2012 Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights

The 2012 Bellingrath Magic Christmas in Lights holiday celebration is underway!

The 2012 show will use over 14,000 light strands, 7,700 extension cords; 377,000 replacement bulbs; over 100,000 twist ties and almost 5 miles of steel.
 
All set pieces and scenes are designed specifically for Bellingrath Gardens and Home.  All set pieces are constructed and installed by Bellingrath’s staff.
 
Nearly every light in the show is replaced each year.  Approximately 1/3 of the show is repainted, restored and re-lamped each year.

The Bellingrath staff works on the show throughout the year building and lamping set pieces in our own “Santa’s Workshop”.  Greg Hill & Shawn Smith fabricate steel frame pieces.  Sharon Whatley, Toni Patrick-DeWitt and staff add lights secured with twist ties to each piece.
 
Show installation begins after Labor Day weekend lighting walkways and shrubs throughout the Gardens.  Set pieces are moved into the Gardens from mid October through mid November.

Bellingrath Museum Home is completely decorated for the season.  Guests may tour the Home during the day and throughout the evening. The last tickets are sold at 7:30 PM.
 
There is entertainment on the South Terrace by musical groups from the area.
 
Magnolia Café is open from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM for lunch and from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM for dinner.  The dinner menu features local seafood favorites such as fried shrimp and seafood gumbo.  Snack foods and beverages are available in the Coca Cola Trailer on Live Oak Plaza from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
 
Bellingrath Gift Shop is open daily from 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM and is filled with holiday gift items and decorations.  A limited edition Bellingrath ornament is a featured item.
 
Children may have their pictures taken with Santa from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on weekends and during the week of Christmas.

Special in 2012
POLAR BEAR SQUARE - You can take a trip to the North Pole! The new scene. Polar Bear Square, is located at the Summer House just after the Underwater Garden and will feature polar bears playing in the snow and an igloo. Like all of the scenes in Magic Christmas in Lights, this scene was designed “in-house” and all of the set pieces have been fabricated and lit by the Garden’s staff.
 
Roman Street - Friday, November 30, 2012 at 6:00 PM on the South Terrace
Roman Street is a local band from Mobile, Ala who specializes in creating a worldly fusion of flamenco and jazz.  The guitarists of Roman Street have incorporated their international training and travels into their unique musical sound. Roman Street combines traditional and modern musical elements to create a one-of-a-kind sound that appeals to audiences of all ages.    

**DO YOU WANT CHRISTMAS?** Roman Street’s Christmas music blends elements of their exotic music into classical Christmas melodies we know and love. Performances will between 6:00 and 8:00 PM on the South Terrace
 
Magic Christmas in Lights Facts
Admission:  Gardens Only - $15 for adults, $7.00 for children ages 5 – 12, free for children 4 and under. Gardens and Home - $24 for adults, $13 for children ages 5 – 12, free for children 4 and under. Members may use their membership cards for admission.  This is subject to change in the next couple of weeks
 
Tickets are available online at www.bellingrath.org, the Urban Emporium (260 Dauphin Street) and participating Regions Banks.  A complete list of Regions Banks is listed on the website.
 
Holiday Light display featuring over 3 million lights over 1,000 set pieces in 13 scenes throughout Bellingrath Gardens and Home’s 65 acre estate garden.
 
Event opens the Friday after Thanksgiving and closes New Years Eve.  It is closed only on December 25th.
 
Normal operating hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM are extended until 9:00 PM throughout Magic Christmas in Lights. A ticket is valid the entire day.
 
Magic Christmas in Lights Opening Celebration
Bellingrath Gardens and Home
12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore
Friday, November 23, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Adults $15, Children 5-12 $7.00 and Children 4 and under are free.  
Discounted advance tickets are available at participating Regions Banks, the Urban Emporium (260 Dauphin Street) and online at www.bellingrath.org .