When you’re looking for things to do in the Quad Cities this winter, few experiences compare to the glow of Winter Nights, Winter Lights at the Quad City Botanical Center. With over 250,000 twinkling lights, themed tunnels, and cozy nooks for warm drinks, this beloved event transforms cold nights into scenes straight out of a storybook. If you’ve never heard of it before, Winter Nights, Winter Lights is the must-see holiday event in the Quad Cities—an annual tradition that brings families, friends, and holiday dreamers together beneath a canopy of sparkling wonder.

At Wallace’s, we love how this event captures everything magical about the season: light, laughter, and a shared sense of joy. In this blog, we’ll share all the highlights of the event, offer inspiration to bring that same festive sparkle home with lighting and décor ideas and invite you to continue the celebration with us at our annual Holiday Open House—the perfect kickoff to the most wonderful time of the year.

 

About the Event: Winter Nights, Winter Lights

Themed light tunnels lead you through a landscape of illuminated trees and artistic installations. Each step feels like a new discovery—snowflakes cascading from branches, rainbow arches of light framing the pathways, and interactive features that make for unforgettable photos. Families can gather around cozy fire pits, sip hot cocoa, and take in the view as the gardens shimmer under the night sky.

Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or a loved one, this event has something for everyone. It’s one of the most family-friendly holiday events in Iowa, and it’s easy to see why—it blends nature, art, and community into one sparkling celebration.

What truly makes Winter Nights, Winter Lights special is its ability to remind us that winter can be beautiful, too. The light displays aren’t just decorations; they’re an invitation to see the world with wonder again, to slow down, and to make new memories together. It’s no wonder this event is counted among the best holiday light displays in the Quad Cities every year.

Bringing the Magic Home

The beauty of Winter Nights, Winter Lights doesn’t have to end when you leave the gardens. With a little inspiration—and a few practical tips—you can recreate that same cozy sparkle in your own backyard or front porch.

1. Garden Lighting Tips

Start with layering light, just like the Botanical Center does. Use string lights to outline trees, shrubs, or pergolas—choose warm white for a timeless glow or multicolor strands for festive flair. Don’t forget lanterns and solar path lights, which create soft pools of light that guide guests along walkways.

If you have a patio or deck, drape fairy lights or globe lights across the railing to mimic the ambiance of the event’s light tunnels. For a touch of magic, place battery-operated candles inside glass jars or hurricane lanterns along steps and planters.

One of our favorite tricks? Wrap evergreen shrubs like boxwood or arborvitae with mini lights. Their dense foliage diffuses the light beautifully, adding depth and warmth to your winter garden.

2. Winter-Interest Plants

Lighting may bring sparkle, but winter-interest plants bring life and texture to your landscape. Consider adding evergreens like dwarf Alberta spruce, holly, or juniper for year-round color. Red twig dogwoods offer a striking contrast against the snow, and ornamental grasses provide soft movement and golden hues even in the cold.

If you’re decorating porch planters, mix some fresh-cut evergreens, birch branches, and winterberry stems for natural texture. Add pinecones, magnolia leaves, or a touch of ribbon for that festive finish. These arrangements last beautifully through the season and echo the natural beauty seen throughout the Botanical Center’s displays.

3. Holiday Décor Inspiration

Once your garden glows, carry that magic indoors. Twinkle lights can drape over mantels or nestle inside glass vases for instant charm. Swap out ordinary centerpieces for arrangements of evergreens and candles.

We love pairing metal lanterns, glittering ornaments, and fresh greenery to create elegant yet welcoming displays. A few well-placed lights can transform a quiet corner into a cozy reading nook or turn your dining room into a warm winter retreat.

Without further ado, here’s how you can create a little holiday sparkle in your own garden: layer soft lighting, embrace evergreens, and bring nature inside. You’ll capture the same magic of Winter Nights, Winter Lights—right at home!

Connecting to Wallace’s Holiday Open House

After visiting Winter Nights, Winter Lights, keep your festive momentum going with a stop at our Holiday Open House at Wallace’s Garden Center in Bettendorf. Every year, our greenhouse transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, décor, and inspiration. You’ll find fresh ideas for decking the halls, along with a curated collection of ornaments, home décor, and unique gifts to make your holiday shopping joyful and easy.

 

Many of our guests tell us they love making a full day of it—start your evening under the lights at the Botanical Center, then plan a weekend visit to Wallace’s to bring that inspiration home. It’s the perfect pairing: one experience to immerse you in the magic of the season, the other to weave that magic into your garden and gatherings.

Our Holiday Open House also marks the beginning of our seasonal workshops and in-store events. From festive planter demos to wreath-making sessions, we offer countless ways to get hands-on with your holiday creativity. Together, these events represent the best of the Quad Cities holiday events in Bettendorf—local, creative, and community-centered.

Tips for Attending the Event

To make the most of your visit to Winter Nights, Winter Lights, a little preparation goes a long way:

• Dress warmly: The gardens sparkle brightest after sunset, so bundle up in layers and bring gloves and hats!
  

• Arrive early: Weekends can get busy, so visiting on a weekday evening or right after opening gives you more space to explore.
  

• Bring your camera: Every tunnel and tree is a photo opportunity! Don’t miss the reflections in the ponds or the glow of the greenhouses.
  

• Warm up with cocoa: Grab a hot drink from one of the cozy beverage stations or pack your own thermos for a festive sip between strolls.
  

• Plan for little ones: The event is stroller-friendly and offers plenty of open space for kids to roam safely. Families often linger by the fire pits for story time or photo ops.

Whether you visit once or make it a new family tradition, Winter Nights, Winter Lights delivers something new to discover every season. There’s something unforgettable about the way light transforms a garden. It’s not just about brightness—it’s about warmth, joy, and connection.

 

This year, we invite you to experience the wonder for yourself—and then carry that magic home. Create your own glowing garden with festive lights, evergreens, and décor ideas from Wallace’s, or visit us during our Holiday Open House to see what’s new and inspiring this season.

Make it a holiday to remember: stroll through the gardens, sip something warm, and let the lights guide you home to a season full of beauty.

If you’re searching for things to do in the Quad Cities this winter, you won’t find a better pairing than Winter Nights, Winter Lights and Wallace’s Holiday Open House—two local traditions that bring sparkle, community, and joy to every corner of the season!