November 19, 2007 

Victoria, BC – The Butchart Gardens kicks off its Magic of Christmas season a day early with the light-up ceremony on November 30 at 5:15 p.m.. Already the ice surface is being made for its outdoor ice skating rink and lights, decorations and the Twelve Days of Christmas displays are being readied. This year’s season will run from Friday, November 30, 2007 to Sunday, January 6, 2008.

The Gardens’ seasonal celebration has, since its inception in 1987, grown into one of the grandest holiday galas in North America. Visitors are immediately enchanted when entering The Gardens’ gates with tens of thousands of lights and a multitude of fresh evergreen swags and wreaths; holly, ivy and winter berries line walkways and festoon lamp posts. Traditional holiday music, with carolers and concerts, fills the air enhancing almost 4,000 poinsettias placed indoors throughout the estate. The ever-popular and festive Twelve Days of Christmas displays are tucked away around the property surprising visitors as they meander the many paths and nooks of the winter wonderland.

“Visitors can skate in the fresh air and enjoy the magic of lights, music and decorations which come together in a spell binding way. Children who were taken around by their parents in strollers in our first year of Christmas lights are close to continuing the tradition with children of their own,” said Alison Partridge, director of public relations and marketing.

Up to fifty people will be welcomed on the ice for each skating session, and a portion of the nominal skating fee will go to help support The Cridge Centre for the Family. Skate rentals will be available, with free use of helmets and wrist guards.

The Gardens’ gates are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. November 30 to December 13, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. December 14 to January 7, 2006, except for Christmas Day’s opening at 1 p.m.. The Seed and Gift Store remains open an hour after the gates close for those last minute holiday gift ideas.

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Media Contact:
Graham Bell
Public Relations
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