Lighted strolls, historic house on tap for holidays

The holiday festivities are continuing this week with activities as the kids are out of school for the holidays.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens will continue the lighted Christmas strolls on Wednesday, December 18; Thursday, December 19; Friday, December 20; and Saturday, December 21. The hours are between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Admission is free, though donations of non-perishable foods are being collected for Orange Christian Services.

The botanical gardens are lined with lights and holiday displays from the children's area through the greenhouses and along the mile circular pathway through landscaped areas with ponds. Decorated Christmas trees by local individuals, businesses, and industries are featured. Imitation snow blown in one area is a popular place for smiles and fun.

This week the theme is "ugly Christmas sweaters" and attendees are invited to wear their colorful sweaters. Luckily, the temperatures will be dropping from the balmy 70s to the crisp 40s this week.

Free State Winery of Orange will be selling adult drinks and the Orange Lions Club will be selling hot chocolate and cookies.

Shangri-La is in the 2000 block of Park Avenue in Orange west of 16th Street.

On Wednesday, December 18, the W. H. Stark House on Green Avenue in downtown Orange will be open free with no reservations from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Entrance will be through the carriage house on Main Avenue.

The 14,000 square foot house was built by W.H. and Miriam Lutcher Stark in 1894 with their fortune from one of the largest lumber mill business in the South. The couple was able to use the finest lumber in the construction and design. The mansion is furnished with the couple's original belongings and has been restored into a museum.

The lighted holiday tour will be only through the first floor, which includes a library, music room, dining room, and breakfast room.

During this special holiday tours, the house is decorated for a Victorian Christmas, including the dining room set for a festive formal dinner.

Also on Wednesday, December 18, at 7 p.m., the Lutcher Theater by the Stark House will present a touring company of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen." The time will allow theater patrons time before the show to tour the house.

The musical has adult themes, including suicide, and is recommended for ages 12 and older. Tickets as of Tuesday were still available with prices from $45-$95.

Orangefield on Saturday will have its annual Christmas festival and you can find details in another story in the Record newspapers.

Orange Mayor Larry Spears will be adding a personal touch for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, which is Tuesday, December 24, the mayor will go live on Facebook at 7 p.m. to read "The Night Before Christmas."