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What’s Happening At The Botanical Conservatory In December

$1 Night with Classical Music

December 1, 5 – 8 pm

On the first Thursday of the month, visit the Botanical Conservatory gardens for $1 per person. In December, visitors will get to stroll through the new holiday garden exhibit, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and experience the synchronized light and music of the Conservatory’s Terrace Garden display. In addition,local musicians Alan Parr, who has toured Europe with Glen Miller, and Sean Parr will perform traditional and classical pieces to enhance the holiday showcase, 6 – 7 pm. Babies and up to age 2 as well as Conservatory members and volunteers are still admitted free. No reservations required. Phone (260) 427-6440 for more information.

Santa & the Reindeer

Saturdays, December 3, 10 & 17, Noon – 4 pm

Santa and two of his reindeer will greet the children while Mom and Dad take pictures to capture the moment. Visitors will find Santa in the Showcase Garden, ready to receive visitors. His North Pole reindeer like it a little cooler and can be found outdoors in the Exploration Garden beside the desert house. Guests can view the Conservatory in all its holiday glory; this year’s theme is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Sponsored by PBS 39 and WAJI Majic 95.1 FM. Regular admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Discovery Corner: A Kid’s Twelve Days of Christmas

Daily in the Discovery Gallery

Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. In December, we’ll explore the Twelve Days of Christmas from a child’s perspective! Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is no required.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” Garden Exhibit

Through January 8

Elements of the familiar Christmas carol will appear throughout the Conservatory, from the Atrium to the Desert. Following a whimsical twist, you can explore the facility and discover each part of the song. Along the way, you will enjoy the lights, rich color, and festive décor of our gardens in holiday dress. Kids can climb in the nest with the goose eggs, “milk” the cow, or share a croissant with a French hen. Mom and dad can enjoy a scenic moment in a swan boat surrounded by lovely holiday poinsettias. Will you find all twelve special ornaments listed on the scavenger hunt? Take family photos or just stroll the gardens as you revive your holiday spirit. Sponsored by PBS 39 and WAJI Majic 95.1 FM. Regular admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Garden in Lights

Through January 8

Evening hours: Thursdays ‘til 8 pm & Fridays Nov 25-Dec 16 ‘til 8 pm

We’ve decorated all through the gardens, indoors and out. Enjoy beautiful poinsettias along with the Twelve Days of Christmas theme, from the Atrium to the Desert, but don’t miss our outdoor Terrace display of lights and synchronized holiday music. Especially effective during our evening hours on Thursday and Friday nights for four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the gardens are lovely throughout the holidays and provide a tremendous backdrop for family photos, out-of-town guest entertainment, great conversations, and even marriage proposals! Make the most of your visit as you enjoy one of Fort Wayne’s treasured resources for beauty and relaxation. Our gift shop will also be open during public hours for holiday shopping. Sponsored by PBS 39 and Majic 95.1 FM.

Art Display: Alexandra Hall – Painting, Giclee Print, Ink Drawing

Through December

Alexandra Hall is a dreamer who enjoys creating fiction on canvas. In her pieces she tries to emphasize the good and the whimsical in the world around her. It is her hope to inspire conversation, smiles and joy. Self-taught in the beginning, Alexandra enjoyed painting as a cathartic endeavor, but as her skill grew she was able to hold her first show in 2013. The positive reception for her work spurred her on to show pieces at Northside Galleries and to enter local and regional shows. By 2015, Alexandra was able to pursue art full time. This exhibit is one of the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art displays, open to view in their meeting room during public hours. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

This Year, Give the Gardens

This holiday season, you can provide a year’s worth of good experiences at the Botanical Conservatory to your loved ones when you give an Individual, Family, or Grandparents membership. Conservatory memberships are good for a year from purchase, and those sold during the holiday season will include a gift card for presentation. Membership allows free admission anytime during public hours or public events as well as a 10% discount in the gift shop, discounts on classes, and special members-only promotions. The Conservatory offers a year’s worth of seasonally changing garden exhibits, workshops and classes, and fun activities in the gardens. You might also want to peruse the gift shop yourself to find other great ideas for gift giving with a garden flair. Conservatory and gift shop hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm, and Thursdays until 8 pm.