Here at Shadow Ridge, students and staff members long for something to do on days off, and that is what Ethel M is for. Ethel M’s in Henderson, Nevada, is an amazing experience for anyone, from kids, to adults, to senior citizens. It gives people a chance to connect with their families and friends through a sweet and chocolatey way. Not only is Ethel M’s a chocolate factory, and a cactus garden, but it also has a cafe and a gift shop. They also offer chocolate taste testing and holiday events such as the Annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights.
Chemistry teacher, Rebecca Cleveland states, “The lights are gorgeous, there is hot cocoa to purchase (as well as the rest of their chocolates), and it is a lovely winter evening event. I was taken every year while growing up here in Vegas as a child and since returning home after college is something I do now most years with my husband.”
If anyone is interested in experiencing a wonderful time at the Ethel M’s cactus garden, they can look for more information on their website if needed. Information on their website includes chocolate tasting booking, and more information about special events.
The cactus garden is open daily from Friday 11/1/24 through Friday 11/15/24 from 10am-8pm, and Saturday 11/16/24 through Saturday 1/4/25 from 10am-10pm. However, on special holiday hours, it is open Tuesday 12/24/24 from 10am-8pm, closed on Wednesday 12/25/24 and open Tuesday 12/31/24 from 10am-8pm.
The Botanical Cactus Garden is the largest cactus garden in Nevada.
“Our 3-acre garden features more than 300 species of plants. These include cacti and succulents native to the American Southwest as well as desert trees and shrubs from the Southwestern United States, Australia, and South America,” ethelm.com states.
As for the Annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights, it’s open nightly from November 1st through January 4th. There are no reservations required and Santa will be daily from 5pm to 1 hour prior to closing through December 23rd. There will be a line to see him and the line cuts off at exactly 9pm.
There is a $3 entrance fee per person and a free entrance for children under 2 and senior citizens 65+. All the money is going towards Help of Southern Nevada, and Three Square Food Bank. There will be parking spaces available for everyone who is visiting Ethel M’s Cactus Garden.
Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not allowed due to the safety of other people and the dogs themselves. The cacti in the garden are open and close to the pathway and will create a high risk that the animals will come in contact with the cacti. However, service animals are permitted but must be harnessed and leashed.
