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Illuminated by more than 2 million LED lights, the Holiday Light Show opened Tuesday night for a special Rotary Gardens members-only event preview.

The walk-through light display opens to the general public beginning Friday, Nov. 28, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 3. It draws tens of thousands of visitors each season.

On Tuesday night, Rotary Gardens members strolled through the displays, sipped hot cocoa and enjoyed festive music while the Gardens came alive in dazzling color. Reflections rippled across the water, strings of lights streamed down from the trees and a glowing candy cane lane lit up the night.

Penguin and polar bear-themed displays brought a sense that the space was alive, breathing with holiday magic.

The upcoming public show runs on select nights: Nov. 28–30; Dec. 5–7, 11–23, 26–30; and Jan. 2–3, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., with lights out at 9 p.m.

Families taking in the event on Tuesday said it’s about seeing the magic through children’s eyes. Olivia Bolton, visiting with her nieces and nephews, said that’s the part she loves most.

β€œWatching them look at the lights, seeing it all through their eyes, how happy they get, that’s what I enjoy,” Bolton said, noting that their favorite part was β€œall the animals, the penguins and the butterflies.”

Renee and Tony Capozziello have been attending the show β€œon and off for about 25 years,” beginning long before they moved to Janesville.

β€œI just love all the different colors, it’s so beautiful how they arrange everything and how organized it is,” Renee said. β€œIt’s absolutely incredible.”

Tony said this year’s displays continue to impress.

β€œThe reflection in the water, absolutely,” he said. β€œThe way they wash the trees with light. They don’t miss a trick. It gets better every year.”

Rotary Gardens employees who joined in Tuesday night’s festivities have a unique perspective. Cheyenne Faris, who began working at Rotary Botanical Gardens three months ago after being a member for two years, said she didn’t fully understand the spirit of the event until she joined the team.

β€œWorking it is really cool because you get to see all of the amazing people who have such a big part in this,” Faris said. β€œComing here as a member, I felt a lot of heart and a lot of positive energy, but I didn’t realize why until I started working here and got to meet the team behind it.”

Faris hasn’t walked the full show yet this season, but she did get a behind-the-scenes view of one of the biggest changes.

β€œI helped John (Janes) shoot the lights up into the tree,” she said. β€œThe really, really tall lights; those are my favorite this year.”

Faris said she loves the fun extras.

β€œOh, the glasses are my favorite,” she said. β€œI get really excited about the different lights through the glasses. This year we have reindeer, snowmen and trees.”

Christmas Market

The 2025 show introduces the first indoor Christmas Market, open December 13–23 at the Gardens’ visitors center, featuring artisan vendors, seasonal treats and a limited-edition 2025 ornament.

Executive Director Michelle Ryan said volunteers and staff were eager to introduce the market at the end of the season, later in December.

β€œThis is the first time we are doing a Christkindl-style market at the end of the show, and most of the vendors are brand new and holiday related,” Ryan said. β€œWe’re excited to offer something special inside the building.”

Ryan said early feedback this week has been enthusiastic.

β€œWe debuted the new candy cane walk, and everyone at Volunteer Night was raving about it,” she said.

Ryan said the Holiday Light Show, the Gardens’ largest fundraiser, continues to thrive because it’s built by local hands.

β€œIt’s built by community vendors and crafters who put their heart into it, and by dedicated staff,” she said. β€œThe crafters and carpenters who create these displays really care.”

β€œWe don’t receive state or local funding,” Ryan continued. β€œAdmissions and ticketing are what keep the gardens going.”

On certain nights this holiday season β€” Fridays Dec. 12 and 19 and Saturdays Dec. 6,13 and 20, from 4-8 p.m., and Friday, Dec. 5 from 4-9 p.m. --Janesville’s Downtown Trolley will run between downtown and Rotary Botanical Gardens.

For more information on the Holiday Light Show visit .