Making Spirits Bright
A one-of-a-kind holiday experience at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Arboretum presents a holiday season brimming with merriment and wonder with a festive connection to nature. Amazing gingerbread houses, stately trees,  stunning natural decorations, holiday musical entertainment and gift-giving - all in an unparalleled serene and peaceful natural setting.  "Making Spirits Bright" opens Friday, Nov. 27, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 3. 

The transformation to holiday magic seemingly takes place overnight but is actually months in the making. "Staff, volunteers and collaborators from local businesses and the community are working round-the-clock to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience indoors and outdoors at the Arboretum," says Mary Meyer, Interim Arboretum Director, "We invite the community-at-large to celebrate the holidays with an emphasis on nature. . There is truly something for every age and lots for all ages in Making Spirits Bright.  

Here's what's must-see: 

Land of Gingerbread.  The Twin Cities' most talented bakers* (more than a baker's dozen-see below for full list) are teaming up to create fanciful and fun gingerbread creations displayed throughout the Oswald Visitor Center, Snyder Building and Marion Andrus Learning Center. A feast for the eyes!

Great Hall of Trees.  Feast your eyes and nose on elegantly decorated holiday trees that infuse the Oswald Visitor Center with the pungent scent of pine and ginger!  All trees are adorned with natural ornaments handcrafted by Arboretum staff and volunteers using dried flowers, grasses, branches and a plethora of nature's bounty.   Trees are generously donated  by www.janschristmastrees.com in Clear Lake, MN.

Windows on Winter.  An outdoor exhibit of holiday gardens and landscapes - aka "WoW" - provides lovely views of winters through the windows of the Oswald Visitor Center and the Snyder Building.  Enjoy the view from indoor cozy confines or brave the temps for close-up outdoor views. Special thanks to the generosity of local business and garden centers for their creative contributions.**

Live Holiday Music Series.  Enjoy a series of live musical performances on weekend afternoons post-Thanksgiving through Christmas.  Here's a schedule (performances in Oswald Visitor Center Great Hall unless otherwise noted).
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 28 & 29:  Holiday Heralds of the Minnesota Chorale, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5: Arbor Bells Handbell Ensemble, 11:30 & 12:30 p.m.; Minnetonka Chamber Choir, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6: Jeff Goldstein Trio (piano, drums, bass - jazz standards), in the Restaurant, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and OVation, an ensemble of singers from the One Voice Mixed Chorus, 12:45 p.m. Snyder lobby, and 1;30 & 2:30 p.m. Great Hall.
Saturday, Dec. 12: Minnetonka Choral Society, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13: Twin Cities Bronze Handbell Ensemble in full concert, specializing in the music and art of English handbells, 1 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium.
Saturday, Dec. 19: Waconia High School Select Chamber Choir, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20: Chanhassen High School Chamber Choir, 12:30 p.m.; Prairie Brass Quintet, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.; and Waconia Suzuki Violins, 2 p.m.

It's a Sale!  It's a Sale!  Mark the weekend of Dec. 5 & 6 to shop for everybody on your list. Auxiliary Holiday Sale (9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday & 11 am.-3 p.m. Sunday), the Minnesota Herb Society Sale (9 a.m.-3 p.m. both days) and the Artistry of Nature Sale of photography and art by Arboretum adult classes (10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days).  Plus, members receive 20% or  "double discount" at Arboretum Gift Store and Galleria Holiday Store (Nov. 27-Dec. 6). 

Traditional Holiday Teas. Enjoy a delightful holiday ritual with friends and family.  3-course tea with freshly baked scones plus sweets and savories capped off with a trifle (layers of fruit, sponge cake, custard and whipped cream).  $23 Arboretum member/$26 non-member, 2:30 to 4 p.m.  Tea Room, Snyder Building.  Reserve here or call 612-626-3951 (Mon-Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)  Teatimes are Wed.-Sat., Dec. 2-5, 9-12; Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 16-23; Sat.-Wed., Dec. 26-30; Wed., Jan. 13, Wed., Feb. 10.

Children's Storytime. Fanciful tales for families and young-at-heart.... Thursdays, Dec. 3,10,17, 31, at 10:30 a.m., Andersen Horticultural Library. Free with admission.

Weekend Family Fun. November: Dinosaur Plants - discover prehistoric plants and pot one to take home.  December: Ginger & Spice - create a "scratch-n-sniff" greeting card & plant a ginger root to take home.  Saturdays & Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Marion Andrus Learning Center

Family Holiday Breakfast with Ginger 'n Spicy Mascot.  A delicious breakfast of eggs, waffles, sausage, bacon, hash browns, assorted breads, juice & coffee and, of course, gingerbread cookies!  Meet the Ginger ‘n Spicy mascot, too!  Saturday, Dec. 12, 9-11 a.m. $13.99 for members/$15.99 non-members; $6.99 for children under age 10. Oswald Visitor Center.  For reservations, click here or call 612-626-3951 (Mon-Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Holiday Gourmet Dinner.  Celebrate the season with this multi-course repast and wine pairings, all planned for Friday, Dec. 18. Enjoy beet consomme, duck confit with wild mushroom ganache, five-spice molasses-braised short ribs and flourless chocolate torte.  Beverages and appetizers begin at  6:30 p.m. in the Snyder Building lobby; dinner is served at 7 a.m. in the Snyder Building Fireplace Room. $60 members/$65 non-members.  Seating is limited. For reservations, click here or call 612-626-3951 (Mon-Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Meet the Author & Book Signings. Naturalist author Jim Gilbert will sign copies of "Minnesota Nature Notes" 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Arboretum Gift Store and from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Arboretum Galleria Store.  Eileen Ziesler will sign copies of her children's book "Toads" from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 at the Arboretum Gift Store and from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Arboretum Galleria Store.  Jan Dunlap will sign copies of her birdwatcher-themed mysteries Dec. 19 at the Arboretum Galleria Store and Dec. 20 at the Arboretum Gift Store, 1-3 p.m. both days. 

Hot Chocolate Walks. Enjoy a winter walk with an Arboretum naturalist from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 11, Saturday, Nov. 21, plus Saturday, Dec. 19 and Wednesday, Dec. 30.  $12 member/$15 non-member.  Call 952-443-1422 or register online. 

Free Thursdays.  All day Thursdays, from November through March, Arboretum admission is free! 

Arboretum Holiday Gift Store at Galleria Shopping Center.  Now through Dec. 31, Galleria in Edina
If you enjoy the unique and tasteful selections at the Arboretum Gift Store, check out this new seasonal Arboretum store at the Galleria in Edina. Open from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, this new shop will bring the "spirit" of the Arboretum to the Galleria, selling a wide range of  books,  unique gardening items, handcrafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind treasures. Open during Galleria hours.

Reedy Gallery Presents. "Seasons/Autumn Unplugged" showcases autumn scenes in oil and watercolor by 13 accomplished artists, throughl Dec. 13; "Winterscapes//Artful Windows on Winter" captures the beauty of the season through oil and watercolors by an array of local artists, opens Dec. 16..Presented in collaboration with Wilcock Gallery in Excelsior.

Ar-BRR-retum!  Arboretum Outdoors with Hoigaard's.  Free admission for skiers and snowshoers!  Free lessons and try out  snowshoe equipment, courtesy of Hoigaard's. Thursday, Dec. 31, 1-4 p.m. Meet at Oswald Visitor Center.  Get a cup of hot chocolate free with card.

Come celebrate the holidays at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum!  Open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is $9 adults; free for ages 15 and younger and free for members. Free admission all day Thursdays from Nov.-March.