It’s a crisp December evening, and a quick ride on the Victoria Clipper ferry has landed us in British Columbia’s capital city for a much-needed holiday escape. The rare dusting of the fluffy white stuff has caught the city off guard but in a state of glee, turning Victoria into a winter wonderland. The perfect remedy to recent damp and gloomy back in Seattle.

Book Now: Seattle to Victoria, BC Victoria Clipper Ferry with The Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights Overnight Package

Nothing could make the experience any more magical. Except, perhaps, some Christmas lights, which is how my travel companion and I found ourselves traipsing through a frozen parking lot at the famous Butchart Gardens. On a mission to check out The Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights display and to indulge in a little 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 stretches before us. Even with the night sky partly covered with snow clouds, it feels like we’re wandering through the twinkling stars of the Milky Way. The only challenge for the evening is determining where to focus first to soak in the dazzling display of lights.

Gaze over stunning displays of vibrant colors. Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Gaze over stunning displays of vibrant colors. Credit: The Butchart Gardens

Evergreen boughs and fairy lights rim the paths. Not far from The Garden’s Dining Room Restaurant, silvery-blue icicles melt off a sapphire tree. A little further down the road, a tree drips with golden pears and a faux partridge nestled in the middle. I nudge my companion, and exclaim, “A partridge in a pear tree!” Remembering that The Gardens are decked out in a 12 Days of Christmas theme.

Stroll through the illuminated walkways. Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Stroll through the illuminated walkways. Credit: The Butchart Gardens

More imaginative scenes appear along the 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.

Five golden rings light up the Sunken Garden Lake. Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Five golden rings light up the Sunken Garden Lake. Credit: The Butchart Gardens

Reaching the top of the Sunken Gardens, we soak in the breathtaking vista. A kaleidoscope of lights fills every inch of the spectacular garden with glittering rivers and streams of lights flowing through the grounds. Snow heaped on top of lighted plants makes bushes look 100 times more vivid. Follow the trail and check out the remaining 12 Days of Christmas, with each display as impressive as the last.

Pathways, flower beds, trees and shrubs are all adorned in Christmas lights. Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Pathways, flower beds, trees and shrubs are all adorned in Christmas lights. Credit: The Butchart Gardens

A Festive Feast Delivered Through Spectacular Sips and Eats

Before long, the former residence of the Butchart family is back in sight, the Butchart Dining Room Restaurant. Ready to give the feet a rest and quiet rumbling stomachs, we duck inside for dinner. One of The Gardens’ hidden gems, the 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 the spot 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.)

Sparkling lights frame The Dining Room. Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Sparkling lights frame The Dining Room. Credit: The Butchart Gardens

Following dinner, we wander back out to the Piazza to catch classic Christmas carols. 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.) As one last stop, we pop into The Butchart Seed & Gift Store and snag a tin of Butchart’s 100th Anniversary loose-leaf tea and packet of poppy seeds. Last-minute Christmas shopping = success.

Listen to the brass band play among the trees at The Butchart Gardens. Credit: The Butchart Gardens
Listen to the brass band play among the trees at The Butchart Gardens. Credit: The Butchart Gardens

When it comes time to leave The Gardens, I realize we’ve yet to see one final display, the 12th Day of Christmas. At the car, I take one last, longing look to capture a mental snapshot of the brilliantly lighted grounds. Looking up, I realize I haven’t missed the last display at all; it is right there in front of me. A row of 12 drummers line the top of the archway to The Gardens, offering a 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 quick and scenic ride to the heart of downtown Victoria, BC in just 2 hours and 45 minutes. 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. and you are 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 begins on December 1st and runs through January 6th.

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Featured Photo: The Butchart Gardens