It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas lights and a festive holiday atmosphere welcomes visitors to Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange every December to usher in the holiday season for their annual Christmas Strolls. This is an annual family friendly event that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of the season.
On select evenings starting Dec. 3 through Dec. 21, the public is invited to stroll through the magically transformed gardens that feature thousands of lights, unique Christmas trees decorated by talented community members and festive flowering displays. Admission to Shangri La Gardens is free of charge.
“Since the conclusion of 2023 Strolls, our team at Shangri La Gardens has thoughtfully prepared for this special community event. We have implemented updates to this season of Strolls, including a new pathway in the garden,” said Angie Mason, executive director at Shangri La. “We encourage families to plan their holiday visit early in the season, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, in order to experience smaller crowds. Our team appreciates Orange Police Department for their efforts in ensuring the safety of our guests by monitoring street traffic near the gardens.”
Located at 2111 West Park Ave. in Orange, Shangri La is a 250-plus acre space along the waterways of Adams Bayou that combines botanical gardens and an education nature center in a unique way. Imagine a place where you can escape the routine and stroll along garden paths surrounded by fragrant flowers. Bird watch for hours or take a naturalist-led excursion along Adams Bayou to see the wonders of nature, learn about the environment and its care, discover animals in their natural habitats and spend time with friends and family. Enjoy the Children’s Garden that delights all ages, gain a new sense of environmental stewardship and participate in classes and workshops that promote “green” ethics and life-long learning for all ages.
Christmas Strolls are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 6-9 p.m., with the last entrance at 8:30 p.m. A senior, mobility friendly and Sensory Sensitivity Hour will be offered each night of Strolls from 5-6 p.m. This sensory friendly hour is designed for smaller crowds at dusk with no music or flashing lights. Guests with mobility challenges and sensory sensitivities, as well as their caregivers and families, are invited to enjoy Strolls during this time.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, Shangri La Gardens invites visitors to don their best holiday apparel for the weekly themes – Crazy Christmas Hat Week (Dec. 3-7), Family Holiday PJ Week Week (Dec. 10-14) and Ugly Christmas Sweater Week (Dec. 17-21).
“Throughout December, we will hold our annual Community Food Drive,” said Marlene Cox, guest services coordinator at Shangri La. “This initiative benefits Orange Christian Services, a non-profit organization that has served Orange County since 1979. This food drive provides such vital resources for those in our community in greatest need. We encourage visitors to help us make an impact this holiday season by bringing non-perishable food items to Strolls.”
Other free holiday happenings at Shangri La Gardens include Dreaming of a Green Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day includes opportunities for families to engage in environmentally friendly activities, which include natural ornament making. There will also be multiple holiday themed photo-ops to commemorate cherished family memories. The Here We Grow! Children’s Garden will also transformed into a charming “Candyland” with bright, colorful decorations.
“This Christmas as we Stroll, let’s remember to be kind to our volunteers and neighbors just as Shangri La is kind to our world,” added Mason. “We look forward to sharing the joy and magic of the season with our community throughout Christmas Strolls.”
For detailed information and to plan a holiday visit, view shangrilagardens.org. The gardens are closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays.