Christmas activities include a movie theme at Bok Tower Gardens
The holiday season at Bok Tower Gardens has begun and will continue through Jan. 1, 2012. This year marks the 17th annual Pinewood Estate holiday home tour as well as activities throughout the Gardens. This year’s theme is “Picture Perfect.” Central Florida designers and volunteers will bring award-winning films to life inside the 20-room mansion.
The 1985 Academy Award-winning film Out of Africa, will be represented inside the Dining Room by Lory Owen from Van-go Interiors. The 1961 comedy Breakfast at Tiffany’s will be featured in The Loggia with designs by Bethany Taylor, B. Taylor Expressions. Holly Golightly’s pearls and iconic little black dress will pay homage to the Oscar-winning movie’s star, Audrey Hepburn. Another 1961 musical comedy will transform Mr. Buck’s Office into Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii with designs by Dee Albertson and Loretta Stamps, Seaside Sisters. The 2003 British romantic comedy Love Actually will be the theme for Bedroom Two with designs by Jennifer Beam, White Dove Baskets. The 1954 Yuletide classic White Christmas will include a salute to the military in the Living Room decorated by the volunteer design team with army uniform jackets and caps donated by Staff Sergeant Andy J. Pullin, U.S. Army recruiter at Eagle Ridge Mall. Other movies that will be featured in the designs by volunteers will include A Christmas Carol, Christmas in Connecticut, Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
In addition to the décor, the event includes:
• Holiday movies in the Visitor Center
• Family tree decorating
• Antique car showcases
• Photos with Santa
• Free 45 minute guided garden tours at the Pinewood Estate
On Dec. 3 authors Iris and Michael Raie will sign books and give free samples of recipes from their books, “Holiday Creations From Your Kitchen” and “Southern Cooking with a Latin Flair.”
Dec. 16 and 17 singer Asunta Fleming, who was Maria in West Side Story, will return for two holiday concerts. The concerts will include evening holiday home tours at 7 p.m. and receptions to meet the artists following the concerts.
Dec. 17 The George Jenkins High School Golden Harmony Show Choir will perform.
Seasonal music from the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon will begin include brief performances every half hour and 30 minute concerts at 1 and 3 p.m.
Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens will be open seven days a week, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visit boktowergardens.org or call 863-676-1408 for tickets and more information.
