Shangri La Gardens to host annual Christmas Strolls

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is thrilled to announce their annual Christmas Strolls, a family friendly event that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of the season. On select evenings starting December 3, the public is invited to stroll through the magically transformed gardens that feature thousands of lights, unique Christmas trees decorated by talented community members and festive flowering displays. Admission to Shangri La Gardens is free of charge.

"Since the conclusion of 2023 Strolls, our team at Shangri La Gardens has thoughtfully prepared for this special community event. We have implemented updates to this season of Strolls, including a new pathway in the garden," said Angie Mason, executive director at Shangri La. "We encourage families to plan their holiday visit early in the season, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, in order to experience smaller crowds. Our team appreciates Orange Police Department for their efforts in ensuring the safety of our guests by monitoring street traffic near the gardens."

Christmas Strolls are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 6-9 p.m., with the last entrance at 8:30 p.m. A Senior, Mobility Friendly & Sensory Sensitivity Hour will be offered each night of Strolls from 5-6 p.m. This sensory friendly hour is designed for smaller crowds at dusk with no music or flashing lights. Guests with mobility challenges and sensory sensitivities, as well as their caregivers and families, are invited to enjoy Strolls during this time. 

To enhance the festive atmosphere, Shangri La Gardens invites visitors to don their best holiday apparel for the weekly themes:

• Crazy Christmas Hat Week - December 3-7

• Family Holiday PJ Week Week - December 10-14

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Week - December 17-21

"Throughout December, we will hold our annual Community Food Drive. This initiative benefits Orange Christian Services, a non-profit organization that has served Orange County since 1979," said Marlene Cox, guest services coordinator at Shangri La. "This food drive provides such vital resources for those in our community in greatest need. We encourage visitors to help us make an impact this holiday season by bringing non-perishable food items to Strolls."

Other free holiday happenings at Shangri La Gardens include Dreaming of a Green Christmas on Saturday, December 14. This day begins at 10:30 a.m. with opportunities for families to engage in environmentally friendly activities, which include natural ornament making. There will also be multiple holiday themed photo-ops to commemorate cherished family memories. Dreaming of a Green Christmas activities end at 3 p.m.

"This Christmas as we Stroll, let's remember to be kind to our volunteers and neighbors just as Shangri La is kind to our world. We look forward to sharing the joy and magic of the season with our community throughout Christmas Strolls," said Mason.

Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas. The gardens are closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays. To plan a holiday visit, please visit shangrilagardens.org.