Each year we all look to get the most out of the magical holiday season. Whether it’s a quick flight to New York for the lighting of the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree or a trek to San Fernando in the Philippines for The Giant Lantern Festival, all Christmas roads can lead to memories that last a lifetime.
SHIMMERING SOLSTICE Returns to Long Island
For the second year in a row in the village of Old Westbury, New York, situated on the North Shore of Long Island, a holiday-themed light show is offering visitors the opportunity to behold a series of magical light displays as they walk along the meandering paths of Old Westbury Gardens. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former home of the Phipps family. Today this non-profit organization welcomes visitors of all ages for a range of cultural and horticultural events. Old Westbury Gardens seeks to inspire appreciation of the early 20th-century American country estate through preservation and interpretation of its landscape, gardens, architecture, and collections. The village of Old Westbury is one of the richest in the country as well as the second richest zip code in New York State.
Old Westbury Gardens Transformed
SHIMMERING SOLSTICE reveals a completely custom-built show by Lightswitch, a collective of internationally recognized lighting, media, and visual designers uniquely designed to highlight the features of Old Westbury Gardens. The goal was to turn the gardens into a visitor location that can be enjoyed during the winter holiday season and that would be consistent with the mission of Old Westbury Gardens. “This walkthrough light show is uniquely designed specifically for Old Westbury Gardens, a beautiful Long Island landmark,” said Nancy Costopulos, President and CEO. “It offers a one-of-a-kind experience which is now becoming a new holiday tradition.”
This year, even more beautiful visuals have been added including a re-designed interactive area featuring three new exhibits that will engage adults and children alike; seasonal music throughout the expanded illuminated event path, a new illuminated water feature on the West Pond, and the Garden of Appreciation will be turned into a warming area with a concession stand for seasonal snacks and drinks.
About the Experience
This walk-through show provides a family-friendly experience people of all ages can enjoy. The design allows visitors to explore at their own pace. For the exciting finale, visitors will once again be dazzled to see the south facade of Westbury House come alive with magical lights and seasonal sounds—this year with an exciting twist!
“Shimmering Solstice was designed to be a celebration of our space,” said Maura Brush, Director of Horticulture at Old Westbury Gardens. “The features that define Old Westbury Gardens such as the formal allées, ponds, and statuary are all illuminated so visitors can view them in a completely different light.”
The show runs on select dates through January 1, 2023, with admission time starting at 5:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now. For available dates and times visit www.shimmeringsolstice.com
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Road
Old Westbury, NY
www.oldwestburygardens.org
[/akert]