The Dallas Arboretum is Displaying over One Million Lights for the Holidays!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

I am so excited for the Dallas Arboretum’s One Million Lights for the Holidays, aren’t you? More than one million lights add to the nighttime ambiance!

DALLAS – Winter 2019 – The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden invites visitors to celebrate the holidays with a classic tradition and a brand new magical exhibition during Holiday at the Arboretum running from November 9 to December 31. The beloved 12 Days of Christmas, 12 Victorian-style gazebos depicting each of the days in the beloved carol, returns to delight guests of all ages. Guests can see them during the day or lit up at night, with more than one million lights adorning the garden and the 30-foot-tall spruce tree. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and opens for extended hours for The 12 Days of Christmas at Night, Wednesday through Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m., starting November 13. Visit the website for more information about dates and tickets.

Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, Features The 12 Days of Christmas, the DeGolyer House “Christkindlmarket Treasures” and the New Christmas Village

Adding to the festive holiday spirit is the lavishly decorated DeGolyer House featuring “ChristkindlmarketTreasures.” Each room in this historic home showcases a collection of treasures typically found in European Christmas markets. The elaborate décor provides the ambience to create a unique and magnificent experience for guests to enjoy. Beginning November 29, the home is open daily and on Wednesday evenings. 

Great excitement fills the garden with the arrival of the brand new holiday attraction—The Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Family Christmas Village—which opens November 29.  The Christmas Village features 12 old-world European-style shops and façades that represent a quaint European hamlet. Measuring 16 to 19 feet tall, each house is themed and large enough so that several children and adults can enter at a time and experience that particular business. During the day, children can learn from the portrayals of the shops’ interiors on its muralled walls, have fun and explore these shops as they would a playhouse. At night, the Christmas Village is lit by a holiday glow of lights strung throughout the trees and outlining the roof of each shop. Choirs and local musicians set the mood with holiday favorites. Other performers include jugglers and dancers to entertain the crowd. Santa Claus has his own house and a sleigh for photo opportunities every Wednesday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Back by popular demand this holiday season is the 12 Days of Beer series, and a tasting experience held every day at A Tasteful Place. Every Thursday night, an Ugly Sweater Contest is held for a chance to win two Cool Thursday Concert tickets. For more information and a full listing of holiday events and activities, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/holiday.

Click here for the Holiday at the Arboretum press kit.

GET YOUR CALENDAR READY, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS ANY OF THESE EVENTS!

Daily & Seasonal Programming for the Main Garden:

The 12 Days of Christmas, Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

November 9-27, Adult: $12, Seniors (65 or older): $12, Children (2-12 years): $10

November 29-December 31, Adult: $15, Seniors (65 or older): $12, Children (2-12 years): $10

Enjoy elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festival.

The 12 Days of Christmas at Night

Featuring More Than One Million Lights

Sponsored by Reliant

Wednesday-Sunday, November 13 – November 27, 6-9 p.m.

Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Children: $10 (ages 2-12)

November 29 – December 29, 6-9 p.m.

Adults: $23, Seniors: $18, Children: $11(ages 2-12)

Ages 2 & under: Free

The garden is open late five nights a week for a special, lighted night-time experience.

In special celebration, Restaurant DeGolyer is open for reservation-only dinners on December 4, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29at 7 p.m.

The DeGolyer House “Christkindlmarket Treasures” 

Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., November 29-December 31

Wednesday evenings 6-9 p.m., December 4-18

Visit the DeGolyer House to view magnificent collections of treasures found in the festive European Christmas markets such as angels, nativities, nutcrackers, snow globes and Santa Clauses, presented in an elegantly decorated house by designer Michael Hamilton. Collections are on loan from the Junior League of Dallas.

Holiday Drinks & Eats

Café on the Green

Daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Enjoy special holiday drinks including pumpkin lattes, frosted mints, mulled wine and Mexican Hot Chocolate, as well as holiday eats, which include pumpkin bars, holiday paninis and soup served in sourdough bread bowls.

Holiday Tea

Daily, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Holiday Tea is served inside the charming and historic DeGolyer House lavishly decorated for the holidays, where guests can indulge in a seated, three-course tea experience. Tea prices begin at $49 per person and include parking and admission. Raise a glass to the most wonderful time of the year by adding champagne service for $59 per person. Reservations are required. Call 214-515-6511. Ages 13 and up are permitted in the tea room.

Hoffman Family Gift Store Events:

November 9-Tasting: Behrnes Pepper Salts, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

November 16- Book Signing: Cowboy Christmas, Caryn Southerland, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

November 30-Book Signing: Texas Ingenuity, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Visits with Santa

Wednesday Evenings 6-9 p.m., November 13-December 18

Saturday & Sunday Noon-4 p.m., November 30-December 22, Pecan Grove

Bring the kids to share their Christmas wishes with the Jolly Old Man, and take a keepsake photo to commemorate the occasion. The Dallas Arboretum Volunteer Advisory Board provides the commemorative pictures for a donation.

Ugly Sweater Contest

Every Thursday Evening 6-8 p.m.

Orientation Theatre

Wear a favorite ugly or tacky Christmas sweater, and enter the contest for a chance to win two Cool Thursday Concert tickets.

Window to the Wild

November 16 & December 14, Noon-2 p.m., Jonsson Color Garden

Enjoy a 2-hour meet-and-greet program with the birds and their trainers from Window to the Wild.

A Texas Kind of Christmas Author Speaker Series

November 23, 11 a.m., Rosine Hall

Join us for a special presentation by the three authors of A Texas Kind of Christmas, a holiday-themed collection of three connected stories set in 1859 in Dallas and based on the true history of the St. Nicholas Hotel, one of the most fashionable grand hotels of its time. The authors include Jodi Thomas, a New York Times bestselling author, Cecile Bonaduce and Rachael Miles. Their presentation is followed by a Q&A and a book-signing for guests who bring their beloved books.

Outdoor Movie Party: White Christmas

Presented by Alamo Drafthouse

November 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Spark holiday cheer with this timeless classic starring Bing Crosby. This show-stopping musical keeps everyone dancing and singing along, so bring blankets and bundle up with the entire family to enjoy a memorable evening.

Paint A Keepsake Holiday Ornament with Anne Gunthner

December 5, 6-8 p.m., $65, Green Classroom

Create a one-of-a kind painted holiday glass ball ornament. Anne Gunthner demonstrates and works with each participant to create a beautifully hand-painted glass ornament of a house or personal animal portrait. Those interested in painting a portrait are asked to bring a good quality photo for reference. All materials are included for this handmade keepsake treasure. Visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/visitor-information/gardens-and-pavilions/a-tasteful-place/ to register.

Holiday Activities for A Tasteful Place:

*All events are free with paid garden admission unless specified with listed price.

*Register for all paid events in A Tasteful Place on November 8, here.

*All activities, special events and paid classes either take place in the Charlotte and Donald Test Pavilion or at the Three Sisters Lagoon Overlook in A Tasteful Place.

Seasonal Tastings

Every Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Try three free different samples featuring a dish using a vegetable, fruit or herb growing in the garden. Visit dallasarboretum.org/recipes for past, current and future recipes.

DEMONSTRATION COOKING

El Centro College Cooks, Every Monday, 11 a.m.-Noon

Participate in this popular cooking demonstration, taught by talented chefs from El Centro’s nationally recognized culinary school. Two recipes are demonstrated each month followed by samples.

November

Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad and

Roasted Fennel and Cauliflower Soup

December

Kale and Fruit Salad and

Warm Leeks with Chunky Vinaigrette

Learn to Grow Horticulture Presentation

Select Fridays, 11 a.m.-Noon

Presented by the North Texas Master Gardeners and the Dallas Arboretum Horticultural Staff

November 15: Cold weather is on the way. Learn how to prepare your garden for a hassle-free winter.

December 6: The holidays are here. Utilize materials from your own garden to create beautiful and easy decorations.

Daily Harvest

Every Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 a.m.

Join our Horticulture staff as they harvest produce in the garden and provide tips.

DEMONSTRATION COOKING

Chef-tastic Cooking Series, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 11 a.m.-Noon

Watch a demonstration from local chefs as they show how to make one of their signature dishes with a small taste for attendees to try.

November 9: Kalachandji’s

November 13: Vestals Catering

November 20: Chef Jayson Jones

November 23: Bisous Bisous Patisserie

November 25: Full Circle Bakery

November 27: Vestals Catering

December 7: Casa Masa

December 11: Brunchaholics

December 14: Greenville Avenue Pizza Company

December 18: Bam’s Vegan

December 21: YeliBelly Chocolates

December 28: Ocean Prime Dallas

National Day Celebration Series

Join us throughout the winter with this series that highlights national days where guests can watch a cooking demonstration with samples. Enjoy unique and tasty products also available for purchase.

November 14: National Pickle Day: Drop Dead Delicious Pickling Company, Pickletopia,

T-Rex Pickles (11 a.m.)

November 23: Espresso Day: Chef Andrea Meyer of Bisous Bisous Patisserie (11 a.m.)

November 26: Cake Day: And I Like It Cheesecake (11 a.m. sale) & Cake4One (2 p.m.)

December 10: Beer Day: Empanada Cookhouse (1 p.m.) & Custom Café Foods (3 p.m.)

Holiday Baking How-To

Fridays, 11 a.m.-Noon

Learn tips from some of the best bakers and pastry chefs as they demonstrate popular holiday baked goods followed by a small sample for attendees to enjoy.

November 15: Vestals Catering

November 22: Sugar Fang Vegan Bakery

November 29: La Casita Bakeshop

December 6: Empire Baking Company

December 13: Kristen Massad

December 20: La Casita Bakeshop

December 27: Carol Pock

“Places I’ve Seen” Speaker Series, 1-2 p.m.

Enjoy engaging presentations from world travelers who have trekked through countries across the world and have interesting stories and inspiring photos of their adventures to share. Destinations featured include Iceland and European Christmas Markets.

November 14 Lisa Sisk, Germany

December 5 Andy Luten, Iceland

December 12 Michael Hamilton, German Christmas Markets

December 19 Braxdale Travel, European River Cruises

12 Days of Beer

November 16-December 22, Every Saturday & Sunday Noon-3 p.m.

Three Sisters Lagoon Overlook

Guests 21 & over can enjoy complimentary samples from local breweries.

November 16: Franconia Brewing

November 17: White Rock Ale House & Brewery

November 23:Steam Theory Brewing

November 30: Peticolas Brewing

December 1: 3 Nations Brewing

December 7: Bishop Cider

December 8: Pegasus City Brewery

December 14: Denton County Brewing Company

December 15: Old Town Brewhouse

December 22: Bishop Cider

Holiday Crafting How-To, Sundays, 1-2 p.m., Charlotte and Donald Test Pavilion

Learn how to make unique holiday décor, gifts and how to store decorations.

November 17: Watch and learn howMia Fiori Florist creates a chic, bohemian inspired centerpiece for Thanksgiving

November 24: Learn how to make thoughtful and homemade watercolor gift tags from artist Anne Gunthner

December 1: Ruibal’s teaches how to use live plants as tree decoration and how to make ornaments from plants

December 8: Florist Mia Fiori shows how to construct a holiday centerpiece full of texture for holiday parties

December 22: Holiday designer Michael Hamilton shows how to properly store treasured decorations

December 29: Bee Organized shares tips on best ways to take down décor to be organized for next holiday season

Floral Demonstrations

November 5–December 24, 11 a.m.-Noon

Join experts from local florist shops as they show creative ideas to make floral arrangements, wreaths and more.

November 12: McShan Florist

November 19: Redenta’s Garden

November 26: Ruibal’s

December 3: Redenta’s Garden

December 10: McShan Florist

December 17: Avant Garden

December 24: Ruibal’s

December 31: McShan Florist

Paid Holiday Classes for A Tasteful Place:

*All paid events taking place at A Tasteful Place will be available to register for on November 8. Register here.

Garnish From Your Garden-Cocktail Workshop

Presented by Bar and Garden Dallas

November 15, 6-8 p.m., $65

Join Bar & Garden Dallas as they show how to use herbs from the garden to add fresh touches to a favorite beverage. Learn how to make an easy infused spirit and an herbal cocktail salt. At the end of the class, each attendee leaves with a garden garnishing kit.

Battle of the Wines, Presented by Gil’s Elegant Catering

November 10 & December 1, 3-5 p.m., $35

These two classes focus on a type of wine, and include six samples of distinct wines from different regions and charcuterie displays. Participants interact, learn and vote for their favorite wine.

Young Chef’s Academy

November 17, 2-3:30 p.m., Adults $25, Children $15

Create a fun, memorable afternoon with a child or grandchild and partake in an interactive class to learn about pumpkins, and prepare delicious pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon apple topping and whipped cream.

Chocolate Painting Class, Presented by Yelibelly Chocolate

November 24, 6-8 p.m., $75

Make a chocolate masterpiece on canvas with this chocolate painting class presented by Yelibelly Chocolates. Enjoy a glass of wine, and have fun finding one’s inner chocolate artist.

Holiday Cookie Decorating Class, Presented by Creative Cookies & Pops

November 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $60

Learn the tricks of the trade to create a perfectly decorated set of scrumptious sugar cookies. Each attendee leaves the class with half a dozen cookies that are tiny works of art.

Boozy Hot Tea, Hot Toddy & Hot Chocolate Cocktail Workshop

Presented by Bar and Garden Dallas

December 7, 3-5 p.m., $60

Learn to create a hot toddy, a hot tea cocktail and a boozy hot chocolate. These cocktails can be made to serve one or an entire group. Attendees get to take home chocolates, tea, and a mug in addition to their holiday cocktail knowledge.

Champagne Infused Macarons, Presented by My French Recipe

December 8, 3-5 p.m. & 6-8 p.m., $80

My French Recipe teaches attendees to bake macarons in this hands-on class. This special holiday class features champagne infused ganache macarons. Each person goes home with a gift box of macarons and a recipe booklet.

Organic Wine & Winter Wellness Presented by Bar and Garden Dallas

December 14, 1-2 p.m.

Join Bar and Garden as they discuss and taste low intervention, beautifully made wine and why it matters to bodies and to the planet. They also explore ways to stay well during the winter party season. Six wines are open to taste, each showcasing the myriad of styles of natural and organic wine. Drink better, feel better. Tastings only provided with valid I.D. for guests 21 and older.

Chocolate Making Class

Presented by Yelibelly Chocolates

December 20, 6-8 p.m., $70

This hands-on chocolate class teaches participants how to create flavor-infused chocolate ganache, work with liqueur infusions and prepare truffles and bonbons. Each student has the opportunity to sample a variety of chocolate, experiment with different flavors and take home boxes of their own handmade chocolates.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  

Media contacts:

Terry Lendecker | VP of Advertising & Promotions | 214.515.6523 |tlendecker@dallasarboretum.org

Juliette Coulter | The Coulter Group | 214.394.5532 | juliette@coultergroup.com

Krista Gabbert | Communications Specialist | 214.515.6525 | kgabbert@dallasarboretum.org

About Reliant

Reliant powers, protects and simplifies life by bringing electricity, security and related services to homes and businesses across Texas. Serving customers and the community is at the core of what we do, with Reliant being nationally recognized for outstanding customer service and experience. Reliant is part of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 500 company that creates value through best-in-class operations and reliable and efficient electric generation. Backed by a diverse portfolio of power generating facilities, NRG’s competitive residential electricity business, which includes Reliant, is the largest in the country and powers more than 3 million customers across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about Reliant, please visit reliant.com and connect with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and Twitter or Instagram @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.

The Dallas Arboretum is Displaying over One Million Lights for the Holidays!

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