The 12 Days of Christmas

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places. From the spring spectacle of a bazillion blooming tulips of Dallas Blooms, to the summer perennial beds bordered by annuals, through fall and the amazing Pumpkin Patch, there is something for everyone at any season. Winter tends to be less colorful, which means the lines and shapes of the huge trees can be better appreciated.

The spare landscape was enhanced this winter by the addition of twelve 25-foot Victorian gazebos depicting the 12 Days of Christmas. The original idea was suggested by Phyllis and Tom McCasland and executed by Dallas Opera production designer Tommy Bourgeous and Greg Blackburn (Dallas Stage Scenery). Two years later, here it is!

Nighttime was the perfect time to view the exhibit. The lights in the trees cast a soft glow along the paths of the garden as we wandered from #1 to #12. Music added to the charming scenes.

We got lucky, getting tickets for a night with balmy 60degree temperatures. You never know what December will bring in N.Texas.

Spectacular does not begin to describe the gazebos. The colors, the gem-like settings and the life-size costumed-figures, many with mechanical, moving parts, take your breath away.

Here they are!

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me,

A Partridge In A Pear Tree

A Partridge In A Pear Tree

A Partridge In A Pear Tree

On the second day – Two Turtle Doves

Two Turtle Doves

Two Turtle Doves

On the third day – Three French Hens

Three French Hens

Three French Hens

On the fourth day – Four Calling Birds

Four Calling Birds

Four Calling Birds

On the fifth day –  Five Golden Rings

Five Golden Rings

Five Golden Rings

On the sixth day – Six Geese A-Laying

Six Geese A-Laying

Six Geese A-Laying

On the seventh day – Seven Swans A-Swimming

Seven Swans A-Swimming

Seven Swans A-Swimming

On the eighth day –  Eight Maids A-Milking

Eight Maids A-Milking

Eight Maids A-Milking

On the ninth day – Nine Ladies Dancing

Nine Ladies Dancing

Nine Ladies Dancing

On the tenth day – Ten Lords A-Leaping

Ten Lords A-Leaping

Ten Lords A-Leaping

On the eleventh day – Eleven Pipers Piping

Eleven Pipers Piping

Eleven Pipers Piping

On the twelfth day – Twelve Drummers Drumming

Twelve Drummers Drumming

Twelve Drummers Drumming

 

The exhibit will be up through January 4, 2015. I can’t promise snow, but I can promise you will enjoy this magical display.