Business & Tech

Phipps Winter Exhibit a Warm Escape

The theme of this year's Winter Flower Show is "The Nutcracker."

Escape the dreary, cold weather by checking out the Winter Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory in Oakland.

"It's a nice injection of color in the winter month," said Liz Fetchin, Phipps' spokesperson.

Every year Phipps features a Winter Flower exhibit, filled with hundreds of poinsettias, amaryllis and fresh-cut evergreens adorned with LED lights.

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"It is very nostalgic for a lot of people in Pittsburgh," Fetchin said. "We have patrons who have been coming since they were little, and now they are bringing their grandchildren."

Fetchin encourages patrons to make sure they check out the Winter Flower Show this year because of its "magical" theme.

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"Each year we try to give it that extra something special, and this year it's 'The Nutcracker,'" Fetchin said.

Scenes from the Christmas ballet are brought to life in each room with the use of flowers and plants.

Walk into the Palm Court and peek through the keyhole of a large, decorative wooden display, just as Clara did in "The Nutcracker."

The theme continues through the conservatory; visitors will see the sugar plum fairy in the land of sweets and the cannonball battle between toy soldiers and mice made of topiary.

A 20-foot Frasier fir adorned in white, blue and silver decorations greet guests in the Victoria room—surrounded by hundreds of hydrangeas.

"There really is something for everyone. Kids love the looking at the Garden Railroad in the South Conservatory. And our older patrons just like to leisurely stroll through," Fetchin said.

Phipps also makes for a great date night. Bring your loved one to a Candlelight Evening. Each night through Dec. 31, Phipps will stay open until 10 p.m., with live entertainment, thousands of LED lights twinkling and walkways lined with tea candles. On Fridays, the Cafe Phipps features "The Nutcracker"-themed cocktails and flatbread specials.

The Winter Flower Show will continue through Jan. 8. Special family fun activities are planned during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Children can enjoy potted plant stations, train whistle and birdfeeder crafts, face painting and educational programs scattered throughout the conservatory.

Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 62 and older, $11 for students with valid ID, $9 for children ages 2 through 18, children under 2 and members are free.

Click here for conservatory hours and exhibit information.


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