The Magic of Christmas Season at The Butchart Gardens begins on Tuesday, December 1st with the Light-Up Ceremony. At 5 p.m. the switch is thrown and The Gardens come alive with thousands of coloured lights. Sing along with the Traditional Carollers or listen to holiday favourites performed by the Festival Brass. Bring the family and enjoy free rides on The Rose Carousel on this special day.
This magnificent lighting installation features the 12 Days of Christmas displays tucked throughout The Gardens. As each year unfolds, more and more lights are added to create a spectacle so large it takes a lighting crew two full months to install the beautiful decorations.
Every year, thousands of families make the Magic of Christmas a festive tradition. The outdoor ice rink adds an extra holiday experience to the lighting extravaganza. Lace up your skates and glide underneath soft twinkling lights to the sounds of seasonal music. Please note that admission to The Gardens is required to access the rink.
After skating, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and other holiday treats in The Coffee Shop and snuggle up by the cozy fireplace. Children 12 and under are encouraged to bring a homemade paper snowflake to decorate the windows of the Coffee Shop. Each child who partakes in this annual tradition receives a complimentary hot chocolate.
If Christmas dining is on your list, stop by The Blue Poppy Restaurant featuring a wide selection of seasonal delicacies. For a more formal setting, be sure to visit The Dining Room Restaurant located in the original Butchart family residence. Both The Blue Poppy and The Dining Room offer traditional holiday dining on December 24th and 25th. Make your reservations early at 250-652-8222 or through opentable.com for The Dining Room Restaurant.
New this year to augment the delicious food options at The Butchart Gardens is a beautiful Christmas Afternoon Tea running from December 23rd through 27th. The tea features a wide assortment of sweet and savoury favourites. Special seasonal menus are available at www.butchartgardens/dining.
