Butchart Gardens is throwing the switch on an annual holiday tradition tonight (Dec. 1), as the beloved Victoria attraction launches its Magic of Christmas lightup and Twelve Days of Christmas, starting at 4:45 p.m.
The event kicks off a month of special holiday displays and activities, ranging from outdoor skating on the Gardens’ 5,000-square-foot rink, to traditional carollers and festive brass playing in the central piazza.
At this time of year the Gardens’ famous floral displays are replaced with festive greenery, perfect for nestling those creative Twelve Days displays. They’re not all obvious, so do your best to try and find them all!
Kids are invited to create their own snowflake on a white sheet of paper and bring it in to the Gardens to exchange for a cup of hot chocolate at the coffee shop. The homemade creations will adorn the windows of the café through the Christmas season.
The nighttime displays and activities run from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 6. The skating is popular and there’s only so much room, so if you’re planning on doing so, you’ll need to check in at the visitor information centre when you arrive to book a spot. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for youth and $3 for children. Skate rental is $3.
For more information, visit butchartgardens.com/christmas/.