Bok Tower Gardens is adding to the list of things to do in Florida this holiday season with its 15^th Annual Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour. This is one of the favorite holiday events in Central Florida.

LAKE WALES, FL - The holidays at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales will be especially joyful with 'Joy to the World' as the theme for the 15th annual Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour from November 27 through January 3. As their contribution to one of the favorite holiday events in Central Florida, designers will deck the halls of the 20-room, 1930s Pinewood Estate with elegant and elaborate decorations. Sponsors include Progress Energy and Winter Haven Hospital along with media partners The Ledger and WEDU.

Visitors will enter a winter wonderland where Santa’s sleigh is overflowing with gifts next to the list of who’s been naughty and nice. Whimsical elves have turned The Pantry into a magical Candy Land filled with 'Visions of Sugarplums.' The Wild Hare in Winter Haven, along with designers Patti Bostick and Heather Coscia, have started a new tradition this year by sponsoring the room on behalf of another non-profit organization, the Lake Wales Arts Center. Another new decorating idea by Citizens Bank & Trust involves community-wide support from its staff and customers who have filled The Loggia with angels, birds, and natural wonders including an underwater world illustrate the theme song’s refrain, 'And Heaven and Nature Sing.’

“Families return year after year to get new decorating ideas and capture the holiday spirit. It’s always fun to see what's new and different especially since this year’s theme, ‘Joy to the World,’ is based on verses of the popular Christmas carol, holiday traditions around the world and the joy of the season,” explains David Price, president of Bok Tower Gardens.

More than 10,000 visitors are expected to attend one of the most popular Central Florida attractions, the holiday home tour, and will be invited to vote on their favorite room designs. The top prize in the 'People’s Choice' awards is the opportunity to host a private event for 25 at Pinewood Estate. Visitors may purchase tickets for a drawing to win prizes that include a private dinner for eight at Pinewood Estate.

In addition, from November 28 through January 1, visitors can enjoy seasonal music during carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. from the Singing Tower. On December 11 and 13, evening holiday home tours at 7 p.m. will be included with Christmas concerts featuring soprano Alana Trimmier at 7:30 p.m. The concerts include a champagne reception. Space is limited and the cost is $38 for non-members or $29 for members. Email phrestina@boktower.org or call 863-676-1408 for reservations.

“If you’re in town this holiday season, add the Pinewood Holiday Home Tour to your list of things to do in Central Florida. It’s a celebration you don’t want to miss out on!” concludes Price.

Voted Florida’s best garden by readers of Florida Monthly Magazine, Bok Tower Gardens will feature 14 unique varieties of poinsettias on display at the Visitor Center and more than 200 red and white poinsettias at Pinewood Estate. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the holiday home tour hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Christmas Eve 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Christmas Day 1 to 5 p.m. There is an additional fee for tickets that can be purchased at the entrance gate, Visitor Center and Pinewood Estate. Group rates are available.

About Bok Tower Gardens:
Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark was dedicated in 1929 as a gift to America from Edward W. Bok, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, humanitarian and an advocate of world peace. Located 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa in rolling hills of citrus near Lake Wales, it has been voted Florida’s Best Garden by readers of Florida Monthly magazine. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission is at 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free.

Media Contact:
Cassie Jacoby
cjacoby@boktower.org
1151 Tower Boulevard
Lake Wales Florida
863-734-1210
http://www.boktowergardens.org