Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden — Attraction in Henderson

It keeps getting more and more ridiculously crowded and unorganized in the winter time EVERY year. I am born and raised in LV. We have always had a tradition to walk through the cactus garden, see the wonderful lights and Santa Claus with our 4 children. This year is a BIG disappointment.

Tonight 11/22/24, our family got to Ethel M parking lot was packed at 5:30pm. Much to our surprise, this year the right side of the parking lot was mostly empty while the left side was completely full and people parking far across the street and walking in traffic to go to the front of the store. Dangerous especially in the dark. There was about 8 vehicles on the right side and a couple of young boys wearing orange vests standing in the entrance so people don’t drive in. A guy was selling light up toys by them. (It seemed sketchy like they were scamming people to pay them money to park over there.) I drove up next to 1 guy and he was yelling at cars with a flash light that “they can’t park here it’s for employees only.” I said: “we come here every year and usually park on this side, my daughter has a heart condition I can’t park that far away.” The guy told me to go park in a handicap spot. I said: “I don’t have a card or plates yet.” He said: “it’s okay just let the other guys know we got you, it’s fine!” I drove around for 30mins and 2 people cut me off going the wrong way and took the spots I was waiting for. Not to mention the line to get into the place has people walking in the street while cars are driving by trying to park where they are walking to get in line. Ridiculous. People were parking in the middle of the street & letting their families out to get in line then leaving to go find parking. BIG traffic jam and cluster disaster.

We weren’t comfortable parking in the only handicap spot left. So I drove around more. Now it’s 6:30pm. An hour trying to find close parking spot. I went back to the other side and there was a different guy standing there to the side so I drove in and he ran up to me yelling that we can’t park here. He seemed high or on something. He was very rude, disrespectful and yelled at me. “You can’t park here! Employees only!” I said: “okay stop yelling I haven’t parked and my daughter has a heart condition we’ve been driving around and use to park here, why has it changed now?” He didn’t want to say much or calm down. I asked if they work for Ethel M he said yes but it didn’t make sense because there were other cars that parked there that got out and was families with kids. So is it employees not working that are bringing their families by that get special parking? Is it another business parking lot? It’s confusing and not fair.

He repeatedly threatened me saying if we park here we will get towed. (I’m still in drive in the street, haven’t moved, wasn’t even going to park at this point.) I drove away waved my hand out the window while he’s still yelling that I’ll be towed. We went for ice cream elsewhere instead.

We are so upset and disappointed. It was very unprofessional and unorganized. Confusing. For this big business you would think it would be safer for people to park and not walk down a long street through traffic in the dark with small children just to get to the line to go into the garden.

I honestly don’t know if we will try to go here again after this incident. The situation to get into the garden has gotten worse every year I don’t understand. It’s...

To be honest I loved ethel m's. But I am growing a strong distaste for it. And the reason might shock some of you.

They always are keeping up with The Times making beautiful displays and making a lot of use of the lights decorating is above and beyond... however!

They hate the second amendment! Let me tell you why this is bad!

They do not allow open carry, which is legal in the state of Nevada and they do not allow carrying concealed legally, which is something that many people do Legally here in the state of Nevada.

Before you can walk and stroll through the cactus garden, you have to get subjected to a scan to see if you have a gun. But no search to walk into the store.

The only person that I saw that has a gun was one security guard... Now here is the serious problem.

All those people that are unarmed that followed the law are supposed to rely on one human being with the pistol and hope that he has been up-to-date on his qualifications and his shooting skill.

Meanwhile, if someone wanted to be a mass shooter they could walk into a location like that. Hop the fence and start the rampage and probably shoot about 10 people before the security guard could even find them.

I understand how people think that putting a sign up saying no guns allowed is somehow going to help protect them from being shot.

But statistics prove that is the exact opposite... You put a bigger mark on your head by doing that!

Personally, I think if you want to put up a sign like that. You need to say that as long as you are legally carrying the weapon they are fine with that and ask to see the card... Most people fail to realize that someone that has a ccw has gone under a lot of extensive training and knows how to fix a stressful situation appropriately.

The issue I also see if people don't bring they're concealed weapon onto the property because they know that it's going to get alerted to.

Now you are encouraging felons or potential mass murders who want to cause harm to people. To frequent the location to get a high body count... Come on people and open your eyes!

Look at every school shooting or the hamas shooting at the festival or the October 1! The list can go on and on when ever you take away people's right to protect themselves and their families. The enemy will get into what they do best destruction.

Ethel M please keep people safe and do the right thing! Or hire at least 10 more full time armed guards to protect the...

The Magic of Christmas at Ethel M’s Cactus Garden

There’s something magical about the holidays, and Ethel M’s Cactus Garden brings it to life with a breathtaking display of Christmas lights. This annual tradition transforms the desert landscape into a glittering wonderland that feels straight out of a storybook.

As we strolled through the garden, millions of sparkling lights illuminated the cacti, their vivid colors casting a warm, festive glow across the night. Each corner of the garden had its own charm—some areas felt whimsical and playful, while others exuded a tranquil beauty, perfect for taking in the season’s spirit.

The air was filled with the soft hum of holiday tunes, mingling with the cheerful chatter of families and friends. It was a place of pure joy, where the vibrant desert plants met the sparkle of the season in a uniquely enchanting way.

The highlight of our visit was meeting Santa Claus himself! Nestled in a cozy corner of the garden, Santa greeted everyone with his signature jolly smile. Our kids’ eyes lit up as they posed for pictures, and we couldn’t resist joining in. It was the perfect memory to take home—one filled with laughter and the promise of Christmas magic.

As we left the garden, we felt the glow of the lights linger with us, a reminder of the holiday’s beauty and the joy of sharing it with loved ones. Ethel M’s Cactus Garden wasn’t just a light display—it was a celebration of the season, wrapped in the charm of the Nevada desert. Don’t forget the...