A 12-Year Tradition Blending Romance, Community and Purpose
HENDERSON, Nev. — In the quiet desert just off Sunset Road, something remarkable happens each February. The cactus shimmer. The pathways glow pink and red. Couples pause beneath strands of light. Families sip hot chocolate under the Nevada sky. And for 12 years, the Ethel M Chocolates Lights of Love Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates Factory has turned Valentine’s season into something deeper than a date night — it has turned it into an act of giving. Moreover, Lights of Love Henderson continues to inspire visitors year after year.
Running February 6 through February 16 beginning at 5 p.m. nightly, the annual event transforms the three-acre botanical garden at Ethel M Chocolates, located at 2 Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson, into a glowing desert celebration. More than half a million pink, purple and red lights illuminate over 300 varieties of cactus, creating a distinctly Southern Nevada Valentine’s experience that is the hallmark of Lights of Love Henderson.
But beyond the beauty of the display, the Lights of Love Henderson event carries a powerful mission.
Inspired by Joy, Built on Community
I had the opportunity to sit down with Lisa Egizii Vannerson, Marketing Director of Creative & Media for Mars, Incorporated, and Abby Quinn from HELP of Southern Nevada to talk about how Lights of Love began and why it continues to grow.
“Seeing how much joy our holiday lights brought to the local community inspired us,” Vannerson said. “We decided to expand it beyond the Christmas holiday season. We added more lights, more decorations — and most importantly, we brought in two of our local partners.”
Those partners, HELP of Southern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank, now receive a portion of every $3 admission ticket.
What started as a seasonal extension has evolved into a signature February tradition, drawing thousands of visitors each year while generating significant charitable contributions.
A Unique Valentine’s Experience in Las Vegas
For first-time guests, the Ethel M Lights of Love Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates Factory offers something refreshingly different from a typical Valentine’s outing. Clearly, Lights of Love Henderson has become a staple event for celebrating the season.
“It’s a very affordable date,” Vannerson explained. “You’re walking through three acres of cactus garden — the beauty and wonder of it — and you can also enjoy wine and chocolate tastings.”
Guests can purchase hot chocolate and sweet treats at the Cactus Café, sip champagne or specialty chocolate cocktails at the garden bar, and even look inside the chocolate factory to see production in action. The Henderson location is the only Mars factory to offer a self-guided viewing aisle, allowing guests to have a look at how the decadent chocolates are made
Planning for the transformation begins months in advance. According to Vannerson, Head Gardener Steve Bowdoin starts designing the layout in July, carefully mapping out how to incorporate more than half a million lights while preserving the natural desert aesthetic.
“He has an amazing plan every year,” she said. “We’re always bringing out new décor and creating great moments in the garden.”
The result is peaceful yet vibrant — a place where children can safely explore illuminated paths, couples can stroll beneath glowing cactus, and visitors can gaze at the stars above.
The $3 That Changes Lives
Admission is $3 per person, with entry waived for guests over 65 and children under two — a decision rooted in accessibility.
“Everything is getting so expensive,” Vannerson said. “At $3, families can explore and afford it. And our seniors are such an important part of our Las Vegas community.”
But that modest ticket carries weight. Half of each admission benefits HELP of Southern Nevada and Three Square.
“Funds stay in the community,” Quinn said. “Every dollar counts. It allows us to provide bus passes and direct assistance to individuals and families who need it”
From HELP’s perspective, the partnership has been transformative.
“Our partnership is huge,” Quinn said. “We are so fortunate to be part of Lights of Love. Donations like this are truly a lifeline for nonprofits.”
Vannerson added that at Three Square, every dollar donated provides up to three meals for the one in seven Southern Nevadans who struggle with hunger. Last year alone, approximately $153,000 was donated to each organization.
Those numbers represent more than statistics — they represent stability, meals and opportunity for local families.
Celebrating Love with Purpose
Lights of Love was once a free event. Introducing a $3 admission allowed the celebration to expand its charitable reach dramatically.
“Valentine’s Day is expensive,” Quinn said. “Lights of Love is an affordable and fun way to participate in Valentine’s Day — and at the same time, you’re giving back to the community.” Thus, Lights of Love Henderson has helped make Valentine’s Day more accessible for many Henderson residents.
After 45 years in Southern Nevada, Ethel M Chocolate continues to prioritize reinvestment in the valley. Hosting a charitable event centered around love during Valentine’s season reinforces that commitment.
The event runs nightly February 6–12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., February 13–15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and February 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For those searching for a meaningful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026, Vannerson offers a simple invitation: “Come see the garden, tour the factory, have a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the beauty of the maintained desert garden. There’s something for everyone.”
A sincere thank you to Aniya Chamas, Account Executive at KDC Las Vegas, for arranging this impactful interview and helping bring these important community voices and stories to light.
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