Orange County Arboretum lights up for the holidays

GOSHEN — The Orange County Arboretum will host its annual holiday boutique and "Holiday Lights in Bloom” display every weekend from Dec. 2 through Dec. 18. The Friends of the Orange County Arboretum will be offering holiday items, handmade by volunteers, for decorating and gift giving, including ornaments, wreaths, garland, centerpieces, kissing balls, miniature trees, and honey collected from the arboretum’s bee hive. The “Holiday Lights in Bloom” display, free for all visitors, features a garden theme, with a variety of flowers and critters that illuminate the paths and gardens. Volunteers will be on hand in the Ottaway Education Center to serve visitors hot cocoa and answer questions about the arboretum. The arboretum is located within Thomas Bull Memorial Park on State Route 416 in Montgomery (enter Campbell Hall for GPS directions) and is most easily accessed from the Grove St. entrance to the park. Just pull up to the motion activated gate to enter. "Holiday Lights in Bloom" will be open in the Ottaway Education Center (see schedule). For more information, call Tamara Moson at 615-3828, email tmoson@orangecountygov.com, or visit www.orangecountynyparks.com. 'Lights in Bloom' schedule Fridays — 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2, 9, and 16 Saturdays — 1 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10, and 17 Sundays — 1 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11, and 18 Daily during winter recess — 5 to 8 p.m. from Dec. 26-Jan. 1