Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden

Went to Ethel M for their 30th Annual Holiday Cactus Garden Lights and it was incredible. The staff at the gift shop were incredibly kind and accommodating and so professional. Explained the operating hours when we arrived to stay in line for the christmas lights and that they would be closing at 8pm on Christmas Eve. We got chocolates, hot chocolate and cupcakes beforehand standing in line which went very quickly and all staff from inside to security outside were incredible. Highly recommend to go. We got a lovely chocolate when entering the factory as well. Absolutely stunning and we felt really looked after. Halfway through the gardens they also had a food truck with the drinks and sitting area in case you went to the garden first instead of gift shop 🥰🥰🥰

Fantastic FREE tour of the chocolate making process, along with a couple of samples. The chocolate is so rich, creamy and decadent. But what made the time for us was the super-knowledgeable, super-enthusiastic greeter (Vic, I think?). He was so friendly and welcomed everyone who entered. But for those wanting a bit more history, he was happy to oblige. He was a great storyteller and we loved learning the story of Ethel M. We came on a Monday morning and it wasn’t busy at all. The tour itself is self-guided and very short, but so cool how you can see them at work making the chocolates and candy. If you come on the weekends, the factory isn’t operating, but they do offer chocolate tastings (book ahead and there is a fee). I was sad my kids weren’t with me because they would have loved it! The real delight was the cactus garden. Absolutely beautiful and full of a variety of cacti and other dessert plants.

There is an excellent cactus garden outside. The chocolate factory self walking tour is very interesting. The free samples upon entering the gift shop were very tasty. The prices of the chocolate are way beyond expensive. They are priced even higher than imported French, Swiss, and Belgian chocolates, which are superior.

My family and I enjoyed the holiday lights. Took lots of photos & videos. Had a hot coco drink for $8, & to enter is $2 each person. They do have a security checkpoint at the front. I went around 5pm. Parking wasn’t so bad. But it would have been more nice to hear better holiday music while walking around.

We came at 8pm on the Christmas weekend. There was a line for the entrance but it moved fairly fast. We got to the entrance after ~15min and it was $2 per person entrance fee for the Christmas lighted Cactus garden. It is a one way loop with many decorations, lights, drink shops, photo spots and more. At the end of the loop, you can enter a chocolate shop with a factory demo. You can buy hot chocolate and other gourmet chocolate, but be prepared they are pricey. Overall a great experience!