If you live here, you know that few things capture the magic of Christmas like the seasonal spectacle of the same name at Butchart Gardens.
What is particularly cool about this annual family tradition is that no two years are the same, with eye-catching new colour and lighting schemes putting a subtle new twist on what we expect.
That, of course, is the enchanting transformation of the world-famous tourist magnet into a twinkling winter wonderland, its foliage, floral wonders and more festooned with lights and seasonal decor.
“Every year we change things up, and our director of arts and entertainment adds new elements, like the fabulous new lighting over our skating rink,” said Dale Ryan, director of public relations, sales and marketing.
Other past additions like the switch from incandescent to LED lighting, and the Children’s Pavilion and Rose Carousel have since become permanent fixtures.
As visitors discovered Dec. 1 during the 29th annual Magic of Christmas Light Up, not all the atmosphere was created in-house.
The sea of spectators clutching see-through umbrellas they are offered when Mother Nature misbehaves was a surreal reminder that this year’s Magic of Christmas launch was West Coast-style.
And the mist and pitter-patter of raindrops during the 5 p.m. countdown was a vivid reminder we live in a rain forest, albeit one with eggnog and gingerbread lattés and other festive fare available.
“Even when it’s raining, it’s still fun,” said Francisca Van Loon, who brought along her niece, Sierra Grand, a first year University of Victoria engineering student from Red Deer.
“The last time I came was when I was 2, so I don’t remember much,” laughed Grand, 18, who wanted to catch the Christmas spirit before she’s preoccupied with final exams.
Rachel Skidmore, whose daughters Devyn, 9, and Jordyn, 7, got to pull the red Christmas Switch after a countdown that is to Victoria what the New Year’s Eve countdown is to Times Square, wouldn’t have missed it.
“I’m a family member who receives respite through Cridge Centre for the Family’s respitality program, and Butchart Gardens lovingly donates some passes to families who don’t otherwise get a night off,” said Skidmore, referring to the respite care and hospitality program for families of children with diverse needs.
Local hotels and attractions sponsor the program that provides a night’s stay in a hotel and a basket of treats for exhausted parents who could use a break.
While Devyn sipped hot chocolate and Jordyn fixated on her gingerbread cookie, their mom explained Jordyn’s condition. Her youngest daughter was born with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen just prior to birth. Consequently, she has developmental delays and seizure disorders, is visually impaired and has cerebral palsy.
“She should be vegetative with so much damage to her brain,” Skidmore said. “She’s our walking little miracle. I often say that God looked down and realized how intelligent she was and had to pull back the switch.”
A chorus of spectators punctuated the girls’ magical moment with a rousing version of Jingle Bells.
Christmas carollers whose attire recalled a Currier and Ives postcard enhanced the festive spirit with renditions of Joy to the World, Deck the Halls and other favourites.
“Hey, there’s actual people singing,” exclaimed Alessia Muresu to co-worker Tom Davison as the representatives of downtown Vancouver’s Listel Hotel wandered by.
Like others we spoke to, they seemed unfazed by the rain.
“As soon as the lights go on, we’re in the mood,” said caroller Melanie Wittur. “Tis the season.”
The Magic of Christmas continues until Jan. 6.
