From Thanksgiving through the end of the year, the Garfield Conservatory fixes up the reception area with a miniature Christmas village and hundreds of poinsettias. Beautiful! For an affordable $4, visitors can park in the nearby lots and escape the chill of winter for awhile by coming into the warmth of the reception area and conservatory. Note that they have a coat check area so that you don't have to carry your coats around with you. After paying in the lobby, you enter a reception area that has two sections decorated. The east side is covered with poinsettias with a few large Christmas Trees (one with a mini train) and a gingerbread house rising above them. The west side has a miniature village that runs the entire length of the reception area and around the corners to the doorways. The village has a mini train that motors along, passing stores with many of them having names of local businesses and supporters. At the entrance to the reception area, you can pick up a flyer and pencil for a scavenger hunt to enjoy while you look at the figures in the village. While there, you can also enjoy walking through the conservatory which has some Christmas lights and a few decorated items spread throughout the area. More colorful poinsettias are included in this lush and tropical setting. I noticed a couple people just relaxing in the warmth with a book. A truly great escape from the cold! About mid-month, there is a free time for "Christmas at Garfield" when Santa comes to visit, Mrs Claus has some goodies in one of the nearby park buildings, and they have some craft activities for kids too. If you want to add something new to your holiday activities, check out the park's website for times (usually closes at 5 pm). Be sure to bring your camera. I had to really edit my photos to the ones I posted. This place is beautiful! Review #3431 read more