Old Westbury Gardens has unveiled a first-of-its kind nighttime light show event.
Shimmering Solstice, presented by Catholic Health, offers visitors the opportunity to behold a series of magical light displays as they walk along the beautiful meandering paths through Old Westbury Gardens’ Walled Garden, Rose Garden, South Lawn and Allée.
“We are excited to offer this brand-new experience for our visitors to enjoy,” said Nancy Costopulos, president and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens. “This walk-through lightshow has been designed specifically for Old Westbury Gardens and offers a one-of-a-kind experience that we intend to become a new annual holiday tradition.”
Shimmering Solstice is a completely custom-built show that has been uniquely designed to highlight the features of Old Westbury Gardens. The design phase took approximately 18 months to plan.
The event was developed out of a desire to creatively adapt the land and gardens around Westbury House into a visitor location that can be enjoyed during the fall and winter holiday season and that would remain consistent with the mission of Old Westbury Gardens.
“This is a celebration of our space,” said Maura McGoldrick-Brush, director of horticulture at Old Westbury Gardens. “Instead of flowers, the gardens will be blooming with light. This is truly an enchanting combination of the beauty of the gardens and the magic of the season.”
Old Westbury Gardens worked with Lightswitch, a collective of internationally recognized lighting, media and visual designers to create the show with the intent of celebrating the Old Westbury Gardens’ history and environment during the fall and winter seasons.
Some examples of what visitors will see include both the formal Rose Garden and Walled Garden blooming with beautiful light and twinkling in lively rhythmic patterns. Other unique features include enormous dandelions which will line the edge of the pond and a giant Christmas tree, made of lit globes, that will be displayed in front of Westbury House.
This event is something people of all ages will enjoy. The walk-through portion of the show is designed for visitors to explore at their own pace.
For the exciting finale, visitors will be dazzled to see the south facade of Westbury House come alive as they become immersed in a magical and wondrous sensation of lights and sounds, celebrating the spirit of the season.
The event runs through Jan. 9. The admission time starts at 5:30 p.m. and the last admission is at 9:30 p.m. The gates close at 11 p.m.
Visit www.shimmeringsolstice.com for more information.
—Old Westbury Gardens
One Response
It’s a good time to be outdoors enjoying this beautiful light show