(Sarasota, FL, December 14, 2009):  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens bursts into radiant color with the opening of “Lights in Bloom: A Tropical Holiday Celebration” on December 18, 2009.  The Gardens will shimmer with thousands of twinkling lights, including light sculptures of butterflies, dragonflies, orchids and tropical birds.  Nightly entertainment will feature local musical groups with a special performance by members of the acclaimed Gloria Musicae on December 21.  The Gardens’ signature 20-foot high bromeliad tree will be prominently displayed in front of the mansion, and guests will be able to stroll through the breathtakingly beautiful Tropical Conservatory nightly.

Children may visit with Santa Claus on each night prior to Christmas, and the Gardens will offer additional activities and family entertainment on Saturday, December 19.  The Sugar Shack will open in the Mansion Sun Room for creative cookie decorating.

Refreshments from Local Coffee + Tea will be available for purchase in the historic Selby House and in the Carriage House.   The Garden Shop will offer a wide array of unique gifts for holiday shoppers. 

Selby Lights in Bloom will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., December 18-23, 26 and 27.   Admission is $12.00 for adults; $10.00 for Selby Gardens members, and children 12 and under enter free when accompanied by an adult.  For more information call (941) 366.5731.

Lights in Bloom is sponsored in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues, Mosaic, Comcast, WUSF, Clear Channel, Marie Selby Gardens Associates, Martin W. Faust Insurance, and the Florida Garden Railway Society 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a respected center for research and education as well as a famous orchid showplace.  The Gardens is located at 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota. It is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Christmas day.