Stonehedge launches 29th annual tree lighting Thanksgiving Weekend

Stonehedge Original Gift Shop & Gallery in conjunction with Stonehedge
Gardens is now accepting reservations for its annual Christmas tree
lighting, held every weekend Thanksgiving through New Years, November 27 to
January 3. There is no lighting ceremony on Christmas Day. Shows are held at
5:30 and 8:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Cost is $10 per person and includes limited seating at the 20-minute
tree-lighting ceremony, and a refreshment period afterwards including
holiday punch and snacks along with other complimentary drinks. During the
refreshment period, you will also have an opportunity for informal
conversation with Russell Keich and other members of Stonehedge Gardens to
talk about the history and current work of Stonehedge Gardens, a non-profit,
holistic learning center. Guests are encouraged to make reservations early
as the individual tree-lighting ceremonies are limited to 25 people for
each performance.

Guests are called one by one or in small groups upstairs—an area normally
closed to the public—and pass through a unique living quarters before
entering the Great Room. Here, comfortable seating is provided around an
impressive 15-foot Christmas tree. Each year the Stonehedge tree is adorned
with hundreds of porcelain, blown glass, antique and hand-made ornaments, as
well as more than 300 feet of glittering Strauss crystal. Accompanying the
décor are Stonehedge Originals—magnificent, illuminated poinsettias and
hand-blown snowflakes made on site.

More than 16,000 lights work together to create 150 different light changes
that are timed to seasonal music for an impressive show. Each of six
lighting segments is accompanied by its own music and lighting hues and
includes the Ave Maria by Schubert, a traditional rendition of both The
First Noel and O Sanctissima. The fourth segment opens with Beethoven’s The
Worship of God, Alexander’s Once in Royal David's City and Silent Night with
voice by Gruber/Mohr closes the program.

New this year, special Group Lightings will be available Weekday evenings
during December for organizations and families that would like to host their
holiday outing at Stonehedge. In addition to the tree-lighting ceremony and
light snacks, the group program will include a winter garden walk (weather
permitting), extended use of the second floor great room, ability to add
modest catering services. Weekday evening programs are limited to groups
with a minimum of 12 and maximum of 20 people Those interested in the group
session should call Stonehedge Gift Shop at 570-386-4276 to discuss options
and make reservations.

Stonehedge Originals Gift Shop & Gallery would like to invite you to see our
newly renovated shop & displays. Also check out our new products and wares
from approx. 20 different artists. You can see a preview of the Gift Shop on
our Facebook page.