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Butchart Gardens invites you to the ‘Magic of Christmas’

Holiday celebration includes light installation, brass band with carollers, ice skating with Victoria Royals
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The Magic of Christmas lights up Butchart Gardens from Dec. 1 until Jan. 6. (Twitter/Destination Greater Victoria)

Every year the Magic of Christmas lights up Butchart Gardens and this year is no different as staff have been busily stringing lights to kick off the holiday season, planning a handful of events for some festive fun.

The Gardens will officially transform with the annual Light Up, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. in front of the Rose Carousel. Thousands of lights will illuminate the night with complimentary carousel rides, ice skating and seasonal activities for the kids.

Behind the scenes, an entire team of arts and entertainment staff have worked since Oct. 1 to install the lights and bring back the globe installation on the Rose Garden lawn and the Interactive Light Tree.

Cant make it? Don’t worry – the Gardens will stay lit until Jan. 6.

On Dec. 9 from 3 until 4 p.m. visit with the Victoria Royals on the 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor rink that lies nestled below strings of twinkling lights. Meet the team, get autographs and don’t forget – skate rentals are available.

In the piazza every evening during the Magic of Christmas season, join carollers backed by a festive brass band and sing along to holiday classics

Feeling crafty? The Gardens want you to share your art – bring a homemade paper snowflake when you visit and trade it for a cup of hot chocolate at the coffee shop and it will join the countless others decorating the walls.

RELATED: Bustling time for Butchart Gardens as winter nears

Because December can be a busy time at the Gardens, be prepared for vehicle lineups between 4 and 8 p.m., particularly on weekends when it can take up to 30 minutes to get in.

But don’t be discouraged, plan ahead and check #ButchartTraffic on Twitter to stay up to date on wait times at the gate.

For more information on admission fees and schedules visit ButchartGardens.com.


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