The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center invites the public to a day of merriment during their annual event, Dreaming of a Green Christmas, on Saturday, December 16. This day of family friendly holiday fun marks an opportunity for visitors to enjoy hands-on activities amongst the festive landscape. The magically transformed botanical gardens feature seasonal decorations, holiday flowering displays and unique, community-decorated Christmas trees. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus. Admission to Shangri La Gardens is free of charge.

"We're thrilled to welcome families to celebrate the spirit of the season with us during this fun-filled day. Santa will make his grand appearance at Shangri La Gardens to take photos and bring Christmas cheer. Santa is busy preparing for Christmas, so be sure to stop by prior to his departure at 2 p.m. when he heads back to the North Pole," said Katie Krantz, associate director at Shangri La Gardens.

Dreaming of a Green Christmas takes place during Ugly Christmas Sweater Week at Shangri La Gardens. Visitors are encouraged to don their festive sweaters and show off their holiday spirit. Dreaming of a Green Christmas activities will last until 3 p.m., but visitors are also invited to experience the gardens in a different light that evening during Christmas Strolls.

"Just after Santa arrives, we have additional hands-on activities beginning at 10:30 a.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to create ornaments using natural materials. We look forward to spreading holiday cheer with eco-friendly crafts that visitors can take home to enjoy all season long. Throughout the day, there will also be multiple holiday themed photo-ops available for festive family photos," said Krantz.

Shangri La is also holding their annual Community Food Drive during December, with all donations benefiting Orange Christian Services. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items in support of the community.

Christmas Strolls are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 6-9 p.m., with the last entrance at 8:30 p.m. The final week of Strolls is celebrated with Crazy Christmas Hat Week, from December 19-22. During Strolls, Shangri La is also offering a Senior, Mobility Friendly & Sensory Sensitivity Hour on Tuesday nights from 5-6 p.m. The final day to experience the winter wonderland is December 22.

Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas. For more information about holiday happenings, please visit shangrilagardens.org.