Is there anything more welcome as we navigate the dreary fall and winter days than seeing our favourite places in a whole new light? Or many lights!
With the holiday season here, join us as we take spin around some of the IslandB次元官网网址檚 favourite illuminated events and attractionsB次元官网网址�
Butchart Gardens delights with lights, decorations & music
Celebrate the holiday season with the perennial purveyor of holiday cheer, the Butchart GardensB次元官网网址� Magic of Christmas. The showcase of twinkling lights, festive greenery and magical displays kicks off Dec. 1 with the official light up at 5 p.m. and continues through Jan. 6. Experience the Twelve Days of Christmas as you stroll through the colourful holiday displays, taking in the holiday cheer and seasonal sounds with live performances from traditional carollers and festive brass.
The Gardens will be open 3 to 9 p.m. with viewing until 10 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to reserve their date and time to visit with timed entrance tickets, available online. The Dining Room and The Blue Poppy Restaurant, the Coffee Shop, The Seed & Gift Store and the Rose Carousel are also open B次元官网网址� visit for details.
VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Lights of Wonder returns
Lights of Wonder returns to Downtown VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Centennial Square this holiday season, delighting locals and visitors alike with the brilliant selfie-worthy lighting displays and entertainment.
Hosted by the Downtown Victoria Business Association, Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 largest, free outdoor light display opens following the Santa Claus parade Nov. 30 and continues through to Dec. 31.
The family-friendly outdoor holiday wonderland features themed light exhibits, four interactive light tunnels and a 40-foot festive tree, plus live weekend entertainment and warm nibbles.
The lights turn on at 4 p.m. every day, delighting guests until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, until 10 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, and to 12:20 a.m. New YearB次元官网网址檚 Eve.
Entertainment includes music, dance, and depending on the day, free horse-drawn trolley rides and a Mr. Booth Photobooth.
In addition, beginning Dec. 20, Lights of Wonder also features a ferris wheel B次元官网网址� the perfect pay to enjoy the spectacle from an entirely new perspective!
The DVBA first brought a ferris wheel to the community hub in 2012, and it became a tradition until 2016. The ride will be free, with charitable donations gratefully accepted on behalf of local nonprofits.
B次元官网网址淭he business community is excited to invite Victorians to shop, dine and visit downtown this holiday season. Our team is thrilled to bring back an old favourite, the ferris wheel, as part of Lights of Wonder this year! Bring the whole family downtown to enjoy the season while supporting local,B次元官网网址� DVBA CEO Jeff Bray said in a news release.
For a full schedule of events and to plan your visit, check out
Historic Ladysmith celebrates the season in lights
Anyone travelling through south-central Vancouver Island will want to divert off the highway and take in the spectacle that is the Ladysmith Festival of Lights.
Continuing through the second Sunday in January, the festival lights up the historic downtown with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a sensational setting to shop, enjoy a night out, or simply stroll the decorated streets and soak in the spirit of the season.
Learn more at
Milner GardensB次元官网网址� festive display shares magic of the holidays
Magical memories await this holiday season with a visit to the magnificent Milner Gardens in Qualicum Beach.
The gardensB次元官网网址� West Coast woodland and garden will be a-glow with thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays, delighting visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. (with viewing until 8:30 p.m.) Dec. 5 to 8, 12 to 15 and 19 to 22.
You can even enhance your visitor experience by purchasing a pair of Holiday Specs, holographic glasses that transform lights right before your eyes! The glasses are available at the Welcome Centre and Gingerbread House Gift Shop ($4 for one, or three for $10.)
Santa & Mrs. Claus will also be stopping by for a visit B次元官网网址� see them in the Gazebo in the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Food Garden.
Refreshments are available for purchase and admission is by donation B次元官网网址� suggested $8/adult, $4/child or $20/household, but all are welcome!
Find Milner Gardens at 2179 Island Hwy W., in Qualicum Beach.
Plan your visit at , including details about parking and accessibility.
