Father Christmas and the Giant Poinsettia Tree

The Poinsettia Tree in the Orchid Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden has become probably the most favored holiday season photo-making spot in the Garden.

Poinsettia Tree, Atlanta Botanical Garden

It also happens to be where Saint Nick, or Father Christmas, visits with excited children, parents, families, and other Garden visitors. 

Father Christmas

His first 2012 visit was yesterday (as a Garden volunteer, I had the honor of helping make photos) and he's there again today and tomorrow (November 23-25, 2012) and he'll be back on Saturdays through December 15. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As of this writing, he's busy with other holiday business during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights hours.

Photos and "what-you-want-for-Christmas" chats with Father Christmas are complimentary (with Garden admission and of course totally free for Garden members), just remember to bring your own camera. And I recommend bringing the good camera...this Father Christmas is fantastic! 

There are even visitors who bring friends who are well-versed in the art of photography to make family photos with this Father Christmas. I even heard quite a few visitors say, "Christmas Card!" after a few clicks.

There's a lot more going on at the Garden this season...too much to list here, but allow me to mention a few:

• Visits with Saint Nick/Father Christmas
• Ride-on Train
• Santa's Missing Mail
• Frelf/Frelves (NEW, photo ops with "Frog Elves"!)
• Holiday Model Train Show (new location)
• Reindog Parade (December 8)
• Garden Lights, Holiday Nights (every night through January 5)
• and more!

If you're a regular wanderlust ATLANTA reader, you know that the Atlanta Botanical Garden is my favorite place in the City, so I highly recommend a visit (or two or three) during the season and consider a membership, too (just look at the programming to see why!).

As a wanderlusting Atlanta tourist, I'd be remiss if I didn't encourage you to get out and explore all the wonderful attractions Atlanta has to offer during the holiday season. There are LOTS! Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where I've noted some.

Happy Holiday Season, Everyone!