The holiday tradition continues as Bellingrath Gardens and Home celebrates Magic Christmas in Lights. Strolling through over 3 million sparkling lights and over 950 displays throughout the 65 acre Garden estate is an experience that simply cannot easily be explained in words or even through the lens of a camera: it’s a must see! The Bellingrath Home is decorated in its holiday finery and poinsettias that encompass the Gardens. The live, nightly Christmas musical performances are held on the South Terrace of the Home in a beautifully decorated garden area complete with white chairs and surrounded by lovely rows of lighted hedges adding to the Christmas spirit that can be felt in the air.

 A fun, family event for everyone, guests mingle around the wandering garden paths while gasping at the glorious lighting effects. Giggles were heard around every bend. The amazing number of lights and colors used seemed to bring out the “child-like” spirit in everyone.

 Bellingrath's magnificently stocked Gift Shop is absolutely charming and is filled with hundreds of Christmas gift ideas for the entire family. Bellingrath Gardens lived up to its reputation of unsurpassed beauty during this holiday season. Visitors from as far away as Alaska and our yearly, “snowbirds,” came out on this lovely evening in early December to enjoy this spectacular display of lights and music. One couple, a member of a charter group of 39 individuals from Charleston, North Carolina stated, “This is a magical experience and one that should not be missed! It is the Biltmore Estate of the south.”

 Bellingrath Gardens and home is a 65-acre botanical garden and mansion located on the Fowl River in Theodore, a suburb of Mobile, Alabama. The site was listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on September 14, 1977 and on the National Register of Historic Places on October 19, 1982.

 The river-side property on which the gardens are constructed were purchased in 1917 as a small three bedroom, fishing camp by Walter Bellingrath who eventually became the President of Mobile's Coca Cola Bottling Plant. Walter Bellingrath married his secretary, Bessie Mae Morse, and because the couple was not able to have children, Mr. Bellingrath willed the benefits of his estate to three colleges; two in Alabama and one in Tennessee. Mrs. Bellingrath began developing the gardens with architect George Bigelow Rogers in 1927. The home was completed in 1935, encompasses 10,500 square feet and features hand-made brick salvaged from old demolished structures in Mobile. The home is accented by elements of many areas. It has a lovely Georgian staircase reminiscent of an English country house, French doors, and a Mediterranean style courtyard, which is truly inviting. There are many different water gardens, complete with many varieties of live fish which definitely adds a peaceful charm to the estate.

 Mr. Bellingrath was entrepreneurial and very successful as he acquired several mores businesses in the Mobile area. Bessie May Bellingrath passed away in 1943 at a fairly young age and Walter Bellingrath passed away in 1955, but, due to his love for his wife and his appreciation for her beautiful gardening, he provided a way to continue to share their home and gardens with visitors from around the world. Bellingrath Gardens is open 364 days a year and are only closed on Christmas Day.

 If you are looking for a unique, family Christmas experience, this would definitely provide heavenly holiday memories for all. Tickets are available online or at the gate through December 31st. Guests with pre-purchased online tickets do not have to wait in line for admission and may enter the Gardens through the special Will Call Station at the entrance. As many of the employees stated, “This has been a record year for admissions to the special Christmas event,” which was extremely apparent while exiting at 8 p.m. as vehicles were lined for miles, waiting to enter. Regardless of the crowds, its a small price to pay to witness such divine beauty.