Victoria, BC – The Magic of Christmas, now in its 32^nd year, returns at The Butchart Gardens beginning with the annual Light Up ceremony on Saturday, December 1^st at 5:00 pm when the switch is flipped to officially welcome the season. Adding to the festivities, The Rose Carousel on December 1^st is complimentary.  A family tradition since 1987, visitors will see The Gardens transformed complete with twinkling lights, outdoor skating rink, festive brass, and traditional carollers. The seasonal celebration will run to Sunday, January 6^th, 2019.

Visitors are immediately enchanted when entering The Gardens’ gates as they are greeted with tens of thousands of lights and a multitude of fresh evergreen swags and wreaths. Holly, ivy and winter berries line walkways and festoon lamp posts. Traditional holiday music, with carollers and concerts, fills the air. Over 4,000 poinsettias placed indoors throughout the estate add a festive flair. The Twelve Days of Christmas displays placed throughout The Gardens are a long time favourite. Accompanying features include an Interactive Light Tree and the ever-popular Christmas train scene.

The festive atmosphere of the Dining Room Restaurant provides a beautiful setting for the Seasonal Afternoon Tea which features a variety of savory and sweet treats, while the dinner menu showcases creations of the culinary team, in keeping with the season. For a more relaxed setting, the Blue Poppy Restaurant offers a family friendly option. Sweet treats from the Coffee Shop includes favourites such as gingerbread and hot chocolate.

Mark your calendars to skate with the Victoria Royals at The Gardens on Sunday, December 9^th from 3:00pm – 4:00pm. Meet the team, along with fan favourite Marty the Marmot, and be sure to get their autographs.

The Gardens’ gates are open 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, and visitors are welcome to stay until 10pm. On Christmas Day’s Gates open at 1:00 pm.  The Seed and Gift Store remains open an hour after the gates close for those last minute holiday gift ideas.

The Butchart Gardens is an internationally renowned 55-acre (22 hectare) display garden located near Victoria, British Columbia. Created in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, and still privately owned and operated by family descendants, The Gardens has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada and welcomes over one million visitors a year.

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Media Contacts:
Daphne Gardner
Manager, Public Relations
daphnegardner@butchartgardens.com
250-544-4481