The United States Botanic Garden, right along the National Mall, just a few paces from the Capitol Building, just so happens to host one of the most unique and fun holiday displays around the District!
Its annual “Season’s Greenings” display is already officially back for the holiday, and this time with a brand new theme called ‘Dino-Mite’ featuring prehistoric plants and massive model dinosaurs.
What is the “Season’s Greenings” event at the Botanic Garden?
Every year around the holiday season, the United States Botanic Garden presents a visually stunning display of holiday decor, featuring many models of the District’s iconic landmarks crafted from plants.
In the Botanic Garden’s outdoor gardens, every year around this time, you’ll find more festive lights and decorations, and the Botanic Garden’s now-iconic model train display, which loops around the outdoor garden for a unique show throughout the season.
This year’s “Season’s Greenings” event is specifically themed “Dino-Mite”, a reference to its focus on plants, animals, and dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period!
The model dinosaurs that will be visible around the outdoor garden display include:
- Tyrannosaurus Rex
- Triceratops
- Velociraptor
- Parasaurolophus
- Argentinosaurus
- Repenomamus
- Steropodon
- Ankylosaurus
- Gobiconodon
- Pteranodon
- Spinolestes xenarthrosus
Everything you need to know about visiting the United States Botanic Garden’s “Season’s Greenings” event
This year’s event is already open for the season. It opened on November 27th and will be open until January 4th, 2026; it will be closed on December 25th.
Best times to visit
The outdoor train display will be running between 10 am and 5 pm each day of the week, except on select Tuesdays and Thursdays, which will have extended hours, and the model train will run until 8 pm.
Those dates featuring extended hours are:
- Dec. 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 30, and Jan. 1
During these extended hour sessions, there will be added merriment to celebrate the occasion, including live holiday music and vendors offering seasonal snacks and drinks in the evenings.
How much does it cost?
Entry to the Botanic Garden and access to the “Season’s Greenings” display are free and do not require any registration!
You can simply show up and enter to experience the display on your own, with friends, or with family whenever suits you best, but be sure to keep in mind that Fridays and weekends tend to be busier.
Are there any sensory-friendly days?
Yes, there are two sensory-friendly days slated for this year’s event:
- December 20th, 2025, 5:30 pm to 8 pm – sensory-friendly evening at the garden
- January 3rd, 2026, 8:30 am to 10 am – sensory-friendly morning at the garden
These early or late openings provide special access to the museum to those with cognitive and sensory processing disabilities and their families, including early entrance for registered participants, pre-visit materials, and a take-a-break space to avoid over-stimulation.
*Prior registration is required*