Experience Holiday Magic at Bok Tower Gardens (2025)

Bok Tower Gardens Holiday Celebrations are some of the most beautiful you will experience in Florida.

Bok Tower Gardens at Christmas

Bok Tower Gardens is a favorite Authentic Florida destination any time of year, but at Christmastime, there is a special allure.

The gardens are alive with colorful holiday displays of poinsettia, bromeliad, and amaryllis.

Additionally, the Carillon Tower resonates with the carols of the season.

It’s a place where heaven and nature sing.

Special activities include concerts, winter walking tours, decorating workshops, family activities, and more.

All ages find something to enjoy during Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens. Many visitors return to see the holiday displays year after year.

For those who have never experienced Bok Tower Gardens, this is one of the best times to visit the National Historic Landmark.

Events and festivities take place into early January.

2025 Bok Tower Holiday Highlights

Embrace the festive spirit at Bok Tower Gardens. The 2024 holiday season promises unforgettable moments and plenty of Florida charm.

Here’s what’s in store:

• Carols & Carillon: Let the enchanting sounds of the iconic Singing Tower set the perfect holiday mood. Classic carols and timeless melodies will fill the gardens, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Ring in the Holidays with the Silver Bells Big Band: Swing into the season with this lively big band performance! It’s an upbeat way to celebrate with toe-tapping tunes and a little nostalgia.
• The Magic of the Holidays Festival Featuring The Nutcracker: A seasonal favorite, The Nutcracker brings its whimsical charm to the gardens. Expect a day full of music, joy, and festive fun.
• Yuletide Delights: Celebrate the warmth and beauty of the season with events and activities perfect for all ages. From sparkling décor to holiday treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
• Peace into the New Year with Paisley Craze: End the year on a high note with a groovy performance by Paisley Craze. Their vibrant energy is just what you need to step into 2025 with joy and peace in your heart.

El Retiro (formerly known as The Pinewood Estates)

This 20-room 1932 Mediterranean-style home is a real charmer all decked out in its holiday splendor.

Built for Charles Austin Buck, an associate of landscaper Olmstead and a Bethlehem Steel Vice President, the 13,000-square-foot home has all the amenities with a barrel-tile roof, carved doors and woodwork, and beautifully designed ironwork.

The architecture, landscape, and period furniture make it worthwhile, even with the additional entrance fee.

Landscape designer William Lymar Phillips, the creator of the Fairchild Tropical Gardens, built a stunning tropical oasis and a haven for the Bucks.

Do yourself a favor and get in a holiday mood by visiting this truly special Authentic Florida place.

FAQs for Bok Tower Gardens

Where is Bok Tower Gardens?

The Bok Tower Gardens is located between Tampa and Orlando near Lake Wales and includes 157 acres of luscious gardens.

It also includes a 205-foot art deco Singing Tower Carillon, and the 20-room 1930’s Mediterranean-style Pinewood Estate.

Who was Edward Bok?

It all started with Edward Bok, a Dutch immigrant who came to the U.S. in 1869 at six with his family.

Unable to speak English as a young boy, Bok worked tirelessly, starting as an office boy in the Western Union Telegraph Company and eventually becoming publisher of the popular Ladies Home Journal.

He was also a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and an advocate for the environment and world peace.

A dedicated humanitarian, he wanted to “give something back” to the country that gave him so much.

Guided by his family’s philosophy of “leaving the world more beautiful”, Bok was inspired to create a magnificent space for serenity, beauty, music, and peaceful contemplation. The result – Bok Tower Gardens.

The Bok Tower & Carillon

One special spot is the Bok Tower’s magnificent reflection pond at the base of the tall structure.

Surrounded by ferns, palms, shady oaks, pines, and an abundance of flowers, the picturesque canvas of flora and fauna transforms with every season.

The 205-foot bell tower is comprised of pink and gray Georgia marble and Florida coquina rock. It’s equipped with 60 bronze bells.

Considered one of the finest carillons in the country, Christmas concerts are at 1 and 3 pm daily.

What is a Carillon?

According to the Bok Tower website, a “carillon is a musical instrument consisting of at least 23 cast bronze bells that are precisely tuned and arranged in chromatic progression so that music in any key can be played”. 

The carillon plays from a keyboard while the bells remain stationary (within a frame) and play as the player depresses the keys.

The keys connect to clappers by wires.

Bok Tower Gardens Schedule and Details

Bok Tower Gardens is open daily from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, with last admission at 5:00 pm. 

The Gardens will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

The Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Cafe, and Shop at Bok are open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Adult general admission is $20, Children $10 (ages 6-17), children 5 and under are free, Dogs are $10.

El Retiro Admission

Step back in time and experience the charm of El Retiro!

Admission is just $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-17 (kids 5 and under visit for free).

General admission to Bok Tower Gardens is required to tour El Retiro.

Members of Bok Tower Gardens get a special rate of $7.

Seasonal Hours:

• Day after Thanksgiving – April 30: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.
• May 1 – Thanksgiving: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm.

Accessibility at Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is recognized as an ‘Autism Friendly’ business by the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida.

They’ve created tools and resources to make your visit to the Gardens enjoyable and comfortable for everyone, especially those with autism, sensory processing needs, or cognitive impairments.

You can learn more about CARD-USF by visiting usf.to/autism.

Helpful Resources for Your Visit

• Social Experience Guide: This picture-book style guide helps visitors know what to expect as they explore the Gardens. You can pick up a copy at the Front Desk in the Visitor Center or download it below.

• Sensory Kits: Available at the Front Desk, these kits include noise-canceling headphones, crayons, paper, and fidgets. They’re offered on a first-come, first-served basis—just ask a host to check one out!

Mobility Assistance

• Mobility Carts: Rent one at The Shop at Bok for $10/hour, $30/half day, or $60/full day.
• Wheelchairs: A limited number are available upon request at no charge. Ask at The Shop at Bok when you arrive.

Here are few other recommended articles you should check out:

• A Day Trip to Bok Tower Gardens, Florida’s Sanctuary
• 18+ Best Places to Photograph in Florida
• Best Things to Do in Lake Wales, FL
• Florida’s Citrus Tower in Clermont: A Blast from the Past

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