During our trip to Victoria, we had the opportunity to explore Butchart Gardens and it was truly spectacular. Currently, the gardens are decorated for the holidays with just the right amount of lights.
We were in awe from the moment we entered the gardens at how gorgeous the grounds and lights are. Even in the winter, Butchart Gardens is spectacular.
Butchart Gardens Victoria BC Holiday Light Display
The Butchart Gardens holiday light path is easily walkable in comfortable shoes. The path guides you through the gardens so you don't miss a thing.
Make sure and check out the Sunken Gardens. This is the original part of the property that Jennie Butchart planted to cover what was a quarry and cement plant.
Jennie slowly but surely brought in topsoil and planted what became the Sunken Gardens. From here the gardens extended to the house and around the property.
Keep an eye out for the 12 days of Christmas as you walk through Butchart Gardens!
Visiting Butchart Gardens is the perfect romantic date night or family night out. You can stroll together and soak up the gorgeous lights and atmosphere. If you get a bit chilled grab some hot chocolate or coffee at the coffee shop.
You can even ice skate on site! We skipped this since I am pretty sure I would have spent more time kissing the ice than actually skating on it. 🙂
For the perfect date night check out The Dining Room for a fine dining experience. We had a wonderful time together enjoying our meal at The Dining Room.
You simply can't ask for a better view of the gardens and setting for a romantic date night.
Plus the food is simply divine! Everything we ordered was cooked perfectly and presented with gorgeous plating. I enjoyed the Silver Rill corn risotto and it was perfection! John had a 6 oz. AAA beef tenderloin plated with Gruyère “Mac & Cheese” fritter, roast celery, demi-glace and it was amazing.
I am going to fully admit to stealing a bit of John's Gruyere Mac and Cheese and oh my! I could have just enjoyed the Mac & Cheese fritter and been happy but I am oh so thankful to have enjoyed the entire meal!
Butchart Gardens Information
The holiday light display runs from December 1st to January 6th
All Admissions must be booked online in advance.
Visitors and pass holders will be required to book a specific date and entry time.
During the Christmas season, pets are permitted after 8:00 pm only.
The Japanese Garden is not included in the Butchart Gardens Christmas Lights Display and closes at 4:00 PM
The gardens are open year-round and well worth visiting any time of the year. We are looking forward to returning in Spring and Summer and seeing the gardens in full bloom.
You can find out more about Butchart Gardens by checking out their Website, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Instagram channels
Additional Victoria BC Resources
Mommy Pehpot
OMG! That place is spectacular!
I can spend my whole night here and just marvel at the lights and the plants.. My kids will have here too!
The sunken garden is fantastic!
Amanda
WOW, That is so beautiful. It reminds me of Long Wood Gardens. I would love to walk through there at night and look at all the lights. It really is very beautiful. Now that fact that you had dinner there is amazing. It looks so romantical. =P Thank you for sharing! Your photos are beautiful and it looks like it was a great experience.
Fi Ní Neachtáin
Wow is all I can say to those pictures! What an amazing lights display - imagine the electricity bill, lol! I love the lights reflecting off the water, has such a romantic feel to it, don't you think? I would love a visit here during Christmas time.
Geanine
Since I was a child, viewing the Holiday lights has been a tradition I did with my grandma annually. A tradition I have carried on with my children, however we have never walked through it has always been us looking out the window of our vehicle. What an amazing experience it would be for my children and I to actually walk through! PS as a setting for dinner, Im in love!
Margarita Ibbott (
I had no idea that you could go to Butchcart Garden's in the winter. Mind you, I think I have only been once 30 years ago. I think the next time I'm in Victoria visiting my sister in law, I will have to go. It is just lovely. Nice pictures too. You did a great job on them.
Rosey
Well, I'm in awe just from your pictures on the blog, so I can only imagine how much nicer it was even in person. it's amazing what some strategically placed lights can do to alter an atmosphere and make for a lot of happy in one place. Everything looks fantastic!
Lauren
this light display is absolutely amazing! I am a huge sucker for christmas light displays, and this one is perfect! Thank you for sharing these fun pictures of the lights!
Jeanine
Wow that is a sight to see for sure. I love lights around Christmas. Something so magical about them. Especially like this. It looks absolutely beautiful. I would love to see something like this and I know my kids would go nuts for this too! Very pretty.
ashley
These lights are beautiful! It reminds me of a garden that we used to live by. Every year, they'd go ALL out and have the most amazing lights over all of their structures, plants, trees, etc. I loved visiting it even though it was always super cold when we went! We didn't go this Winter since we moved, but I'm hoping we can make time to go next Winter!
Kelley
Wow! The gardens looks stunning...reminds me of Disney World for some reason. I'd love to be able to see the Holiday light display one year. Maybe next year!
Samantha Angell
This does sound like an absolutely terrific date night! A nice romantic stroll, getting in the Christmas spirit, and then a great dinner out. How was the weather when you went? In Minnesota and Sweden, I always have to worry about it being much too cold for activities like this. Back in MN we usually drove around in our car and looked at Christmas lights from the comfort of heated seats!