UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Arboretum at Penn State will light up with winter displays in the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens beginning Dec. 9.

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

A tree constructed of strings of lights will be installed at the main fountain and visible from Park Avenue. Lighted trees will be featured at the Overlook Pavilion, in the children’s garden and along the walkway around the central lawn.

The lights will remain on until 9 p.m. each night from Dec. 9 through early January.

“We are excited to celebrate the winter season with the campus and community,” said Arboretum Director Casey Sclar.

There will be winter planters and seasonal displays throughout the gardens. A favorite attraction for visitors each year are large wreaths crafted from natural materials by Arboretum horticulture technicians Theresa Barger and Rychele Stipcak.

In the Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden, volunteers will hang garlands of peanuts, cranberries and pine cones coated in birdseed for wildlife visitors. A tree in the glass house in the children’s garden will be decorated with ornaments made by children from Penn State’s on-campus childcare centers and local scouting troops.

Some ornaments survive from year to year, said Rebecca Horwitt, who helps coordinate the volunteers. “Look closely and you may spot an old favorite.”

The H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens are located at the corner of Bigler Road and East Park Avenue on the University Park campus.

To learn more about the winter displays, visit the arboretum's website: https://arboretum.psu.edu/