Butchart Gardens is a stunning vision with breathtaking displays year-round but there’s nothing like seeing it illuminated in all its glory at Christmas. Located just 15 miles north of downtown Victoria BC, a ride on the Victoria Clipper to get there is all part of the fun. With any luck, you might even enjoy a rare dusting of snow, turning the city into a winter wonderland.
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Either way, it’s sure to be magical with the beauty of Victoria highlighted by the sparkling holiday lights. To take the experience up a notch, you’ll want to experience the Butchart Garden’s Magic of Christmas display, indulging in a little extra special festive goodness.
Wander Through a Colorful Palette of Dazzling Lights
A mere five minutes in, an awe-inspiring display of more than 300,000 lights will be stretched out before you. Even under some cloud cover, it can feel as if you’re strolling through the twinkling stars of the Milky Way. The only challenge for the evening is determining where to focus first to soak it all in.
The scenes draw you in like a magnet. Evergreen boughs and fairy lights line the paths, and near The Garden’s Dining Room Restaurant, silvery-blue icicles melt down a sapphire tree. A little further down the road, there’s a tree dripping with golden pears and a faux partridge nestled in the middle. A partridge in a pear tree! It reveals The Gardens theme: The Twelve Days of Christmas.
More imaginative scenes appear as you make your way toward Butchart’s crown jewel, the iconic Sunken Garden. Those two caged birds? Turtledoves. That flock of trendy looking hens sipping cafe au late in front of the Eiffel Tower? Three French hens. The random group of birds clutching tiny phones in their claws and beaks? Four calling birds.
Reaching the top of the Sunken Gardens, you’ll be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of lights filling every inch of the spectacular garden. There are glittering rivers and streams of lights flowing through the grounds. Follow the trail to check out the remaining 12 Days of Christmas, with each display as impressive as the last.
A Festive Feast Delivered Through Spectacular Sips and Eats
Before long, the former residence of the Butchart family will be back in sight, the Butchart Dining Room Restaurant. Ready to give the feet a rest and quiet a rumbling stomach? Duck inside for dinner. One of The Gardens’ hidden gems, this warm and inviting restaurant serves up some of the tastiest dishes around. Butchart’s exceptional culinary team works months in advance to craft and test the various holiday menus. It’s no surprise that this elegant venue has received numerous accolades for its cuisine.
(Insider tip: Reservations are strongly recommended. Be sure to call ahead when planning your trip for seasonal dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Following dinner, perhaps head to the Piazza to catch classic Christmas carols. We don’t know about you, but for many of us they immediately bring back childhood memories from around the Christmas tree. (Insider tip: Stick around to hear the toe-tapping tunes of the festive brass band – the two groups alternate every half hour between 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Don’t miss the chance to pop into The Butchart Seed & Gift Store. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or do some last-minute shopping for Christmas. There are lots of items that are perfect for stocking stuffers from packets of seeds for gardeners to loose-leaf teas and mouthwatering chocolates. Beware: the maple liqueur chocolates are so good you might find yourself planning a return trip for more.
When it comes time to leave The Gardens, you might think you’ve missed the final display, the 12th Day of Christmas. But if you take time for one last look of the brilliantly illuminated grounds you’ll see it right there in front of you. The row of 12 drummers line the top of the archway to The Gardens for cheery send-off until next year’s return visit.
Additional Trip Planning Information
What is the best way to get to The Butchart Gardens from Seattle?
With departures from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, the Victoria Clipper high-speed catamaran provides a scenic, less than three-hour ride to the heart of downtown Victoria, BC. Even better? Clipper Vacations offers a Victoria Clipper with The Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights package including a hotel stay plus a city tour and transportation to and from The Gardens.
Is The Butchart Gardens open in December?
Yes! The Gardens’ gates are open from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You’re welcome to explore the grounds until 10:00 p.m. On Christmas Day, The Gardens are closed.
How much is admission to The Butchart Gardens?
Timed entrance tickets (no need to worry about this when booking Clipper’s holiday lights package!) to The Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas are $34 per adult, $17 per youth, $3 per child, and free for children younger than four years old.
How long do you need at The Gardens?
Plan on at least 2-4 hours to view all the lights, grab a bite, and listen to the carolers or brass band.
How many Christmas Lights do The Butchart Gardens have?
Each holiday season, The Gardens come to life with more than 300,000 lights spread throughout the 55-acre grounds.
When are The Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights?
The Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas lights display runs from December 1, 2024 through January 5, 2025.
Featured Photo: The Butchart Gardens
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My wife and I toured the gardens in May 2010 as part of a Canada /Alaska tour. We now find ourselves holidaying in Washington State again and jumped at the opportunity to take in the “light tour “.
Hi Brian,
I’m so glad you enjoyed The Gardens, they certainly are spectacular. I hope you have a great time touring the lights, we look forward to having you along on our trip!
Cheers,
Brenna