Celebrate the season at Skylands Manor

RINGWOOD — Historic Skylands Manor in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be filled with an extravagant display of seasonal décor during NJBG’s spectacular annual Holiday Open House from Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, 2012.

Skylands Manor, a 45-room Tudor-style country estate built in the early 1920s, features many fine historic architectural elements and is an elegant backdrop for this celebration of the season. In keeping with the botanical surroundings, the lush décor features abundant live and dried plants and flowers, elegant appointments, and displays created with youngsters in mind.

The decorating theme is changed annually, so each year the Manor has a very different look. For 2012, the theme is ‘"World of Wonder,” and the focus is on the warm and festive feel of the season. Individual rooms are decorated by scores of volunteers from northern New Jersey garden clubs, Master Gardener programs and local companies, as well as NJBG members. NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member organization that supports the garden, sponsors this annual fundraising event.

Daytime tours of the NJBG Holiday Open House are available Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children under six. No strollers are allowed. Group tours are also available by appointment. The last tour begins at 4 p.m.

Evening ‘Champagne and Candlelight’ receptions are also available on Friday and Saturday evenings, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During these special evening showings, the Manor will be yours for leisurely enjoyment with champagne, light refreshments and valet parking. Tickets are $35 and reservations are required. To reserve tickets, call 973-962-9534 or visit the botanical garden Web site at www.njbg.org.

The New Jersey Botanical Garden is located on Morris Road in Ringwood.