular December Christmas event as it is one of the few times this Michigan Botanical Gardens is FREE.
- Chris and I have attended this event several times and per our experience, if you wish to avoid crowds try going on a weeknight as the weekends are very busy.
Where Is Dow Gardens in Michigan?
Dow Gardens Visitor Center, 1809 Eastman Avenue, Midland, MI 48640
What is the Dow Gardens Christmas Walk?
It's a chance to enjoy free old fashioned evenings of candlelight walks and a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! Dow Gardens has a pre-set lit path for guests to follow. They really have turned their botanical gardens into a winter wonderland!
Note: The December 15-17, 2022 event dates are Silent Nights to enjoy the lit paths and lovely lights. This means there will be no carolers and or reindeer. On the plus side, there may be less crowds, too.
Note: There is a predetermined walking path that must be followed. Most of the gardens are inaccessible during this event.
Is There an Admission Fee to the Dow Gardens Christmas Walk?
No! This lovely evening is Dow Gardens' gift to the community, so it's free!
7 Things to See or Do at the Dow Gardens Christmas Walk!
- Stroll beautifully lit paths
- Enjoy listening to Christmas carolers sing lovely songs of the season.
- Meet and pet Santa’s cute reindeer (December 8-10, 2022 only)
- Purchase warm beverages to keep you toasty on your candlelit walk!
- Tour the newly built Conservatory and listen to musicians play live music! They even invite you to sing along to fun Christmas songs like Jingle Bells!
- See the incredible towering poinsettia tree inside the Conservatory!
- Visit the gift shop inside Dow Gardens' Visitors Center
While Visiting Midland Michigan...
See Cute Reindeer During Dow Garden's Christmas Walk!
Chris and I just LOVE seeing reindeer! I think we went to 4 events this Christmas just to see these antlered friends! Each year, Rooftop Landing Reindeer farm brings out a couple super cute reindeer to pet, talk to and enjoy. They have such big personalities!
If you love Reindeer, you MUST visit these Michigan Reindeer Farms and Events!
Sing Along To Fun Christmas Tunes Inside the Conservatory!
Chris and I enjoyed singing along to "Jingle Bells" and "Dashing Through the Snow" inside the newly finished conservatory! It gave us a chance to warm up before going to see the cute live reindeer outside!
Tour the Newly Built Conservatory and See The Towering Poinsettia Tree!
This very tall poinsettia tree holds around 150 of the lovely Christmas plants. Come out and check it out!
Parking and Bathrooms at Dow Gardens Christmas Walk
- Parking is free and there are two very large paved lots.
- There are bathrooms inside the Dow Gardens Visitors Center and inside the Conservatory.
YouTube Video Below