The holiday season has always been a special time to visit Fernwood.

Visitors this December will enjoy holiday traditions old and new. Just as Fernwood’s founder, Kay Boydston, crafted evergreen boughs and other cut materials into holiday works of art, Fernwood will be using natural materials to deck the halls inside and out, enhanced by a beautiful combination of orchids, ferns, and ivy in the visitor center.

And since Christmas is for kids, Fernwood has plenty of holiday offerings for them, too.

• Enjoy special programming for adults, children and families, including Christmas greens and knitted tomten workshops, culinary classes for adults and children and a Christmas bird count.

● Kids can enjoy drop-in children’s activities from 2 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in December through Dec. 19.

● Join Santa for a yummy breakfast prepared by Chef Tim Carrigan and make a craft with one of Santa’s helpers. Three Saturdays to choose from in December. Registration is required by the Friday prior to the breakfast.

● Bring your list and visit Santa in the Nature Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in December through Dec. 19.

● See Fernwood’s newly installed holiday train, designed by Paul Busse and his team at Applied Imagination, chugging through the Fern Conservatory.

● View the work of ice carvers who will demonstrate their craft on weekends in December through the 19th.

● Spend some time in the gallery with the inspired collection of botanical art by Cyndy Callog.

● Shop in the Fernwood Gift Shop and outdoor garden shop for the perfect gift and holiday greens.

● Be inspired by holiday decorating ideas for your home.

● Enjoy the serene winter landscape and tree structures showcased against a dramatic winter sky.

● After some time outdoors, stop in the cafe to warm up with Chef Tim Carrigan’s winter culinary delights.

Many activities are free with paid admission while others require an additional fee. Winter hours at Fernwood are now in effect — Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.; Fernwood is closed Mondays.

Visit Fernwood online at fernwoodbotanial.org for the latest information and program additions and updates during the holiday season.

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is located at 13988 Range Line Rd, Niles.