Twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping…
You know the rest, right? Visit The Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas before January 6 in search of the Twelve Days of Christmas displays tucked away throughout the Gardens. An adorable Three French Hens display includes a café table set up with an Eiffel Tower statue; and you may ask yourself where the twelve drummers are drumming (just keep searching and you’ll eventually find them!), but I won’t give away all the secrets. It truly is an amazing experience.
In addition to the displays, The Butchart Gardens are illuminated with tens of thousands of lights, fresh evergreen garland along the walkways, elegant ribbons and decorated wreaths. You can’t miss the charming ice skating rink near the entrance. It was a magical time seeing families celebrating tradition, friends laughing over hot chocolate and couples romantically strolling throughout the Gardens, it definitely brought out the joy of the season. Listening to the kids trying to remember the lyrics to the Twelve Days of Christmas was also a treat.
At Clipper Vacations you can add the Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights tour to your Victoria BC hotel package. You can book it online or Call 1-800-888-2535
Prior to venturing out for the Holiday Lights, my husband and I enjoyed High Tea in the Dining Room. We started by choosing our tea then the waitress brought out the most scrumptious candied ginger scones, accompanied by the sweetest maple butter I have ever tasted. I wanted to box up every last bit of it.
High Tea includes more hot delicacies than Afternoon Tea (served in the summer), and is perfect for a chilly afternoon. The selection includes Cornish pasty, roasted vegetable and cheese quiche, and chicken and mushroom vol-au-vent, followed by a selection of sandwiches and savories. Everything was divine!
Oh, the sweets. These are all made in-house. If you have room for only one dessert after all of the previous goodies, try the Vanilla pot de crème. Ooh la la indeed, to die for! Plus, it’s the only one they can’t box up for you, so indulge, you’ll be glad you did.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
P.S. I know you’re still trying to sing the Twelve Days of Christmas lyrics. If you just can’t remember, here’s the final verse. On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
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