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NightGarden Opens at Fairchild With Ice Skating Under the Palms

Opening Thursday, November 12, NightGarden returns to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with glowing light displays, a 60-minute walk and, new this season, real ice skating under the palms.

By Nanci Gilbert, PA September 28, 2026
Event · Opens Thursday, November 12, 2026
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NightGarden returns to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Thursday, November 12, turning the garden's collections into a night walk of glowing light displays. The experience takes about an hour along the garden paths, with giant light sculptures among the palms and tropical plantings. Fairchild sits at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables, minutes from Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay.

New this season: skating under the palms

The season's addition is a real ice rink set under the garden's palms, a rare combination in South Florida and a draw for those who miss winter traditions. Hours run from 6 to 10 at night Sunday through Thursday and until 11 on Friday and Saturday. Tickets start at 28 dollars, children 3 and under enter free, and timed entry keeps the paths comfortable.

A holiday tradition close to the villages

For families in Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, NightGarden is the closest major light experience of the season, minutes down Old Cutler Road. The garden's tropical setting keeps the walk distinct from a typical holiday display, and the skating rink gives older kids something active to do. Book a date early in the run, dress for a cool evening, and let the garden open the season.

Nanci Gilbert, PA is a South Florida realtor who guides buyers and sellers across Miami-Dade and Broward. Questions about this topic? She answers every message within one business day.