Photo by Camilla Calnan Photography
Once Again, North Carolina Arboretum Lights Up the Holiday Season
A brilliant holiday tradition returns to North Carolina Arboretum as the Annual Winter Lights Exhibit illuminates the gardens beginning Friday, November 18. The display runs from 6–10 p.m. each night through January 1, 2017.
“The event is growing each year,” says Clara Curtis, senior director for mission delivery, “as we add educational features and new lighting designs.” Among the latest additions to the exhibit are a lighting projection show titled “Plantasia” and a family-friendly animatronics performance titled “Storytime at Woodland Cove,” created to educate visitors about winter hibernation among animals found in the Southern Appalachians.
“Plantasia” is a joint production of NC Arboretum and Highland Mediaworks of Franklin, and is the largest and longest lighting projection show in the state. It features original artwork by Sandee Johnson, whose botanical pen-and-ink drawings will be transferred into light and projected in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. The music of Ray Lynch, classically trained guitarist and lutenist, will accompany the show.
NC Arboretum staff members wrote and designed “Storytime at Woodland Cove” in collaboration with Whitewater Recording of Arden and Mechanical Displays, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY. Told through the adventures of three animated animal characters—Mama Bear, Young Bear and Bucky the Deer—the story, says Curtis, “investigates the concepts of hibernation of animals in winter, woodland animal foods and bird migration.”
This show will be inside the Education Center, she adds, where families can also “spend time admiring the handmade holiday tree decorations and participate in an educational nature craft activity.” Visitors on select dates during the exhibit will be treated to holiday songs and classical favorites from Duo Vela, a classical flute and guitar ensemble. Performances will be held November 22, 25 and 29 from 6:30–10 p.m. on the Atrium Stage in the Education Center.
Other learning opportunities during the Winter Lights Exhibit include the traveling exhibit, “World of Giant Insects,” featuring oversized animatronic specimens along with bilingual information about them. Energy efficiency will also be addressed as an interpretation panel discusses light-emitting diode (LED) technology used in the exhibit’s 500,000 lights as well as other energy-efficient and resource-saving facts about the NC Arboretum.
Throughout the outdoor walking exhibit, visitors will be treated to lighted displays and a 50-foot animated tree that illuminates to the sounds of holiday music. Festive food and beverages—including cocoa, cider and beer—will be available for purchase.
Changes this year include the expansion of “Nature’s Ballroom” on the hillside, a star topper for the lighted tree and a new animated design in the signature Quilt Garden. And what would the holiday season be without a few unexpected gifts for visitors? “Some new features we are keeping ‘under wraps,’” says Curtis, “so as not to spoil the surprise.”
This Asheville holiday tradition is the NC Arboretum’s most significant fundraiser of the year, helping to expand its year-round educational programs, exhibits and facilities. Tickets are available for purchase online at ncwinterlights.com. All tickets must be purchased in advance and are date-specific. Pricing is $18 for adults and $16 for children (ages five to 11), not including handling fees and required sales tax. Children aged four and under are admitted free. For more information about Winter Lights, including group rates and special discounts, please visit ncwinterlights.com.
The North Carolina Arboretum is located in Asheville off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393. For more information, visit ncarboretum.org or call 828.665.2492.
