If you think untangling the strands of Christmas tree lights you stored so carefully last year that managed to unwind mysteriously undetected without human touch requires patience of Biblical proportions, try decorating acres of the country’s most visited garden. Then add the complication of making the lighting of the gardens magical without disturbing any of the animals who call that garden home.

That was exactly the challenge that the self-dubbed lights masters at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre faced when they decided to create a magical wonderland among the lush landscaping and errant cries of the cockatoos at The Bahamas’ only bird sanctuary, public flamingo experience and exotic animal zoo.

Now they are ready to unveil the big reveal.

Set for this Saturday with five additional nights in December, Night Lights at Ardastra will feature festive entertainment under the stars and holiday lights and is billed as equally appropriate for families, friends and couples in love.

“This is something we have wanted to do for a very long time,” said Katherine Solomon, Director. “The gardens are so romantic, there is nowhere like it in the region, and we wanted people to enjoy the setting at night and what better way than to light the walkways and show off the lush greenery with fairy lights.”

Thousands of lights will adorn the walkways, pavilion and trees, some more than 100 years old.

Night Lights at Ardastra will start Saturday, December 16 and will open again on the 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. Admission is $5 per person with doors opening at 6 pm. Ardastra is called Nassau’s hidden treasure though 1957 National Geographic discovered the 4.5-acre garden with its brilliant flamingoes and dedicated an 18-page magazine spread to ‘Ballerinas in Pink.’ Now, three times a day, Ardastra’s 5-foot high flamingoes continue to delight audiences as they march with military precision and then pose for photos with individual visitors. Located in Chippingham just a few minutes from Arawak Cay, Ardastra is home to some 50 species of birds and animals and hundreds of plants and flora.

Night Lights at Ardastra – Thousands of lights adorn the walkways, pavilions and trees as Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre gets set to launch its first six-night light show this Saturday. Night Lights at Ardastra will feature festive entertainment under the stars, holiday lights and is billed as equally appropriate for families, friends and couples in love.