Dunham Farms to Host Magical Holiday Festival of Lights & Music

/PRNewswire/ -- Dunham Farms, one of the Georgia coast's most scenic and historic destinations, presents its first-annual Holiday Festival of Lights & Music on December 4 & 11, 3:30-9:30 pm. The event features traditional country delights—hay rides and square dancing—along with sophisticated entertainment, including performances by jazz legend Ben Tucker. The festival promises something for everyone: guided tours of the property's historic buildings, model railroad displays, holiday carols, Christmas trees, delicious food and the breathtaking sight of centuries old moss-dappled oaks decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. General admission is only $10 with discounts available for students, seniors and children.

"Everyone needs an infusion of joy, music, beauty and laughter in their lives—especially in trying times," says owner Laura Devendorf, whose family has been a steward of the land that includes Dunham Farms since 1755, when it was granted to them by King George II. "Our property has a magical quality at any time of year, but this festival will be truly spectacular—a moment of pure delight to lift hearts and bring people together to see and hear and feel."

The $10 general admission fee includes access to the light show and grounds, as well as to the model railroad displays on loan from the Middle Georgia Model Railroad Club, tours of the circa 1840's Palmyra Plantation Cottage and Barn, and concerts by Savannah-based jazz legend Ben Tucker.

For an additional $2, guests can enjoy an authentic plantation-style hay ride; an additional $15 allows access to a guided house tour, where noted musician Chris Kohut will dazzle guests with a virtuoso lute performance by firelight. The hour-long house tours will explore the fascinating history and legends of the structure, built on the foundations of the original 1755 home.

At the food service area, guests can sample traditional Hoppin' John—a delicious, nutty-flavored rice-and-beans dish—made with endangered Seminole peas grown right on the property.

All proceeds from the Holiday Festival of Lights &Music benefit nearby Seabrook Village, the first African-American living history museum in the South.

For more information, visit http://www.dunhamfarms.com/holiday_festival.html or call (912) 880-4500.

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Celebrate the Holidays with Family and Friends at Fantasy in Lights®

T2F Note: A perennial favorite of our staff during the holidays is to see the magic and wonder of the holiday lights. We've always found it a sure way to brighten the holiday. Callaway Gardens is a sure bet for our coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award.

Make holiday memories that last a lifetime with family and friends amongst more than eight million sparkling lights and holiday sounds at the 18th annual Fantasy In Lights® at Callaway Gardens® November 20 through December 30, 2009.

Nestled throughout the wooded landscape of the Gardens, the southeast’s largest holiday light show features 12 unique holiday scenes and a truly magical Christmas Village for family members of all ages to enjoy.

Guests celebrate the joy of the season and the wonder of nature as they travel through five miles of larger-than-life lighted scenes on either the Jolly Trolley or in their personal vehicle. Custom designed holiday scenes, such as the favored Snowflake Valley and Santa’s Workshop, are set to classic Christmas music provided by more than 400 speakers making this an experience everyone will truly remember. Two favorite scenes, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Nativity, can be found on the shore of Robin Lake. Both are 10 minute presentations with spectacular animation, narration and music.

The Callaway Gardens Christmas Village is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees; a Toyland filled with classic Christmas toy treasures; and is the place for boys and girls of all ages to share their Christmas wishes with Santa. The Christmas Village also is filled with unique Christmas gifts and decor; wares made by Georgia crafters; a cookie decorating station; a candy-by-the-pound shop; a Fantasy In Lights souvenir shop and more. A food court will provide an option of food and sweet treats.

Callaway Gardens is proud to announce that Fantasy In Lights has been honored by the American Bus Association as a 2009 Top 100 Event in North America and by The Chicago Tribune as one of the Top 48 Events in the World in 2009. Since 1992, more than two million visitors have made Fantasy In Lights part of their holiday tradition. It is a wonderful way to spend quality time with family members.

Fantasy In Lights tickets start at $16 per adult and $8 per child and include same-day admission to Callaway Gardens to enjoy the beautiful holiday floral displays at the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center; the tropical warmth at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and the amazing feats of the Birds Of Prey show (weather dependent). Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. Simply purchase online at www.callawaygardens.com/fil or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

Admission to Fantasy In Lights begins at 6:00 p.m. nightly. November 22nd is reserved for pedestrians only as more than 6,000 guests will stroll through the winter wonderland of Fantasy In Lights for the annual March of Dimes Night Walk.

Callaway Gardens is offering guests a special Fantasy In Lights package to provide families with an affordable and memorable holiday vacation to celebrate the season and reconnect with loved ones. Overnight packages are available at all four lodging options.

For additional information about Fantasy In Lights or to make a reservation for a special holiday experience, please go to www.callawaygardens.com/fil or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

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