A Magical Night at the Arboretum - 12 Days of Christmas

It is one of those times when a person is thankful for memberships at wonderful places.  The Dallas Arboretum is getting ready to launch their "12 Days of Christmas" display and we are lucky enough to get to preview it ahead of time.  It will be available to ALL who visit the Arboretum during the daytime for the next couple of months, but in order to see it lit up at night, one must have additional tickets and reservations.  We will see it many times over the course of it's stay during the day, but know that we need to take advantage of this evening preview.  Thus, as soon as Mister arrives home from work, we have a quick dinner, make some hot chocolate to put in the thermos and are off.

It is about 6:15 when we arrive and it is already dark.  Thank you time change.  The grounds are alive with activity and the gazebos for the "days" are scattered here and there throughout the gardens.  It is indeed magical and beautiful.

This is our second trip to the gardens at night.  We were here for the Chihuly exhibit (link will take you to that post) and loved being here after dark.  We know the place well and are able to wander happily through the areas that we love.  Are  you ready for 12 days?  Let's go.

Day one is obviously a partridge in a pear tree.

Two turtle doves

Our three french hens pic didn't turn out very well, but here is four calling birds.

Five golden rings

Six geese a laying --- Oh I think this one is incredible.

Seven swans a swimming.  This one is placed in the fountain area just before the reflection pool.  Truly lovely.  I think this one is Mister's favorite.  Yep, that's me in the white beanie that Amanda gave me.

Eight maids a milking.  What a fun one.  The maid on the right has discovered a mouse on top of the milk can.

Nine ladies dancing.  Oh my, this one is amazing.  They each have a dance card in their hands and all the gowns are so beautiful.

As we leave this area to move on to the next gazebo, Mister spots crepe myrtle row and look how beautiful it is tonight.  Incredible.

Ten lords a leaping.

Eleven pipers piping - the bagpipes are so wonderful.

It's time to have a sit down and enjoy the evening.  After locating a table, we open our thermos for some yummy hot cocoa.  The evening is very brisk and we have actually worn our winter coats for the first time tonight.  Each display is accompanied by music and it is absolutely wonderful to just sit and watch the movements inside and the people wandering around outside.  After our break, we are off to find the last display.

Twelve Drummers Drumming -- I think I have found it.  Yep, that's me walking towards the display. 

We are finished with the 12 days, but want to check out the Pumpkin Village after dark.  It is not lit up at all so Mister has to use the flash for these pics, but we certainly have a little fun.  It takes me a few minutes to climb onto this pile of ginormous pumpkins, but I manage it.

Look how truly wonderful this area is.  

Last year we were able to take some incredible pictures of Elena and Malea in this carriage.  I can't wait for them to visit at the end of the year.  We will definitely bring them to see the 12 days displays.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

And to top off the night --- Victorian carolers (a little blurry, but hey, they were in motion).  How fun is this?  I have thoroughly enjoyed tonight and the cool air has made it even more perfect.  I think I have found the holiday spirit already this year and am indeed looking forward to the next two months.  So many good times ahead.