From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
December 18, 2021
UPDATE: Shimmering Solstice Returns! 11/25/22 – 1/1/23
• Subscribe for updates from OWG on tickets+
Shimmering Solstice • 11/20/21-1/9/22 • must buy Advance Tickets • Map
SLIDESHOW – Shimmering Solstice (Full Screen: Click bottom right corner)
“I took the best photos of my life at Shimmering Solstice!” my friend posted online next to his pictures of the holiday light show at Old Westbury Gardens. Since I also had visited the walk-through wonderland, I wasn’t surprised he was thrilled.
Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Lighted trees and architecture cast colorful reflections in pond at west side of Westbury House during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
During my hours (!) visiting Shimmering Solstice on the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens, the Long Island Gold Coast estate, I saw families with young children and grandparents, friends from their late teens to seniors, and photo enthusiasts.
VIDEO – Shimmering Solstice (Full Screen: Click bottom right corner)
Breathtaking scenes include the Rose Garden, the pond, the Walled Garden, and South Lawn and Allee leading to Westbury House, with its decorated front, and a stunning projection show on its south facade.
Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Visitors walk down geometrically lit South Allee during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice, running through Jan. 9, 2022. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
Lightswitch – a collective of internationally recognized lighting, media, and visual designers – worked together with Old Westbury Gardens to create the show that celebrates the OWG’s history and environment.
Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. A mother watches her children make the the Walled Garden colorfully light up during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
Catholic Health is the presenting sponsor of Shimmering Solstice. Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, the President and CEO of Catholic Health, said, “This experience will bring families, friends, and communities together in a beautiful setting to reflect and make memories.”
Because the show both dazzled the senses and created emotional experiences, I do expect my memories will remain as vivid as the photos captured.
Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. A light show is projected on the south facade of Westbury House during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
How wonderful it would be to have the chance to create such memories at Shimmering Solstice for years to come.
Which is why I was so happy to learn that Nancy Costopulos, the President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, said the non-profit intends to make the unique light show an annual holiday tradition at the historic state.
Old Westbury, N.Y., USA. Dec. 10, 2021. Three friends walk among gigantic lighted dandelions during Old Westbury Gardens Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
If you’re in the tri-state area and looking for an unforgettable outdoor holiday experience, it’s well worth the drive to visit Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens.
Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Friends walk down colorfully lighted south allee during Old Westbury Gardens’ Shimmering Solstice. (© 2021 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)
Please note you must buy your tickets before arriving at the event, which runs through January 9, 2022.
FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post): Old Westbury, N.Y., U.S. Dec. 10, 2021. Families explore in front of Westbury House at Shimmering Solstice, a walk-through light show at Old Westbury Gardens, sponsored by Catholic Health, and running through January 9, 2022.
my Shimmering Solstice PHOTOS: bit.ly/annparryOWG2021
my Shimmering Solstice VIDEO: vimeo.com/annparry/shimmeringsolstice
Catholic Health: chsli.org
Lightswitch: lightswitch.net
Old Westbury Gardens: oldwestburygardens.com
