Ring in the season at Shangri La

Christmas lights and a festive holiday atmosphere welcomes visitors to the beautiful Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange every December to usher in the holiday season for their annual Christmas Strolls.

The public is invited to wander through the magically transformed gardens during select evenings beginning Tuesday, Dec. 5, to view the festive landscape that features thousands of lights, unique Christmas trees decorated by talented community members and holiday flowering displays. Admission to Shangri La Gardens is free of charge.

Christmas Strolls are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 6-9 p.m., with the last entrance at 8:30 p.m. Elevate your family experience by participating in festive weekly themes

“Show off your Christmas spirit by donning your best holiday apparel,” said Marlene Cox, guest services coordinator at Shangri La. “We are kicking off the first week of Strolls with Family Holiday PJ Week. Get cozy and bring out the family to enjoy our winter wonderland. Orange Lions Club will have cookies and cocoa available for purchase. During the week of Dec. 5-9, we will also be collecting new pajamas and blankets in partnership with Lutcher Theater’s PJ and Blanket Drive benefiting Salvation Army of Orange.”

Other festive dress-up weeks include Ugly Christmas Sweater Week, from Dec. 12-16, and Crazy Christmas Hat Week, scheduled for Dec. 19-22.

“This season we are offering a Senior, Mobility Friendly and Sensory Sensitivity Hour on Tuesday nights from 5-6 p.m.,” said Angie Mason, executive director at Shangri La. “This special hour is designed to provide accessibility for our guests with mobility challenges and sensory sensitivities. There will be smaller crowds to ease navigation, as well as quieter music.”

What would the strolls be without a green Christmas?

Make sure to attend Shangri La’s “Dreaming of a Green Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The activities begin at 10 a.m. with a photo opportunity with Old Saint Nick himself, Santa Claus. In addition, the day will feature multiple holiday handson activities, including ornament making using natural materials.

Visitors may also stroll through Shangri La Gardens during this event to enjoy seasonal decorations, flowers and Christmas trees that provide plenty of holiday themed photo-ops for the entire family. The Here We Grow! Children’s Garden will be transformed into a charming “Candyland” with bright, colorful decorations.

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

“The holiday season is truly the most magical time of the year at the gardens,” added Cox. “We are excited to offer this unique experience for families to get in the spirit of Christmas and create cherished holiday traditions together.”

Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Ave. in Orange. For more information view shangrilagardens.org.