The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden offers two heart-warming events to celebrate the season — Woodland Christmas and Winter Lights — now local traditions for making memories year after year.
The merriment commences with Woodland Christ-mas this Sunday, Dec. 6 from 3 to 6 p.m., with indoor activities for all plus the first lighting of an expanded outdoor light show. Children are invited to make a crafty Christmas tree to take home using natural boughs and twigs. The volunteer gnomes have made exceptional botanical wreaths for you, this year in a variety of sizes, and the forest fairies have been busy baking and preserving to fill your winter shelves.
Grandma June is our treasured story-teller, making memories for children and bringing back the best of everyone’s childhood. If we’re all very nice, Santa Claus will also be on hand to ask your hopes for the big day.
You’ll find inspiration to add some of nature’s embellishments to your home décor this season using simple materials. The Wish Tree has become a tradition where you might hang a special blessing, greeting or wish. DJ little d will spin some rocking seasonal tunes, and you’ll want to have a stroll through the twinkling paths. Enjoy a cup of tasty hot mulled apple cider and a sweet.
The Winter Lights festival will light up the woods each Sunday and Monday from Dec. 8 to 29 from 4 to 8 p.m., a perfect evening stroll to share with loved ones. Walk the twinkly trail then come indoors for a warm up and refreshments.
Garden volunteers have increased the number of lights thanks to generous donations from Garden members and RONA Sunshine Coast. Bring your camera to try some fun night lights photos — a tips sheet is available.
Each Winter Lights evening features a special activity or entertainment, such as campfire night, kids’ craft, letters to Santa or a performance from Suncoast Phoenix Choir.
The Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is located at 5941 Mason Road in Sechelt. Admission for either event is by donation, $5 to $10 suggested for adults, $1 to $2 for children. See www.coastbotanicalgarden.org for details about these events and the Garden.
