VALDOSTA — The Garden Center will be full of the “Sounds of Christmas” this weekend as the home of The Crescent hosts its annual holiday open house.

“This year’s theme ‘Sounds of Christmas’ features not only the season decorated home, but music throughout the home and gardens to welcome everyone to the start of the holiday season,” says Edith Shepherd of the Garden Center. “Each of the eight Valdosta garden clubs is responsible for tastefully decorating the rooms, including the third-floor ballroom.”

The clubs started work on decorating the buildings of the Garden Center, which includes the landmark of The Crescent, earlier this week.

The open house is an annual tradition of the Garden Center and gives the public the opportunity to enjoy the North Patterson Street buildings and grounds decked for the Christmas season.

The Crescent was built in 1898. Built by Col. William S. West, a Georgia senator among many other achievements, The Crescent was the first home in Lowndes County to have electric lights, indoor plumbing and central heating.

The garden clubs were responsible for saving The Crescent from demolition in the 1950s and have been charged with its care ever since. The Garden Center is available for reservations for events ranging from weddings, anniversaries, receptions, and other private functions, in addition to the center sponsoring public events such as the annual holiday open house.

The Crescent is always a treat. Even more so when the Garden Center decks its halls.

“Sounds of Christmas,” The Crescent/Garden Center, 904 N. Patterson St. Runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: Free.