MANSFIELD, Ohio — Kingwood Center Gardens is ushering in the holiday season with its annual event, “Christmas at Kingwood.”
Beginning Nov. 28, visitors can view the festive displays placed throughout the Kingwood grounds.
With this year’s theme set as “holiday magic,” many of the displays have playful and youthful inspirations meant to create an enchanting experience for people of all ages.
While walking toward the entrance of Kingwood Hall, visitors are greeted by cheerful Minion displays.
And after marveling at the towering 18-20 foot Christmas tree decorated in red and chartreuse colors in Kingwood Hall’s foyer, visitors can check out the rooms that have been decorated by the local garden clubs according to such themes as under the sea, Frosty the Snowman, Saint Nick, Elf on the Shelf, Dr. Seuss, and more.
The greenhouse is also decorated and will be open for visitors to enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.
Bonnie Gross, visitor services manager, estimated that the grounds will be illuminated with approximately 90,000 lights.
Volunteers and staff have been busy prepping for the event, devoting hundreds of hours to ensure its success.
“It’s a big collaboration,” Gross said.
Gross also pointed out the latest additions featured in this year’s event, noting, “We have quite a few things that we’re excited about this year that set it apart from previous years.”
One new addition is the Christmas Tree Walk. Twenty-five Christmas trees–each decorated by local organizations and businesses–will be on display in the Meeting Hall across from the greenhouse.
“It’s a beautiful exhibit,” Gross said, adding, “We’re really excited about all of the collaboration that came about for that.”
There’s also “Gingerbread Village,” which is set up in Kingwood Hall. Gingerbread Village features life-size gingerbread men, giant candy, gingerbread houses created by local children and adults, five child-themed Christmas trees decorated by local garden clubs, and more.
While browsing the different displays, visitors can vote for their favorite gingerbread house for the gingerbread house competition.
Christmas at Kingwood begins Nov. 28, occurring every Thursday through Sunday from 3-8 p.m., until Dec. 27. Kingwood is closed to the public Dec. 5, 24 and 25.
Admission is $5 per person; children six and under can attend free of charge. Parking is free in the Trimble Road entrance parking lot.
