The Dazzling Display of Lights Made Butchart Gardens a Truly Spectacular Sight Last Christmas

Its no secret, the primary all-year round tourist attraction of Vancouver Island, BC is the Butchart Gardens. People who catch sight of this wonderful place never fail to gush over its magnificent beauty. But last Christmas, the entire 55 acres transformed into a magical wonderland of sorts, designed to enthrall children and adults alike. Even locals like me who have enjoyed the beauty of the gardens on numerous occasions, was truly impressed at the stunning display of lights.

Breathtaking Views for the Young and Old

Last December, I heard people raving about the Butchart Gaderns’, Magic of Christmas Special. This prompted me to make a mental note of checking out the place and bring along the kids to take a few photos for the blog. With the holiday rush, I only got around to visit the site on the last week of December. Luckily, the presentation was scheduled to end on the first week of January.

Despite the chilly weather, one can’t help but be amazed at the sight of thousands of twinkling lights, complemented with evergreen swags, wreaths and other holiday decor. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. For children, one could just imagine the visual impact the entire place presents, which no doubt only fuels their vivid imagination. It was too much to take in with a one glance. In fact, it may take a few minutes before you notice every detail that makes up the entire breathtaking view.

Fun Holiday Activities for Locals and Tourists

As soon as we started to roam around the gardens, I found out there were highlights other than the stunning display of lights. Part of their Magic of Christmas presentation included the 12 days of Christmas displays, which were strategically spread all throughout the gardens.

The whole garden was also abuzz with activities and families enjoying the sights. In one area, a 3, 300 square foot ice rink was set up, where one can enjoy ice skating during regular admission hours. There was also the Piazza, which presented the perfect stage for holiday music performances and carols, which I discovered was available on a daily basis from December 1, 2011 to January 6, 2012.

Like many, I would assume, I did not notice the time. I enjoyed a good two hours just walking around and absorbing the festive holiday cheer. The Butchart Gardens during December is definitely something everyone should look forward to every year. In fact, for people planning to visit Victoria, it’s a good idea to schedule a trip during the holidays. The photos simply won’t do justice to the visual delight it presents up close.

Accommodations

Sidney BC Accommodations:

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn is a charming hotel located just minutes from the Victoria International Airport in Sidney, British Columbia. This hotel is near the Centre of the Universe Observatory, the Butterfly Gardens and the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

The Sidney hotel offers spaciously-appointed guest rooms and suites, microwave, refrigerator, and cable satellite television and free wireless high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a fitness center, dry cedar sauna, hot tub, full business services and the Mary Winspear Conference Centre. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

Contact info:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Emerald Isle Motor Inn, 2306 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 1X2,

Canada Toll Free: (800) 315-3377 Phone: (250) 656-4441

Fax: (250) 655-1351

Email: frontdesk@bwemeraldisle.com

Come and enjoy Vacouver Island and please tell your friends about us.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.