The Opening of the Holiday Flower Show Kicks-Off a Busy Month At Como! 

 

Holiday Flower Show
December 3 – January 8, 2023
Daily 10AM – 4PM
The Holiday Flower Show tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated flower show at the Conservatory today. For the first time in 97 years, this year’s flower show forgoes the traditional red, and instead will feature an elegant white poinsettia accented with plants selected for fragrance and texture, when all combined sparkles with warmth and light!

 

Music Under Glass featuring Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
December 4
4:30PM-6:30PM
Join us in the tropical gardens, and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.

 

Senior Strolls & Sunset Senior Strolls
December 6, 9am – 10am
December 13, 4:30pm – 6:00pm 
This is a special time set aside just for our 55-and-up aged friends to enjoy a visit before the crowds. 

 

Red Cross Blood Drive
December 7
We are pleased to host a blood drive at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on Wednesday, December 7. Sign up today by clicking HERE!

 

“Roots to Healing: A Brief Survey of the Past, Present, and Future of Plant-Based Remedies in Minnesota” 
December 8 Grand Opening in Como’s Exhibit Gallery
This exhibit examines the intersection of culture, medicinal plants, and current research. It invites viewers to consider the value of plants that have taken root in Minnesota. These include the commonplace plantain, the rare Lady’s Slipper orchid, and the controversial Cannabis.

 

Artist, Photographer & Family Photo Hours
December 11, 8am – 10am  $5
Whether you choose the lush greenery of the North Garden or the flowers in the Sunken Garden, this is the perfect opportunity to use the many gardens inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as a backdrop for your holiday family photos. Guests are welcome to bring in their own camera and find the perfect spot for their photo. $5 per person. Please enter through the Historic Entrance of the Conservatory.

 

Sensory Friendly Mornings
December 18 & 28
9am – 10am
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Como strives to provide a positive, welcoming experience for every visitor.

 

Music Under Glass featuring Holm & Tanz
December 18 
4:30PM-6:30PM
Join us in the tropical gardens, and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.

 

Noon Year’s Confetti Dance Party
December 31 and January 1
10:00AM-1:00PM
A family event to ring in the “Zoo” year that is so fun, we’re doing it twice! On December 31 and January 1 Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will be filled with dancing, games, special animal enrichment, a DJ, and a countdown to noon when we rain down from above hundreds of thousands of pieces of colorful biodegradable confetti. 

 

Holiday Shopping in Garden Safari Gifts
10AM – 4PM Daily
Como’s Garden Safari Gifts is open 365 days a year and combines the best of both the zoo and conservatory by featuring botanical soaps and lotions, distinctive jewelry, adorable stuffed animals, fun interactive children’s gifts, live plants, bonsai, apparel items and more! Buy that perfect holiday gift for that someone special.

 

And don’t forget the daily SPIRE Sparky Shows, Gardener Talks, & Zookeeper Talks

 

LOOKING AHEAD! 

Music Under Glass – Curt Obeda and Brian Z
January 8
Join us in the tropical gardens, and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.

Tropical Oasis Weekend
January 14-16
Join us for activities, crafts, fun and more as you escape the cold and enjoy our lush greenery in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory & Tropical Encounters. 

Music Under Glass – Café Accordion Orchestra
January 15
Join us in the tropical gardens, and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.

Music Under Glass – Mother Banjo
January 22
Join us in the tropical gardens, and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.

Winter Carnival Orchid Show
January 28 & 29  $5 Admission
During the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, all things cold are celebrated. One event stands out and gives attendees a way to escape to the tropics without even getting on a plane; the Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory on January 28 and 29, 2023, from 10am – 4pm.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free admission and open to the public. Reservations are required for all events except Music Under Glass and Artist, Photographer & Family Photo Hours (December 11). 

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