On Friday, November 23 at 6 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will kick off the 43rd Holiday Nights celebration with the annual tree lighting ceremony. This is the first Holiday Nights under the direction of the organization's new CEO, Mike Flanders. The event will offer visitors an impressive light show this year with more lights and new displays and decorations. 

The popular Liquid Fireworks Waltzing Waters lighted water fountain display will be on site again this year with a state-of-the-art light show choreographed with holiday music. Some of the new displays include two 25' lighted steel trees and an 18' lighted tree at the Edison fountain. This year, thanks to a lift sponsorship from Sunbelt Rentals, the lights on the palm trees are strung all the way to the base of the fronds for a magical display that should delight both first-time and return visitors. 

For children, artist Doug MacGregor will be on site drawing cartoons on November 29, and December 6, 13 and 20 from 6-8 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting and making their list on November 23 and 30, and December 2, 9, 16 and 23. Adults and children alike can enjoy the Children's Tree Trail -- a collection of more than 60 trees decorated with handmade ornaments from Lee County school children.

Through December 30, guided Holiday Tradition Tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. every night and Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours will be offered on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The museum and the botanic research laboratory will be open nightly until 9 p.m. Live music performances include Victorian carolers and a pianist on select nights. 

There will be a special Holiday Tea with Mina Edison and Clara Ford on December 12 at 6 p.m. in the Edison Caretaker's House. Mina and Clara will talk about their favorite holiday traditions and tea, lemonade and cookies will be served. After the tea, visitors may stroll the beautifully decorated grounds. Space is limited to 30 guests, so registration is required. Tickets for the tea are $15 for members or $25 for non-members and include general admission to Holiday Nights.

The Ford Cottage Shoppe, Museum Store and Garden Shoppe will be open until 9 p.m. every night and will be stocked with unique gift items and plants for that hard-to-buy-for loved one on your holiday shopping list. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Chris-Tel Construction and Bob Dean Supply, Inc. are also Holiday Nights sponsors this year with the fabrication and construction of two new 25' lighted steel trees. Chris-Tel is supplying the construction methods and Bob Dean is sponsoring the fabrication of materials. 

Holiday Nights tickets for adults are $20, teens (13-19) $10, children (6-12) are $2 and Edison Ford members get in free. Guided Holiday Tradition Tours are $30 for adults, teens are $25, children $18 and $10 for Edison Ford members. Inside-the-Homes Holiday Tours are $50. Lee County residents with identification will receive $5 off Holiday Nights admission every Sunday and Monday. Tickets for a tour and river cruise package are also available and waterfront dining is offered next door at Pinchers. 

To purchase tickets or view the nightly schedule, visit the website at www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.