CALENDAR

All events are subject to change and availability, call ahead for details: 252.473.3234.

 2012

March 31 Gardening Workshop: “Air Layering” Camellia Workshop, 12pm-2pm - Local living legend, Quentin Bell, will show you the proper techniques for air layering- a propagation technique. Bell grew up working in The Roanoke Island Nursery with his family has been involved with The Gardens since its inception. Members/Friends: $25 Non-Members: $20. For reservations, contact Nancy Harvey at (252) 473-1554 or gardens@elizabethangardens.org

March 31 Art of Pruning,  10am-12pm - Pruning is an art. Learn the art of pruning a variety of shrubs, featuring Hydrangeas, Buddleias, Gardenias, Vitex along with ornamental grasses and Liriope. This hands-on workshop will give you the key knowledge to master the pruning needs of your garden. Handouts will be provided. Workshop limited to 15 participants. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit. Members/Friends: $15. Non-Members: $20.

April 7  Easter Eggstravaganza Gift Shoppe & Plant Sale, 10am-2pm - Come search for the savings at our Easter Egg Hunt Sale! Special plants will be tagged with Easter Eggs so search out the plants on sale as well as our heirloom vegetables and annual herbs. Hop on over to The Gardens for Easter savings. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visitwww.elizabethangardens.org.

April 7  Easter Eggstravaganza, 10am-2pm - Come spring over to the annual Easter Eggstravaganza. This event has become an Outer Banks spring tradition held in the midst of the beautiful spring blooms featuring an egg hunt, photo opportunities, a homemade bake sale, egg roll on the Great Lawn, story time, educational crafts, games, an Easter bonnet and hat contest, and more kid-geared fun. Members/Friends: Free. Non-Members: standard admission price. Children under 5 are free with a paying adult. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org

April 11&12 Penciling the World –Art Workshop for Children,  9am-1pm - Have your 6 to 12 year-old join us for a two-day fun filled art class with color pencil artist Lorraine Evans. Your child will delight in the exciting medium of color pencil techniques. Young artists will learn about layering, using solvents and other color pencil techniques as they create a colored pencil sketch inspired by a seasonal plant collected from The Gardens. Art supplies included. We recommend bringing a packed snack. Members:  $100 per student, Non-Members:  $110 per student.

April 11 & 12 Penciling the World – An Adult’s Two Day Art Workshop,  1pm-5pm - Join us for an amazing two day art class with color pencil artist Lorraine Evans. You will delight in the exciting medium of color pencil techniques and skills in a medium that is leaping to fine art. You will learn about layering, using solvents and other exciting techniques with color pencil. A garden tour will offer the opportunity to select plant specimens to learn about color matching. Participants will work from nature and finish a colored pencil drawing of a plant growing in the season.   Four hours of instruction is offered each day. All art supplies are included. Start penciling the world today! $10 art supply fee. Members: $100 Non-Members: $110 

April 17-19  Botanical Watercolor Workshop, 9:30am-3:30pm  - Linda Miller, Resident Botanical Artist at The Elizabethan Gardens, inspires participants to see, preserve and interpret flowers and plants from The Elizabethan Gardens living collection during this unique workshop. The first day begins with a twenty-minute program introduction to botany with a walking tour of the gardens to gather specimens. Artists will delight in Miller’s vested interest and skill in capturing the botanical world in watercolor and her ability to impart this mastery with the class. This two-day workshop is open to all artists – beginner to advanced, with optional third day. Price includes admission to The Gardens. Two-Day Class: Members/Friends, $100; Non-Members, $120. Three-Day Class: Members/Friends, $135; Non Members, $155.

April 28 Home & Garden Tour: Spring for the Arts, 9am-4pm - The Elizabethan Gardens Board of Directors, The Roanoke Island Garden Club and dedicated volunteers coordinate a tour that gives visitors an inside look at extraordinary historic and contemporary sites and, at the same time, provides a fun way to support a worthy cause. The Elizabethan Gardens Home and Garden Tour is an annual fundraising event for The Gardens. This tour showcases some of the delightful homes and gardens that exemplify the creative and original style of their owners, as well as their beautiful gardens. In addition, each home will showcase artists and their art. The 2012 tour will feature charming gardens and homes on Roanoke Island. Need ideas for interior and outdoor space? Find inspiration and ideas on this unique tour. Inspiration awaits you. Saturday, April 28, 2011  9a.m. – 4p.m.  Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 day of the event. Groups of ten or more $20 a ticket.

April 29-May 1 87^th Annual Convention – offsite event,  The Elizabethan Gardens will be attending the 87th Annual Convention of The Garden Club of North Carolina April 29-May 1, 2012 in Asheville, North Carolina. Garden Club members come find the Gardens at their Going Green for the Gardens Booth on the sales floor of the Renaissance Ashville Hotel. Sunday, April 29th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 30 from 8:00 -5:00a.m. and Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Come see what going green is all about. For more information, visit www.gardenclubbofnc.org

May 5 Photographing Nature with Jeff Lewis, 3-5pm - Learn essential skills for photographing nature led by published wildlife photographer, Jeff Lewis who is also The Elizabethan Gardens’ Garden and Nursery Manager. Jeff will give a short presentation in The Meeting Hall followed by a walking tour to explore nature. Dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, bring a camera, notepad, pencil, film (if needed) and a charged battery. Disposable cameras and AA batteries will be available for purchase. Workshop includes admission. Members: $15; Non-Members: $20. For tickets or more information, call 252-473-3234.

May 5 Spring Fever Gift Shop and Plant Sale,  9am-5pm - Chirping for Savings? Receive 15% off all bird items in the Gift Shoppe and plant sale area. Look for the plants with little red birds in them! This sale also includes bird photography prints by Jeff Lewis.

May 8 Create a Bird Haven in Your Backyard,  10am-11:30am - Bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Learn which plants are good choices for attracting birds to your garden, as well as other tried-and-true methods, such as water features and birdhouses to attract these fascinating creatures. Presenter Jeff Lewis will also share his secret bird-attracting tips. Participates enjoy an extra 10% off any take home plants.  Members: $20. Non-Members $25.

May 12  Cheese It Up, 12pm-2pm - Enjoy wine and cheese as you create a one-of-a-kind take home summer container garden with Carl Curnutte and friends. Create a uniquely perfect planter – sure to be the conversation of the party and also discover the art of matching cheese with wine, to further impress at your next cocktail party. Members/Friends: $45. Non-Members: $55. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org

May 11-13 Gift Shop and Plant Sale: Plant Sale, 9am-5pm - A three-day sale just for moms and those looking to celebrate mothers. Guests and members enjoy a 10% discount on all plants. Members enjoy a 20% discount –just in time for spring yard work. This sale will feature colorful summer annuals, gorgeous hanging baskets and plants. Additionally, the Gift Shoppe will feature fabulous gifts for Mom. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

June 4- August 27  (Mondays) Minty Monday, 2-3pm  - Looking for a refreshing afternoon adventure? Children aged 6-12 years will enjoy a one-hour “minty” adventure searching for and learning all about mint in The Gardens. Young learners will make mint rubbings and plant mint to take home as well as enjoy mint cookies and mint ice cream.  Limited to 30 participants. (Indoors and Outdoors) Free with admission.

June 5- August 28  (Tuesdays) Storybook Tuesday, 10-11am - It’s story time in the Woodland Gardens. This tree-shaded garden area invites children of all ages, accompanied by an adult, to sit about our story stumps and enjoy tales about butterflies, bees, frogs, trees, flowers and other garden friends. After story time, join in a hands-on activity – root a plant to take home to your garden. (Outdoors, weather permitting). Free with garden admission.

June 6 – August 29 (Wednesdays) Family Fun Scavenger Hunt, 10-11am - Come with the whole family on Wednesdays for an exciting garden scavenger hunt. Seek out clues scattered around The Gardens that will lead your family to a pot of gold. Each family member will take home some of the gold. (Outdoors, weather permitting) Free with garden admission.

June 7 – August 30  (Thursdays) SCENTSational Thursday, 10-11am - Engage young senses in discovering a diversity of plants by touching, smelling, hearing, tasting and seeing in this one-hour discovery for you and your child. In addition to exploring with their senses, all participants will plant something to take home. (Outdoors, weather permitting) Free with garden admission.

June 8 – August 31  (Fridays) Name that Tree, 10-11am - Fridays are Arbor Days at The Gardens. Broaden your child’s knowledge of trees while encouraging beginning plant identification skills. Children will complete a guided exploration of The Garden trees to learn fun facts and identifying features. Hands-on activities will help children learn about tree structure, vocabulary and identification. (Indoors and Outdoors, weather permitting) Free with garden admission.

June 2 Gardening Workshop: “Cloning with Quentin,” 10am-12pm - Local living legend, Quentin Bell, will show you the proper techniques for propagation. Mr. Bell grew up on The Roanoke Island Nursery and his family has been involved with The Gardens since its inception. Garden and Nursery Manager, Jeff Lewis, will provide cuttings of shrubs, trays and soil. Mr. Bell will provide his talents and techniques! This workshop is great for grandparents to do with grandchildren. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

June 9 Miniature Garden Workshop, 10:30am -12:30pm - A hands-on introduction to small-scale gardens within a container. Join the Garden’s very own Lady Nancy Harvey and discover the enchanting art of miniature indoor gardens using plants such as donkey’s tail, ice plants, Irish moss, ghost plants, Hens and Chicks, Moses in a cradle. Plants are included. Bring any miniature sized garden ornaments, rocks or sentimental items you wish to use for your take-home botanical vignette. Members: $40. Non-Members: $50. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

June 18-22 Incredible Edible Garden, 9am-3pm - The Elizabethan Gardens very own kitchen garden becomes a living textbook during this hands-on five-day camp. Children will learn about plants and how they grow with gardening activities involving planting, harvesting and preparing edible plants. Price per child – Members: $150, Non-members: $175. Monday –Friday, 9 am – 3 pm (extend to 5 pm/ $15.00 per day) Ages 6-12.

June 16-17 Father’s Day Plant Sale, 9am-5pm - A two-day sale just for dads! Enjoy 15-25% off of selected plants featuring hydrangea and plants for attracting butterflies as well as discounts on overstocked summer annuals and herbs. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

June 17 Gardens-a-Glow, 7:30-9:30pm - Enjoy the crack, sizzle and pop of a campfire on The Great Lawn of The Elizabethan Gardens. We’ll provide the hot dogs, marshmallows for roasting, songs, stories and Outer Banks Hospitality. Footpath lighting and the starry night sky make for a grand night in the fragrant summer gardens. Campfire nights for 2012 are held on Sunday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm June 17, July 22 and August 12. Garden admission plus an additional $5, for details call 252-473-1554.

July 9–13 Green Thumbs, 9am-3pm - The Elizabethan era inspires this gardening camp at The Elizabethan Gardens. Children will learn what flowers and plants were grown in the 1600’s and plant an Elizabethan knot garden combining skills of geometry with the art of gardening. Price per child – Members: $150, Non-members: $175. Monday –Friday, 9 am – 3 pm (extend to 5 pm/ $15.00 per day) Ages 6-12.

July 19  Create a Bird Haven in Your Backyard, 2-3:30pm - Bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Learn which plants are good choices for attracting birds to your garden, as well as other tried-and-true methods, such as water features and birdhouses to attract these fascinating creatures. Presenter Jeff Lewis will also share his secret bird-attracting tips. Participates enjoy an extra 10% off any take home plants.  Members: $20. Non-Members $25.

July 22 Gardens-a-Glow, 7:30-9:30pm - Enjoy the crack, sizzle and pop of a campfire on The Great Lawn of The Elizabethan Gardens. We’ll provide the hot dogs, marshmallows for roasting, songs, stories and Outer Banks Hospitality. Footpath lighting and the starry night sky make for a grand night in the fragrant summer gardens. Campfire nights for 2012 are held on Sunday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm June 17, July 22 and August 12. Garden admission plus an additional $5, for details call 252-473-1554.

August 6–10 Let’s Grow, 9am-3pm - This camp is smelly, tasty, healthy and full of color. Children explore the world of herbs and learn how they have been used throughout history as perfumes, flavors, medicines and fabric dyes. Campers will also delight in planning, planting and harvesting pizza ingredients for a palate-pleasing lesson. Price per child – Members: $150, Non-members: $175. Monday–Friday, 9 am – 3 pm (extend to 5 pm/ $15.00 per day) Ages 6-12.

August 12 Gardens-a-Glow, 7:30-9:30pm - Enjoy the crack, sizzle and pop of a campfire on The Great Lawn of The Elizabethan Gardens. We’ll provide the hot dogs, marshmallows for roasting, songs, stories and Outer Banks Hospitality. Footpath lighting and the starry night sky make for a grand night in the fragrant summer gardens. Campfire nights for 2012 are held on Sunday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm June 17, July 22 and August 12. Garden admission plus an additional $5, for details call 252-473-1554.

August 18 Virginia Dare Plant Sale, 9am-2pm - In honor of the first English child born in the new world, enjoy 25% off on selected plants. The Virginia Dare Rose will be highlighted in this sale. Plants for a xeric garden such as sedums, fall colors and muhly grass and beautyberries will also be on sale. Membership has its privileges; Garden members can start shopping at 8am.

August 18 Virginia Dare Birthday, 9am-7pm - In honor of the 425th birthday of the first English child born in the new world, regular admission to The Elizabethan Gardens is reduced. Special celebratory general admission: $4.25.

August 21-23 Botanical Watercolor: Painting the Hydrangea, 9:30am – 3:30pm - Linda Miller, Resident Botanical Artist at The Elizabethan Gardens, inspires participants to see, preserve and interpret the beauty of the hydrangea during this unique workshop. The first day begins with a thirty-minute program about hydrangeas and a walking tour of the gardens to gather specimens. Artists will delight in Miller’s vested interest and skill in capturing the botanical world in watercolor and her ability to impart this mastery with the class. This two-day workshop is open to all artists – beginner to advanced, with optional third day. Price includes admission to The Gardens. Two-Day Class: Members/Friends, $100; Non-Members, $120. Three-Day Class: Members/Friends, $135; Non Members, $155.

September 8 Faux Finish Flower Pots, 10am -12noon - Fancy Nancy will show you how to take a inexpensive plastic planter and with some artistic flair, turn it into something that resembles a cast concrete stone or marble planter. A faux planter will look great indoors or out. No experience necessary. Planters and paint materials provided. Members: $25. Non-Members: $35.

Sept. 18, 19 Botanical Watercolor Workshop, 9:30am – 3:30pm - Linda Miller, Resident Botanical Artist at The Elizabethan Gardens, inspires participants to see, preserve and interpret the beauty plants during this two-day workshop. The first day begins with a thirty-minute program about hydrangeas and a walking tour of the gardens to gather specimens. Artists will delight in Miller’s vested interest and skill in capturing the botanical world in watercolor and her ability to impart this mastery with the class. This two-day workshop is open to all artists – beginner to advance, with optional third day. Price includes admission to The Gardens. Two-Day Class: Members/Friends, $100; Non-Members, $120. Three-Day Class: Members/Friends, $135; Non Members, $155.

October 13 Coastal Landscaping Workshop, 9am-4pm - NC Extension Service and The Elizabethan Gardens present a seminar on coastal landscaping. Topics covered include storm preparation and recovery, plants for coastal landscapes, and designing coastal gardens. Participants receive 20% off plants for sale. Lunch included. Limited to 60 participants. Workshop admission: $40.

October 6-7 Big Fall Plant Sale, 9am-2pm - Fall is the perfect time to plant to ensure a beautiful spring garden and this signature two-day plant clearance event is timed just right. Enjoy 30-50% discounts on many varieties of perennials, shrubs, ornamentals grasses and trees. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org. Membership has its privileges; Garden members invited to begin shopping at 8am on Saturday’s sale.

October 20 Workshop with Bulb Expert Brent Heath ,NOON – 2p.m. - Noted gardener Brent Health of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs will present this not-to-be-missed workshop. Health is an acclaimed author and winner of numerous horticulture awards. His company was voted by the Wall Street Journal to be the “Best Bulb Company in America.” For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

October 27 Harvest HayDay, 10am-1pm - We love family traditions at The Elizabethan Gardens, and Harvest Hayday is one of our fall favorites! This daytime event combines all the colors, flavors and fun of fall. Whether it is the hayride or hale bale maze, we have families that look forward to this event all year. Activities include: stuff a scarecrow, educational stations, face painting, educational crafts, hay bale maze, hay rides through Gardens, Miss Mum and Mr Chrysanthemum King contest, music, story time, games as well as hot cider, pumpkin pie and bonfires to warm your heart. Members/Friends Free. Non-Members: Adults $8; Youth (6-17 yrs) $5; Children 5 and under are free with a paying adult. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

October 27 Diamonds & Denim Harvest Dance, 6pm-11pm - Enjoy the flavor and fun of fall in this casually elegant fundraising dinner dance. Wear your blues and dress it up with your favorite sparkling jewels to enjoy a hay-kicking good time with a live dance band, food, silent and live auctions combined with romantic harvest moon hay rides. Individual tickets are $60. Reserved Tables of 10: $1,000. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

November 17 The Art of Candy Making Workshop,  10am-1pm - How sweet it is! Learn to create popular confections from scratch in this hands on workshop creating homemade candies to make you the toast of the season. Members: $45. Non-Members: $55. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

November 23 Black Friday Sale, 10am-4pm - Holiday discounts on the items you love to jump-start your seasonal gift buying at The Elizabethan Gardens Gift Shop. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 1 Grand Illuminations, 6-9pm - Join The Elizabethan Gardens for the opening celebration of WinterLights, a spectacular twenty-two night event of holiday lights and sights. Find holiday warmth and charm inside and out with festive food and drink in the “Embellished” Hall, and cozy fire pits on the Great Lawn as well as seasonal gift shop and plant sales. Non-Members: Adults $14, Youth (ages 6-17) $8, Youth (5 and under) $6. Members/Friends: Adults $10, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $5. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 3 Ladie’s Night at The Gardens, 5pm-7pm - Help Santa pamper you this season by stopping in The Gardens for this unique event. Our sales associates will help you compile your wish list of items in our store so Santa can pick out the perfect gift. Champagne and light fare compliment this casual and fun shopping affair accompanied by some welcome surprises designed to rejuvenate and relax you. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org

December 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 27-29, January 2-5 WinterLights, 6-9pm - Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor and fantastical displays are a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Seasonal gift shop and plant sales coincide. Adults $9, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $4. Extended passes available. Tuesdays to Sundays December 4 thru January 5 (Closed on Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1); For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 8 The Art of Centerpieces, 10am-12pm - Decorate your home for the holidays with an elegant center- piece that is uniquely yours. Let Kim and Wes Stetson of Holiday House Weddings share with you their skills in the Art of Wreath Making. The Gardens will provide the base, greening pins and cuttings. Participants may choose to bring ribbon, ornaments or items from home. Class size is limited to 25. Members: $20, Non-Members: $25. Light refreshments served. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 8 Cooking Series: The Art of Gingerbread Cookies, 12am-2pm - Come learn the art of gingerbread cookies an Elizabethan tradition with pastry chef Laura Murden. Create gingerbread cookies from scratch in this hands-on workshop. Chef Murden will share her techniques and decorating secrets for beautiful holiday gingerbread. Arrive dressed for baking and decorating. Class size limited to 20. Members: $20, Non-Members: $25. Light refreshments served. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 8 Nature Photography Workshop, 2-4pm - Learn essential skills for photographing nature led by published wildlife photographer, Jeff Lewis who is also The Elizabethan Gardens’ Garden and Nursery Manager. Jeff will give a short presentation in The Meeting Hall followed by a walking tour to explore nature. Dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, bring a camera, notepad, pencil, film (if needed) and a charged battery. Disposable cameras and AA batteries will be available for purchase. Workshop includes admission. Members: $15; Non-Members: $20. For tickets or more information, call 252-473-3234.

December 10 Men’s Night at The Gardens, 5pm-7pm - We’re here to make it easy for you this year. Our sales associates have shopping lists on file from our Ladie’s Night held December 3 to help you purchase just what she wants this year. Beer, light fare, cigars and a few surprises compliment this casual night for the guys. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

Dec. 11-13 Botanical Watercolor: Painting Paper Whites, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm - Linda Miller, Resident Botanical Artist at The Elizabethan Gardens, inspires participants to see, preserve and interpret the beauty of paper whites during this unique workshop. The first day begins with a thirty-minute program about paper whites and a walking tour of the gardens to gather specimens. Artists will delight in Miller’s vested interest and skill in capturing the botanical world in watercolor and her ability to impart this mastery with the class. This two-day workshop is open to all artists – beginner to advanced, with optional third day. Price includes admission to The Gardens. As added Holiday season bonus, workshop fee includes free ticket to WinterLights. Two-Day Class: Member, $100; Non-Members, $120. Three-Day Class: Members, $135; Non Members, $155.

December 14 Dinner with Santa, 6-9pm - Enjoy the spirit of the season, the sights of WinterLights and this unique dinner and Santa! Catch the ear of the man in the red suit and enjoy culinary delights will be provided. A family meal, one-on-one time with Santa, tickets to see WinterLights and no dishes to wash- how perfect is that? A professional photographer will offer candid photos for purchase. Dinner seating is at 6 pm, 7 pm, or 8 pm. Members/Friends: Adults $35, Youth $20. Non-Members: Adults $40, Youth $25. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 15 The Art of Centerpieces, 10am-12pm - Decorate your home for the holidays with an elegant centerpiece that is uniquely yours!  Let Kim and Wes Stetson of Holiday House Weddings share with you their skills in the Art of Wreath Making. The Elizabethan Gardens will provide the base, greening pins and cuttings. Participants may choose to bring ribbon, ornaments or items from home. Class size is limited to 25 participants. Light refreshments will be served. Members: $20, Non-members: $25. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 27 Kids Craft Day, 10am-2pm - Let the children enjoy the seasonal displays while you rest from the holidays. This is a special day for children five years and older with arts and crafts activities, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a special stroll through The Gardens and WinterLights. Make sure they bring their coats. Space limited to 30 children. Members/Friends are $20; Non-members $30. For tickets or more information, call 252-473-3234.

December 28 Kids Nature Day, 10am-2pm - Enjoy nature, explore the natural world and spend some quality post-holiday time at The Gardens. This is a special day for children five years and older with nature activities, healthy snacks, lunch, story time and a nature stroll through The Gardens and WinterLights. Make sure they bring their coats. Space limited to 30 children. Members/Friends are $20; Non-members $30. For tickets or more information, call 252-473-3234.

December 22 WinterLights with Santa, 6-9pm - Kids come see Santa before the big day – to make certain he has his instructions! Admission to WinterLights is required.  Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor as well as fantastical displays of peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures is a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Also enjoy seasonal gift shop and plant sales. Adults $9, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $4. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

December 29 WinterLights Thank You Santa, 6-9pm - Santa has authorized The Gardens to be his official collector of thank you notes. You must drop off your letters before 9pm to guaranteed next day delivery to the North Pole. PS – don’t forget to thank the reindeer too for their hard work. Admission to WinterLights is required. Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor as well as fantastical displays of peacocks, butterflies, deer and other garden creatures is a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Also enjoy seasonal gift shop and plant sales. Adults $9, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $4. For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.

 2013

January 2-5  WinterLights,  6-9pm - Stroll along enchanted garden paths and discover the joy of the season with holiday lights, sights and sounds transforming The Elizabethan Gardens into an illuminated winter wonderland. The radiant glow of the gardens, traditional holiday décor and fantastical displays are a true spectacle to behold. Festive trees grace the Gatehouse and Reception Hall and a crackling open-air fire warms the Great Lawn. Seasonal gift shop and plant sales coincide. Adults $9, Youth (ages 6-17) $7, Youth (5 and under) $4. Extended passes available. Tuesdays to Sundays December 4 thru January 5 (Closed on Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1); For info or details, call 252-473-3234 or visit www.elizabethangardens.org.