The signs of the holiday season are all over the Hamptons. Festive window displays and decorated trees light up the towns and villages from Westhampton Beach to Montauk. But one holiday spot is drawing hundreds way out east to East Hampton this time of year, the Christmas Snow Village display at Groundworks @ Hrens.
Sue McGintee, landscape designer at Groundworks, explained to Hamptons.com that Hamptons resident Susan Warner gifted her vast collection of Department 56 houses and three train sets to the landscape design company last year. With her friend Mary Jo Mackey they set up the display over the course of a week this year much to the delight of those at Groundworks as well as visitors to the garden center.
Visitors will enjoy peering into hundreds of tiny houses – a bakery, fire department, ferris wheel, even a lighthouse – arranged in multiple levels to show off all of the special details. Clever signs warn visitors not to touch because “An Elf Is Watching.” The scene is delightfully charming with tiny streetlights and figurines sure to bring that touch of wonder to even the most jaded holiday shoppers eye.
“I like the trains,” says McGintee, “We don’t even put half of them up.” Perhaps they will expand the display next year. For now though, there is more than plenty to see and enjoy.
Groundworks @ Hrens is located at 530 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, NY. The Christmas Snow Village is open to the public daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through the holiday season. www.groundworkslandscaping.com.
