The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden held a special preview of The 12 Days of Christmas on November 9 for its generous donors and supporters of this brand new $2 million Victorian-inspired exhibition. Unique in the world, the exhibit opened on the botanical garden grounds earlier this month runs through January 4, 2015. Special evening viewings highlight the gazebos at night as each is dramatically lit, and each has movement and music. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.dallasarboretum.org/.
Brian Shivers, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s chairman of the board, welcomed about 200 donors and supporters on a chilly evening. “It’s an historic day as we believe this magnificent Victorian-inspired exhibit will become Dallas’ newest holiday tradition.”
He gave some history of the exhibit. “Three years ago, the Dallas Arboretum showcased the Chihuly display and installed outdoor lighting. It was a huge success for the Garden. In fact, with the Chihuly exhibit, the new Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden and other improvements gave a combined economic impact in 2012 and 2013 of $340 million to the North Texas region. The Chihuly exhibit laid the groundwork to have other outdoor garden exhibits of that magnitude here. About two years ago, the idea of The 12 Days originated with a board member’s wife who knew the garden needed a holiday exhibit for families that could be beautiful and dramatic by day and sparkle when lit up at night. “
Shivers introduced Phyllis and Tom McCasland who have been good friends and donors of the Dallas Arboretum. Mrs. McCasland had the vision and her husband gave the start-up money to make it a reality.
Shivers mentioned that November was a busy month for Tom McCasland. On November 13, he was inducted into the prestigious 2014 Oklahoma Hall of Fame along with country singers Blake Shelton and Wanda Jackson and actress Alfre Woodard. The couple also saw their personal dream become reality at the Dallas Arboretum with the opening of The 12 Days of Christmas, an exhibit based on the beloved carol.
The McCaslands originally approached Arboretum President Mary Brinegar who loved the idea. Brinegar, who used to work for The Dallas Opera, talked to Tommy Bourgeois, production designer for The Dallas Opera, who first sketched his vision and showed her. Brinegar agreed, gained approved from the Board and its committee, and started the team on fundraising. Bourgeois worked with Greg Blackburn and his team at Dallas Stage Scenery.
Shivers added, “The level of detail and design that went into creating this one-of-a-kind exhibit is remarkable. The great news is that most everything was designed and created here in Dallas with hundreds of jobs created.”
He introduced Kirk Wiginton whose company, Amegy Bank of Texas, serves as Presenting Sponsor of The 12 Days of Christmas. Wiginton, President & CEO, Amegy Bank of Texas, Dallas Region, said, “When I moved here from Houston, one of the great gems of my new neighborhood is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with an amazing view of White Rock Lake. Amegy Bank of Texas is honored to present The 12 Days of Christmas, Dallas' newest tradition at the Dallas Arboretum. Not only will this exhibit benefit our community both culturally and economically, but it will become a new holiday attraction that will bring even more visitors to this beautiful garden, including many of our employees, clients and board members.”
In addition to Presenting Sponsor Amegy Bank of Texas, The 12 Days Supporting Sponsor is the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.
Additional day sponsors include the following:
Day 1: Partridge in a Pear Tree
Sponsored by Jeanne R. Johnson
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 3: Three French Hens
Sponsored by Faye C. Briggs
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
In honor of Great Grandparents Dolph and Evelyn Bosley and their 5 Gold Rings
Day 6: Six Geese A-Laying
Sponsored by Marilyn R. Corrigan
Day 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming
Sponsored by Tom and Phyllis McCasland
Day 8: Eight Maids-A-Milking
Sponsored by Kathy and Gene Bishop
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
In Honor of Chloe Simone Shea. Given by Holly & Tom Mayer, Maile and Charles Shea
Day 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping
Sponsored by Carl and Margot Johnson
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Sponsored by Myron K. Martin
For inquiries regarding discounted tickets for groups 15 or larger, contact groupsales@dallasarboretum.org or 214-515-6520.
The 12 Days of Christmas (daytime exhibit):
Decorated gazebos on display daily, from now through January 4.
Daytime general admission is regular pricing and free for Arboretum members.
Adults: $15 non-members
Seniors: $12 non-members
Children ages 3-12: $10 non-members
Children under 3 are free.
Parking: $10 at the gate.
The 12 Days at Night (special evening showings):
Pre-purchased tickets are required for evening showings.
Sundays-Thursdays, 6-10 p.m.
(Nov. 16-20, Nov. 23-26, Nov. 30-Dec. 4, Dec. 7-11, Dec. 14-18, Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30)
Special Weekend Nights: Nov. 28 & 29, Dec. 26 & 27 and Jan. 2-4
Garden is open for special lighted nighttime showings. Festive holiday music provided by Victorian-costumed carolers.
Prices:
Adults: $20 non-members; $12 members
Seniors: $15 non-members; $10 members
Children ages 3-12: $10 non-members; $9 members
Children under 3 are free.
Parking is included with admission.
About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.