**2 million twinkling lights, tropical gardens & holiday magic - let's go together!**

***

### WHEN & WHERE

**Friday, December 12, 2025**
**Meet at:** 5:15 PM in the outer lobby with the hanging orchid garden
**Location:** Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota
**Event runs until:** 9:00 PM (stay as long as you like!)

***

### WHAT IS LIGHTS IN BLOOM?

One of the most spectacular holiday light displays in Florida! More than 2 million lights illuminate the tropical gardens and walkways. Ranked #6 in USA Today's Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country!
Think: Twinkling palm trees, glowing orchids, festive photo ops, and pure holiday magic. 🌴✨🎄

***

### TICKETS & COST

**Early Entry (5:30 PM) - WE'RE DOING THIS!**

* Non-Member Adults: $44
* Member Adults: $39
* (You purchase your own ticket in advance)

**🎟️ BUY TICKETS HERE:** [https://selby.org/dsc/dsc-special-events/lights-in-bloom/](https://selby.org/dsc/dsc-special-events/lights-in-bloom/)
⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** Buy tickets IN ADVANCE - walk-up admission not guaranteed! Tickets are selling out fast for peak dates.

***

### THE PLAN

**5:15 PM** \- Meet in outer lobby by the hanging orchid garden
We'll find each other, everybody gets a complimentary Christmas light necklace so we can find each other in the dark lol, then explore together (or split up and wander - whatever feels good!)
**What we'll do:**

* Stroll through 2+ million lights
* Take photos at festive spots
* Maybe grab food/drinks (available for purchase)
* Soak up the holiday magic
* Stay as long as we want (closes at 9 PM)

**Perfect for:** ✨ Anyone who loves holiday lights
✨ Photography enthusiasts
✨ People who want magic without the stress
✨ Those seeking joyful holiday vibes

***

### WHAT TO BRING/KNOW

📱 Your phone for photos (free photo ops throughout!)
🎫 Your ticket (digital or printed)
💳 Cash/card if you want food/drinks
👟 Comfy walking shoes
🧥 Light jacket (December evenings can be cool)
**Parking:** Limited on-site parking. FREE trolley service available from nearby lots (runs 5-9:15 PM). Check website for trolley locations.
**Food:** Multiple vendors on-site - donuts, coffee, popcorn, full dinner available!

***

### MEETING UP

**Look for our group at 5:15 PM sharp in the outer lobby near the hanging orchid garden.**
Can't find us? Text/message organizer or check event comments for day-of updates.
**First-timer nervous?** Don't be! Just say "Paradise Pals?" and we'll welcome you right in. We’ll all be wearing Christmas light necklaces - you’ll get one too if you rsvp - We might even coordinate matching Santa hats or something fun. 🎅

***

### WEATHER

This is a **rain or shine event**! Gardens only cancel for hazardous weather (you'd be notified by email by 3 PM).

***

### CARPOOLING?

Sarasota is about 45 minutes from Port Charlotte. Anyone interested in carpooling, coordinate in the comments below!

***

**This is going to be MAGICAL, Paradise Pals! Who's ready for some serious holiday sparkle? 🎄✨🌴**
**RSVP "Yes" and get your tickets ASAP - they sell out!**

Maureen Croft

🌴PARADISE FOUND - WOMEN 50+ PORT CHARLOTTE, PUNTA GORDA🌴

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🎄 LIGHTS IN BLOOM - Magical Holiday Evening at Selby Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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🌴PARADISE FOUND - WOMEN 50+ PORT CHARLOTTE, PUNTA GORDA🌴

🎄 LIGHTS IN BLOOM - Magical Holiday Evening at Selby Gardens

🌴PARADISE FOUND - WOMEN 50+ PORT CHARLOTTE, PUNTA GORDA🌴

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