From staff reports

ORANGE — Again this year, Christmas Strolls at Shangri La is ushering in the holiday season with colorful displays throughout the gardens during the evenings of December 10, 11 and 12, 2015; December 17, 18 and 19, 2015; and December 22, 23, and 26, 2015. This year we will also include a rain date of Tuesday, December 29, 2015 that will be announced in the event one of the strolls is canceled due to weather.

This year’s event promises to be even more beautiful and inspiring with new displays and thousands of new lights. Shangri La will also continue the annual tradition of gathering nonperishable food items for Orange Christian Services.

Shangri La wants to make this the best event possible. The venue is asking residents to consider joining in the Community Decorate-a-Tree Event. By signing up to decorate a tree, one will contribute to the festive holiday tradition here at Shangri La, support those in greatest need through the efforts of Orange Christian Services, and continue growing this annual event that brings the community together.

Shangri La would like reaching a goal of 50 community-decorated trees.

“We know it’s possible with your generosity and Christmas spirit,” Director Rick J. Lewandowski wrote in a press release. “Please share this information with your friends, neighbors and colleagues and encourage them to participate in this wonderful tradition in our community, too.”

Shangri La will furnish a 6-foot tall tree, generously donated by the local Kroger store, a tree stand and eight strands of white LED lights.

Each participant decorates a tree for an environmentally friendly Christmas. In the spirit of showcasing an environmental approach, Shangri La appreciates it if trees are decorated using recycled, reused and/or reclaimed products.

“While this isn’t a requirement,” Lewandowski wrote. “We’ve learned over the years that our community is enormously talented when it comes to showcasing this philosophy.”

An application form to decorate a tree is available at http://starkculturalvenues.org/shangrilagardens/

If one would like to decorate a tree on behalf of a school, business, church, non-profit, civic group or family, complete the application and return it to Shangri La by December 4, 2015 to help our community celebrate the Christmas season and support Orange Christian Services’ effort to serve those in greatest need.

During Christmas Strolls, Shangri La will also host Dreaming of a Green Christmas 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on December 12. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for visits from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. that Saturday, as they get busy organizing elves, checking the “List” and making Christmas toys. An ornament making for the family program will be held 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Lab, using natural materials.