|
Enchanted gingerbread houses created by master bakers from around the metro are a highlight of the Making Spirits Bright season.
The Arboretum is proud to announce "Making Spirits Bright," an enchanting holiday season celebrating nature - indoors and out - and running from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2. Give yourself, friends and family the gifts of togetherness, reflection, peace, joy and harmony, as you renew ties and celebrate in this pristine winter wonderland.
In the Oswald Visitor Center, visitors will gaze upon the Great Hall of Trees, several lofty fir trees adorned with handmade natural ornaments, all created by Arboretum volunteers and gardeners.
Returning after a successful debut last year, the Arboretum's Land of Gingerbread exhibit features a collection of charming gingerbread structures created by talented Twin Cities bakers. The gingerbread houses will be displayed throughout the Oswald Visitor Center, Snyder Building and Learning Center. (To locate them, just follow the gingerbread characters.)
Outside the Oswald Visitor Center and the Snyder Building, visitors can take in the Windows on Winter picturesque garden enhancements, created by Arboretum gardeners and local nurseries. Or simply enjoy them from the warmth of an indoor sofa.
The Arboretum will be offering guided 'Making Spirits Bright' walking tours of all the Making Spirits Bright decorations on the following Saturdays: Dec. 4, 11 & 18 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Oswald Visitor Center info desk. This is mostly an indoor tour with a brief outdoor walking segment. Free with Arboretum admission.
Against this enchanting backdrop, Arboretum visitors can listen to live holiday music performed by talented local performers in the Oswald Visitor Center (free with gate admission). Kicking off the season are performances by the Holiday Heralds of the Minnesota Chorale (Nov 27 & Dec. 4) and a full concert by the acclaimed Twin Cities Bronze Handbell Ensemble (Nov. 28 at 1 p.m.)
Stop by on Sunday, Dec. 19, for our Holiday Open House with complimentary apple cider from 1 to 3 p.m., music by the Waconia High School Select Chamber Choir at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. and a sleighful of good cheer! Here's a complete schedule of live musical offerings:
- Holiday Heralds of the Minnesota Chorale, Saturdays, Nov. 27 & Dec.4, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.;
- Twin Cities Bronze Handbell Ensemble in concert, Sunday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m.;
- OVation, Sunday, Dec. 5 at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.;
- Minnetonka Chamber Choir, Saturday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. & noon;
- Minnetonka Choral Society, Saturday, Dec. 11 at 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.;
- Arbor Bells Handbell Ensemble, Sunday, Dec. 12, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.
- Prairie Brass Quintet, Saturday, Dec. 18, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.; and
- Waconia High Select Chamber Choir, Sunday, Dec. 19, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Participate in a nature-themed Weekend Family Fun drop-in session offered every Saturday & Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. in the Marion Andrus Learning Center. December's theme is Ginger & Spice. Free with Arboretum admission.
What's the holiday season with a celebratory meal or two? Reconnect with family and friends at the Arboretum's popular holiday teas, Thursday happy hours and Sunday brunches.
There are two four-course holiday gourmet dinners with wine pairings in the Snyder Building's intimate Fireplace Room (Dec. 17 & Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m.; $60-$65); and the Family Holiday Breakfast with the Gingerbread Man in the MacMillan Auditorium (Dec. 11, 9-11 a.m.; $13.99-$15.99; $6.99 for kids under 10). To reserve a spot at either event, click here.
Traditional Holiday Teas lend a special touch to the season's festivities with a menu of delicious scones and pastries, sweets and savories, multi-layer trifle. These three-course formal teas are offered Saturday, Nov. 27, Wednesday-Saturday, Dec. 1-4 and Dec. 8-11, Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 15& 16, 22 & 23 and Monday-Thursday, Dec. 27-30. Times are 2:30-4 p.m. in the Snyder Tea Room. Cost is $23 for member; $26 for non-member. Reserve online or call 612-626-3951.
For a leisurely weekend treat, check out the weekly Sunday brunches with a delicious hot entree from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays in the Restaurant ($14.99 adults; $8.49 children under 10; no reservations needed). Catch up with friends at Holiday Happy Hours scheduled for Dec. 2, 9, & 16 (4:30 to 6 p.m.) in the Restaurant.
The Arboretum offers a welcome respite from the shopping malls with a Gift Store brimming with unique treasures - from nature books to clothing to garden tools and more. Check out Holiday Sale Weekend on Dec. 4 & 5, featuring the Auxiliary Holiday Sale, MN Herb Society sale and Arboretum art classes' sale. Members' "double discount" days run Nov. 26-Dec. 5 (members receive 20 percent off on purchases).
The fun continues outdoors where sports enthusiasts can shwoosh down the Arboretum's 10 miles of cross-country ski trails across woods and prairies or trek over 4 miles of snowshoe paths. Check out the Hot Chocolate Walks (Dec. 18 & 29 at 11 a.m.) to learn about wildlife's winter hideaways. Mark your calendar for the annual Ar-BRRR-etum Day & Outdoors with Hoigaard's events (Dec. 30 & 31).
Whether reconnecting with family and friends, savoring the festive decor, discovering natural wonders on foot or snowshoe, lingering over a mug of coffee and gingerbread treat by the Restaurant fireplace, we're Making Spirits Bright this holiday season at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! For complete details on Making Spirits Bright, visit www.arboretum.umn.edu.
For more information on the Twin Cities Bronze Handbell Ensemble, visit their website.
Additional websites: Minnesota Chorale, OVation, Minnetonka Chamber Choir , Minnetonka Choral Society, Arbor Bells Handbell Ensemble, and Waconia Select Chamber Choir.
|
|