News release from the Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in December
Extended Holiday Hours
Thursday & Friday nights, Through December 21
The Conservatory will be open until 8:00 pm on Thursday and Friday evenings through Christmas. Enjoy an evening downtown at the botanical gardens, done up for the holidays. The gift shop and sales garden are also open until 8:00 pm. The Conservatory will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Santa & the Reindeer
Saturdays before Christmas, 12-4 pm
December 1, 8, 15, & 22
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Santa and two of his reindeer will be in the gardens to greet the children while Mom and Dad take pictures to capture the moment. Explore the Conservatory in its holiday glory; this year’s theme is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Regular admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are free. Sponsored by PBS 39 and WAJI Majic 95.1. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Piñata Paradise
Through December 2
Botanical Conservatory, public hours, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Piñatas, a traditional feature in Mexican birthdays and Christmas parties, are a creative outlet for everyday artists. Enjoy the Conservatory’s imaginative holiday piñatas, showcased in our Desert Garden. Scores of entries are designed and decorated by area children who want to share the holiday spirit. In mid-December, these candy-filled creations are donated to children’s agencies for their holiday celebrations. This exhibit is included in regular Conservatory admission. Sponsored by PBS 39 and WAJI Majic 95.1 FM. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night
Thursday, December 6, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month the Botanical Conservatory offers $1 admissions, 5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. Enjoy our evening hours and a special discount once a month. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Conservatory exhibit
Through January 6
From the Dr. Seuss tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” comes a new twist on Fort Wayne’s annual holiday celebration. In this new garden exhibit, join the citizens of Whoville in the midst of colorful poinsettias and discover the power of Christmas to overcome the most dour of Grinches. Bring the family for pictures or to gather around the tree and sing. Even if the sleigh does not return from Mt. Crumpet with the toys, food, and presents, we can still have Christmas in our hearts! The Conservatory’s traditional 12-foot-tall poinsettia tree will decorate the Atrium as a family photo backdrop, and your stroll through the lighted, decorated gardens indoors and out will provide a satisfying visit. Sponsored by the Kuhne Foundation. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Breakfast with Santa!
Saturday, December 8, 9-10 am
Yes, Santa eats breakfast and you can join him! Sign up for a special VIP breakfast before he makes his final list of who has been naughty and nice. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausages and eggs, milk or juice for the kids and coffee for the adults. There will be children’s activities and time allotted to take pictures of your little ones in our exhibit “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” before we open to the public. Your admission to this event will also allow you to return and visit with Santa’s reindeer from 12-4 pm. Registration ends December 3. Min. 24, max. 64. $11/person. Children under two are free, but they and their paying adult must be registered in the minimum/maximum. Limited booster/high chairs available; please indicate at registration if one is required. To register please call (260) 427-6011 and refer to code 427101-S1. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Member Holiday Night
Friday, December 14, 5-8 pm
Conservatory members are invited to a special open house during one of our evening openings. Enjoy some light holiday refreshments and beverage compliments of the Conservatory, then stroll the gardens indoors and out to experience all the holiday exhibits. Not a current member? You can join or renew that evening or prior to it for $35/individual, $50/family. Call (260) 427-6440 for more info or to purchase a membership by phone, visit www.botanicalconservatory.org to sign up on-line.
Family Garden Close-Up: Festive Fun
Saturday, December 15, 11 am – 1 pm
Join us to explore the Showcase Garden transformed into “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Enjoy the holiday decorations, seasonal plants and Dr. Seuss storyline. This Family Garden Preview we’ll make a Grinch craft you can take home and add to your Christmas collection. Included in regular Conservatory admission. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Science Fun: “Sense”ational Science
Saturday, December 15, 11 am & 1 pm
Human beings have five senses. Join us as we explore a few of these senses with household items. After you’re shown a basic demonstration of how communication can take place with a couple tin cans and a piece of string, text messaging may become a second language. Sound isn’t the only sense we’ll be exploring, you can expect to have some good “vibrations” and smelly fun when we explore the concept of diffusion. The program lasts 45-60 minutes and is appropriate for ages 5 and up. NISTEM members (www.nistem.org) can earn points for attending. Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Conservatory members and volunteers admitted free.
Hooray! Holiday Arrangement
Thursday, December 13, 6:30-7:30 pm
If you’re looking for the holiday gift that keeps on giving this season, look no further than the Botanical Conservatory. Shenoah White, an experienced and knowledgeable florist from Lopshire Flowers will be on hand to show you how to create a holiday bouquet that can be enjoyed by anyone. You’ll use a 5″x 5″ glass cube, ribbon and bow, roses, pompom mums, pine cones and white gerbera daisies. Flowers put the perfect touch to a holiday season…so don’t be shy to add that touch to yours! Bring a knife and scissors. Ages 8-adult. Registration deadline: December 6. Min. 10. Max. 30. $28/public; $24/Conservatory volunteer or member. Held at Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
The Scoop on Hoops!
Saturday, December 22, 10 – 11 am
Have you ever wanted your own dazzling and flashy perfect-for-you hula hoop? A Hula hoop that is larger and heavier is also easier for an adult to spin. Hoop making is as fun as hooping itself. Join the fun and make your own custom, adult-sized, weighted Hula hoop out of water line, connectors, and an array of tapes. There is an art to crafting a professional and dazzling hoop, and Mikila Cook will provide all you need for success. Get crafty, be creative and choose the sparkling color combo that best suits you. Then get in the spin with your new custom hula hoop! Hula hoop making workshop will be followed by a demonstration and a short hoop jam! Ages 8-adult. Registration deadline: December 14. Min. 5. Max. 35. $10/public; $8/Conservatory member or volunteer. Held at Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Last Saturday
Saturday, December 29, 10 am – 5 pm
As part of the monthly promotion of downtown life, the Conservatory is offering a $1-off discount on admissions every final Saturday. The Downtown Improvement District coordinates festivities for these monthly occasions to promote our community’s arts and cultural assets. From 4 pm-11 pm on Last Saturdays, a free shuttle gets riders within 2 blocks of participating venues, traveling Main Street to Clay, to Washington Blvd, to Ewing and back to Main. For details, call (260) 420-3266 or go online to www.downtownfortwayne.com.
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