Amegy Bank of Texas Helps Dallas Arboretum Bring to Dallas its Newest Holiday Tradition The 12 Days

DALLAS - Aug. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden announces today the creation of a $2 million exhibition entitled The 12 Days of Christmas. Unique in the world, the exhibit will open on the botanical garden grounds on November 16 and run through January 4, 2015. Dramatically designed 15-foot-tall gazebos have been made for each day of the popular carol and include either life-size Victorian-costumed mannequins or whimsical animals, with music accompanying each gazebo. The Arboretum selected the same team that creates many of the elaborate sets and intricate costumes for The Dallas Opera productions to design and build this holiday exhibition.

"Every dress, hat and costume has lavish attention to detail that is amazing. This extraordinary creation is over the top," said Brian Shivers, Dallas Arboretum board chairman. "Some exhibits have mechanical animation that brings the story to life, such as watching nine ladies swirling and dancing in one gazebo or finding 10 Lords-a-Leaping through the air in another. Each gazebo is encased in glass to both protect it from the elements and to lend an almost 'music box' quality to the exhibition."

"It is just magical and will be a delight to share with friends and families. We look forward to the joy this gorgeous holiday installation will bring to our garden guests," stated Dallas Arboretum President Mary Brinegar.

Building upon the audience appeal of the Chihuly installation, which the Arboretum showcased three years ago, and the infrastructure of outdoor lighting that was created in the garden for it, the Arboretum has conceived and commissioned this gift to the city with support from Amegy Bank of Texas and some of the garden's major donors. Two years in the making, the idea originated with a board member's wife who knew the garden wanted a holiday exhibit for families that could be beautiful and dramatic by day and sparkling when lit at night.

Kirk Wiginton, President & CEO, Amegy Bank of Texas, Dallas Region, said, "Amegy Bank of Texas is honored to present The 12 Days of Christmas, Dallas' newest tradition at the Dallas Arboretum. Not only will it benefit our community both culturally and economically, but it will become a new holiday exhibit that will attract even more visitors to this beautiful garden."

Tickets go on sale August 15. There will be a significant discount available until September 1 for those wanting to take advantage of the early bird pricing.  Reservation dates may be selected at any time after purchase but will be subject to availability. Individual evening tickets include parking, and more information can be found at http://www.dallasarboretum.org/. For inquiries regarding discounted tickets for groups 15 or larger, contact groupsales@dallasarboretum.org or 214-515-6520.

Shivers said, "Like the Chihuly exhibit, The 12 Days of Christmas exhibit will attract visitors during the day and evening to see the handiwork and creativity that people have come to expect of the Dallas Arboretum. We want to thank Tom and Phyllis McCasland for having the vision of this exhibit. We also want to give proper thanks to Tommy Bourgeois, The Dallas Opera production designer, for helping us create the intricately designed costumes and décor—almost all locally sourced in Texas—and Greg Blackburn and his team at Dallas Stage Scenery who built the structures."

The 12 Days of Christmas:

Decorated gazebos on display daily, from November 16-January 4. Entrance is regular pricing.
Daytime general admission is regular pricing ($10-$15 for tickets and $10 for parking) and free for Arboretum members.


The 12 Days at Night:
Sundays-Thursdays, 6-10 p.m.
(Nov. 16-20, Nov. 23-26, Nov. 30-Dec. 4, Dec. 7-11, Dec. 14-18, Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30)

Special Weekend Nights: Nov. 28 & 29, Dec. 26 & 27 and Jan. 2-4
Garden is open for special lightednighttime showings. Festive holiday music provided by carolers.
Adults: $20 non-members; $12 members
Seniors: $15 non-members; $10 members
Children ages 3-12: $10 non-members; $9 members
Children under 3 are free.
Parking is included with admission.

Check the website for other promotions and special pricing.

Special Holiday Festivities:
November 29-December 21
Saturdays and Sundays Noon-4 p.m.
Enjoy visits with Santa, reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

November 29-January 4
Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Daytime tours of the DeGolyer House holiday decorations showcasing the Kim and John Semyan collection of Byers’ Choice Ltd.Carolers.

Holiday Tea:
November 28-December 31, 2014
Daily 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. at the Restaurant DeGolyer
Enjoy an elegant, three-course holiday tea for a special Christmas memory for those 12 and older. Prices range between $47 and $57 and include parkingand admission to the garden. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214.515.6511 or purchased online at http://www.dallasarboretum.org/.

12 Days of Christmas Sponsors:
November 16, 2014-January 4, 2015
The 12 Days of Christmas Presenting Sponsor is Amegy Bank of Texas, and its Supporting Sponsor is the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

Day 1: Partridge in a Pear Tree
Sponsored by Jeanne R. Johnson

Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum

Day 3: Three French Hens
Sponsored by Faye C. Briggs

Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Grandmama Hunt’s Present to all Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren

Day 5: Five Golden Rings
Honoring Dolph and Evelyn Bosley’s Five Gold Great Grandbabies

Day 6: Six Geese A-Laying
Sponsored by Marilyn R. Corrigan

Day 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming
Sponsored by Tom and Phyllis McCasland

Day 8: Eight Maids-A-Milking
Sponsored by Kathy and Gene Bishop

Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
In Honor of Chloe Simone Shea. Given by Holly & Tom Mayer, Maile and Charles Shea

Day 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping
Sponsored by Carl and Margot Johnson

Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Sponsored by a Friend of the Arboretum

Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Sponsored by Myron K. Martin

About the Dallas Arboretum:
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.