Pittsburgh, Pa. — Beginning on Nov. 28, 2014, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens presents “Winter Wonderland,” an all-new Winter Flower Show exhibit bringing to life the beloved carol of the same name. The public garden will also be staying open late through Jan. 11, 2015 for guests to enjoy the magic of the displays by candlelight, as well as its popular outdoor Winter Light Garden, which will be expanded this year to include both the Outdoor and Discovery Gardens, adding even more sparkle and shine to the holiday season.
Written by Pennsylvania native Dick Smith in 1934, “Winter Wonderland” is perhaps one of the best-known carols of all time. For this year’s Winter Flower Show, the lyrics of this delightful song will be brought to life as they are interpreted throughout many of the Conservatory’s exhibit rooms. Guests will be charmed when they recognize themes inspired by phrases like “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?”; “Gone away is the bluebird, here to stay is the new bird”; “In the meadow we can build a snowman”; and “Later on we’ll conspire as we dream by the fire” as they are represented through artful arrangements of LED lights, decorated fir trees, whimsical props, and, of course, favorite seasonal blooms such as poinsettias, paperwhites and amaryllis.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, indoor displays of colorful illuminated glass mushrooms, ferns, bromeliads, tillandsia and stars will make a return this year, while outside, in the Outdoor and Discovery Gardens, the spectacular Winter Light Garden dazzles guests with glowing orbs, luminous trees and brilliant fountains and arches of light. Garden Railroad will be on view too, taking spectators back in time to the Gold Rush as they explore the landscapes of northern California and Mt. Shasta — complete with prospectors, water features, interactive buttons for children to push, and miniature living plants, shrubs and trees.
Other holiday events include: Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes (Nov. 21); Santa Visits (Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 20, plus Nov. 28 and Dec. 1); Candlelight Evenings (Nov. 28-Jan. 11); Gifts and Greens Market (Dec. 4, 5 and 6); Saturdays with the Sugar Plum Fairy (Dec. 6 and 13); Family Fun Days (Dec. 26-30); and a New Year’s Eve Family Celebration (Dec. 31). More details can be found at phipps.conservatory.org.
Winter Flower Show, designed by Terra Design Studios, LLC, and Winter Light Garden, designed by Phipps Exhibit Coordinator Jordyn Melino, run through Jan. 11. Daily hours for Winter Flower Show are 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. for Winter Light Garden. Phipps closes at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24 and reopens at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 26. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $11 for children (ages 2-18). Members and kids under 2 enter free.
About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.
