The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden invites visitors to experience one of the most magical traditions in the Southwest-Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, which runs from November 7 to December 31. Two large-scale exhibits are featured: the classic 12 Days of Christmas depicting each day in the beloved carol with 25-foot tall elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos; and the return and expansion of The Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Christmas Village highlighting 14 old world European-style shops in a magical setting. New this year in The Christmas Village are a 23-foot-tall German-built authentic Christmas Pyramid that includes beautiful lighted motion on every level, an Edelweiss Haus for delicious food and drinks, a Chocolate Shop and a Toy Shop. According to Southern Living, Holiday at the Arboretum is one of “The South’s Best Holiday Experiences.”
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 and The Christmas Village every night. Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615. No walk-ups are available for purchase.
Alan Walne, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, said, “We welcome everyone to see two major exhibits in our garden with room to spread out. The 12 Days of Christmas is a holiday tradition, whether you see it during the day or nighttime. Be sure to take photos at the 30-foot-tall spruce tree, and check out the expanded Christmas Village to admire the handcrafted Christmas Pyramid, a true work of art created by Germans for us Texans. Bring your children or grandchildren to take photos with Santa Claus, who is practicing social distancing, and make us part of your holiday traditions. A special thanks to Reliant for their continued support.”
Andrea Russell, vice president and general manager, Reliant , added, “At Reliant, we love sharing the joy of the holidays with our family, friends and customers. Regardless of the distance between us this year, let’s join together and celebrate the season at Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant.”
The 12 Days of Christmas
Stroll the garden, and continue to enjoy the Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of The 12 Days of Christmas based on the beloved carol. The gazebos come to life at night. Sunday through Wednesday evenings, the Arboretum is open from 6-9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday nights, 6-10 p.m. to enjoy more than a million lights throughout the Arboretum, trimming the historic homes and our 30-foot-tall spruce tree in the center of the garden.
The Christmas Village
Inspired by European Christmas Markets, or Christkindlmarket, The Christmas Village is comprised of charming shops and façades representing a quaint European hamlet. In total, 12 delightful shops and façades debuted in 2019 and more were added this year.
New this year is the handcrafted German-built Christmas pyramid, which measures 23-feet-tall and is decorated with hand-carved elements and beautiful lighted motion on every level. The Christmas Pyramid is the perfect complement to the Christmas Village and is the signature element in Pyramid Square along with three new shops including an Edelweiss Haus with food and drink, a Chocolate Shop and a Toy Shop. Known for their beautiful handiwork and woodwork, German artisans from the Erzgebirge region (Ore mountains) created the octagon-shaped Christmas Pyramid. Carving each figure by hand, 15 workers spent 2,150 hours to design and build this handmade, one-of-a-kind pyramid. Each of the four levels spins and is illuminated by four candles.
Measuring 16 to 19 feet tall, each house or shop 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 shines with a holiday glow of lights strung throughout the trees and outlining the roof of each shop.
The Christmas Village is a generous donation from Pauline and Austin Neuhoff as a gift to the city and the Dallas Arboretum. The Marilyn and Ben Weber Family Christmas Pyramid is also a generous contribution this season.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus has his own house and a sleigh for photo opportunities after The Christmas Village opens. Starting on November 27, he is in his house in The Christmas Village for photos every night as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Check online for complete schedule. Social distancing guidelines are implemented to keep Santa and his guests safe.
Safety
The Dallas Arboretum is limiting capacity based on city, county and state regulations. The garden follows all safety precautions in each structure including a safe environment for Santa visits and photos, as volunteers pass out samples, and social distanced markings throughout the Christmas Village and near the eateries and the Edelweiss Haus. Masks are required for the duration of your visit and each house and is limited to one family unit at a time.
For more information and a full listing of holiday events and activities, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/holiday.
SCHEDULE/EVENT DATES:
The 12 Days of Christmas
Through December 31 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festival throughout the garden.
Holiday Tea
Through December 31
Monday-Friday * 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Family, friends and groups are invited to create an annual tradition - holiday tea at the Restaurant DeGolyer, lavishly decorated for the season. Reservations are required by calling 214-515-6511 or teas@dallasarboretum.org.
The Christmas Village
Daytime Hours
Through December 31 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Evening Hours
Through December 30
Sunday-Wednesday * 6-9 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday * 6-10pm
Included with general admission or 12 Days at Night admission.
Visit the expanded Christmas Village in Pecan Grove. These life-size European-style houses are on display both day and night. Each has an educational component, and at night, they light up and include an activity. New this year is a German built Christmas Pyramid with beautiful lighted motion on each level, a new Edelweiss Haus to enjoy food and drinks and new shops.
Visits with Santa
Through December 23
Weeknights * 6-9 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays * Noon-3 p.m.
December 21-23 * Noon-3 p.m.
Santa is back in the garden in the perfect holiday setting. Once The Christmas Village opens, Santa moves to his home away from the North Pole into his Santa house. Children are invited to share their Christmas wish with the jolly old man, and take photos to commemorate the occasion. Keepsake family photos are available for a donation to the Volunteer Advisory Board on Wednesday evenings and weekend afternoon.
DEMONSTRATION COOKING
Dallas College Cooks
Every Monday
11 a.m.-Noon
A Tasteful Place
Participate in this popular demonstration cooking class, taught by Chef Lisa Roark from the college’s nationally recognized culinary school. Two new recipes are demonstrated each month.
December: Sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Cauliflower and Rosemary Soup
January: Braised Mustard Greens and Modernized French Onion Soup
February: Cilantro Chimichurri with Tortillas and Dry Noodle Salad with Pak Choi
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