Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

On select evenings in December, the public is invited to stroll through the magically transformed gardens at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

The festive landscape features thousands of lights, unique Christmas trees decorated by talented community members and holiday flowering displays.

The holiday magic opens to the public on Dec. 5.

Admission to Shangri La Gardens is free of charge.

“Show off your Christmas spirit by donning your best holiday apparel. We are kicking off the first week of Strolls with Family Holiday PJ Week. Get cozy and bring out the family to enjoy our winter wonderland. Orange Lions Club will have cookies and cocoa available for purchase,” said Marlene Cox, guest services coordinator at Shangri La.

“During the week of December 5-9, we will also be collecting new pajamas and blankets in partnership with Lutcher Theater’s PJ and Blanket Drive benefitting Salvation Army of Orange.”

Christmas Strolls are open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6-9 p.m., with the last entrance at 8:30 p.m.

Other festive dress-up weeks include Ugly Christmas Sweater Week, from December 12-16, and Crazy Christmas Hat Week, from December 19-22.

“This season we are offering a Senior, Mobility Friendly & Sensory Sensitivity Hour on Tuesday nights from 5-6 p.m. This special hour is designed to provide accessibility for our guests with mobility challenges and sensory sensitivities. There will be smaller crowds to ease navigation, as well as quieter music,” said Angie Mason, executive director at Shangri La.

Other holiday happenings at the gardens include Dreaming of a Green Christmas Dec. 16.

This magical day begins at 10 a.m. with a visit from Santa.

There are more opportunities to involve the entire family in hands-on, festive activities such as ornament-making with natural materials.

Shangri La is also holding an annual Community Food Drive during December, with all donations benefitting Orange Christian Services.

Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items in support of the community.

“The holiday season is truly the most magical time of the year at the gardens. We are excited to offer this unique experience for families to get in the spirit of Christmas and create cherished holiday traditions together,” said Cox.

Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange.

For more information about Christmas Strolls, visit shangrilagardens.org.