🎄 LIGHTS IN BLOOM - Magical Holiday Evening at Selby Gardens

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

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### 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!)

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### 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. 🌴✨🎄

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### 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/
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Buy tickets IN ADVANCE - walk-up admission not guaranteed! Tickets are selling out fast for peak dates.

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### 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

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### 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!

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### 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. 🎅

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### WEATHER

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

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### CARPOOLING?

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

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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!