The Penn State Arboretum will launch its winter display of lights and decorations in the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens beginning today, December 9.

The lights will stay on until 9 p.m. each night, and the display will remain up from now through early January. The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens are located at the corner of East Park Avenue and Bigler Road.

At the central fountain, there will be a tree made up of lights visible from Park Avenue. Other lighted trees will be featured in numerous places around the Arboretum, such as the Overlook Pavilion and the children’s garden. 

“During this time of short days and long nights, it’s fun to make the gardens festive with sparkling lights and beautiful evergreen plants,” Shari Edelson, director of operations for the Arboretum, said.

A favorite attraction every year, large wreaths crafted from natural materials by Arboretum horticulture technicians Theresa Barger and Rychele Stipcak will be on display, too. Additionally, ornaments made by children from Penn State’s on-campus childcare centers and local scouting troops will be put on a tree in the glass house in the children’s garden.