Wintertime makes magic in the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum after dark

By Matt Blewett

For the Minnesota Star Tribune
December 6, 2019 at 1:30PM
Connor and Charlie sit with Santa at the 2019 Winter in Bloom exhibit at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. [ Special to Star Tribune, photo by Matt Blewett, Matte B Photography, matt@mattebphoto.com, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Winter in Bloom, Minnesota, SAXO 1009874394 FACE120819 Santa's name: Bob Thorn (retired Arboretum employee - he built the poinsettia tree that they lit tonight. Andy Goke, Connor and Charlie's dad, gave permission.
Connor and Charlie visited with Santa. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Winter is in bloom at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In addition to a 24-foot-tall poinsettia tree and several trees decked to the oh-so-natural nines inside the visitor center, there's a light display that meanders through the gardens. In addition to a half-mile of illuminated displays, there's an outdoor light show and an ice throne that's perfect for pictures.


Ryan McEnaney and Paul Rodriguez at the 2019 Winter in Bloom exhibit at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. [ Special to Star Tribune, photo by Matt Blewett, Matte B Photography, matt@mattebphoto.com, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Winter in Bloom, Minnesota, SAXO 1009874394 FACE120819
Ryan McEnaney and Paul Rodriguez. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Nick Lalim and Jolene Vitale at the 2019 Winter in Bloom exhibit at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. [ Special to Star Tribune, photo by Matt Blewett, Matte B Photography, matt@mattebphoto.com, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Winter in Bloom, Minnesota, SAXO 1009874394 FACE120819
Nick Lalim and Jolene Vitale. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Angela & Emmanuel Johnson with Micah and Matthew at the 2019 Winter in Bloom exhibit at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. [ Special to Star Tribune, photo by Matt Blewett, Matte B Photography, matt@mattebphoto.com, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Winter in Bloom, Minnesota, SAXO 1009874394 FACE120819
Angela and Emmanuel Johnson with Micah and Matthew. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Alexander Whitteker and his mom, Elise, enjoy the tree lighting ceremony at the 2019 Winter in Bloom exhibit at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. [ Special to Star Tribune, photo by Matt Blewett, Matte B Photography, matt@mattebphoto.com, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Winter in Bloom, Minnesota, SAXO 1009874394 FACE120819 Alexander's mom, Elise Whitteker gave permission.
Elise Whitteker with son Alexander. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Kristin Simonsen, Julia Constantineau, Riley Pudwill and Matt Simonsen at the 2019 Winter in Bloom exhibit at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. [ Special to Star Tribune, photo by Matt Blewett, Matte B Photography, matt@mattebphoto.com, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Winter in Bloom, Minnesota, SAXO 1009874394 FACE120819
Kristin Simonsen, Julia Constantineau, Riley Pudwill and Matt Simonsen. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Matt Blewett