A nighttime view of Dallas Arboretum’s Christmas Village. Photo: Dallas Arboretum

The pandemic has made us all so sad and weary. We’re at the point we want 2020 to be over already. COVID fatigue is also why many of us are extra ready for the holiday season this year.

Just like the song, we all need a little Christmas. And also like the song, we need it right this very minute.

One place that’s rolling out the holly in a big way is the Dallas Arboretum. Their annual Holiday at the Arboretum lets visitors escape to Christmases old, new, and faraway.

“Four Calling Birds,” one of 12 decorated gazebos in the 12 Days of Christmas display. Photo: Dallas Arboretum

Returning to the garden is the classic 12 Days of Christmas display.  The exhibit depicts each day in the famous carol with twelve 25-foot glass gazebos, each filled with festive mechanical mannequins, holiday music, and elaborate props. The gazebos are situated throughout the garden so be sure to wear your walking shoes. The decorated paths make for a festive walk.

Also returning this year, is the Neuhoff Christmas Village. Inspired by European Christmas Markets, known as Christkindlmarkets, The Christmas Village is made up of shops and façades in the style of a European hamlet.

“Guests can explore 14 shops which include an Edelweiss Haus serving food and drinks, a chocolate Shop, a toy shop and Santa’s house and sleigh for photo opportunities,” said Dave Forehand, Dallas Arboretum’s vice president of gardens.

The Marilyn and Ben Weber Family Christmas Pyramid. Photo: Dallas Arboretum

New for 2020, is a handcrafted wooden Christmas pyramid. The 23-foot, one-of-a-kind, octagon-shaped pyramid was created by 15 artisans from the Erzgebirge region (Ore mountains) of Germany. These artists spend 2,150 hours  designing and carving each figure by hand. Each of the four levels spins and is illuminated by four candles.

“We wanted to add another show-stopping feature to the popular Christmas Village, and the colorful Christmas Pyramid, all handcrafted in Germany, is that wow factor,” said Forehand.

Holiday at the Arboretum will be on display through Dec. 31. In the evenings, the garden is open late for a special lighted nighttime experience with over a million lights.

Timed tickets are required. They can be purchased online at the Dallas Arboretum website or by calling 214-515-6615. No walk-ups are available for purchase.

For a list of even more seasonal activities around the North Texas area, check out Art&Seek’s Holiday Event Guide.

Got a tip? Email Therese Powell at tpowell@kera.org. You can follow her on Twitter @TheresePowell13

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