What to expect
December 1 to January 6, closed December 25. Admission gates are open 3 to 9 p.m. every day, and the gardens stay open for viewing an hour after the gates close.
The season opens with the official light-up on Tuesday, December 1, at 6 p.m. in front of the Rose Carousel, included with admission. The gardens say no Christmas lights are on before 6 that night. All season there are carollers and festive brass from 5 to 9 p.m., and a Children’s Snowflake Exchange where kids 12 and under trade a snowflake for hot chocolate.
The outdoor rink runs 40-minute sessions every hour on the hour from 3 p.m., weather permitting. Book in person at the Information Centre. Skating is extra on top of garden admission: $5.25 adults, $4.20 youth and $3.15 children, plus $3.15 for skate rental, tax included. Helmets and wrist guards are free.
Admission is $41 for adults, $20.50 for youth 13 to 17 and $5 for children 5 to 12, tax included. Timed entry tickets are strongly recommended. The Japanese and Mediterranean gardens are closed over Christmas. There are no New Year’s Eve fireworks, but the gardens are open for viewing until 10 p.m. that night.
The facts
- When
- Tuesday 1 December to Wednesday 6 JanuaryFrom 3 p.m.
- Cost
- $5 to $41$20.50 youth 13 to 17, $5 children 5 to 12 (tax included
- Booking
- Tickets online
- Suits
- Families and kids
- Where
- The Butchart GardensCentral Saanich
- Organiser
- The Butchart Gardens
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