Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden offers two heart-warming events to celebrate the season during December – Woodland Christmas (Sunday, Dec. 2, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.) and Winter Lights (Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, Dec. 2 to 18, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
Both events have become treasured traditions for making memories year after year.
The fun commences with Woodland Christmas on Dec. 2, with indoor activities for merry-makers of all ages. Children are invited to make a natural Christmas tree to take home. Stories, wishes, rocking seasonal music with dj little d, and a visit from twinkly-eyed Santa Claus who wants to hear how good you’ve been (2 to 3:30 p.m.). Grandma June will tell stories (3:30 p.m.), and everyone can enjoy a cup of tasty warm mulled apple cider and a sweet.
The Garden elves have used all sorts of Nature’s craft materials to give you inspiration to add some outdoors to your indoor décor this season. And the volunteer forest faeries have been busy baking and preserving to fill your winter shelves.
This Sunday is also opening night for Winter Lights. Dec. 2, 3, 4; 9, 10, 11; and 16, 17, 18 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., stroll through the multi-coloured sparkly path. This is another family favourite, each night including refreshments and other activities.
Dec. 4, listen to Coast String Fiddlers. Dec. 17 join the Suncoast Phoenix Choir in song. There may be indoor dance music, paper craft, the Wish Tree or, weather permitting, a campfire to warm your toes and stoke your memories. Visit www.coastbotanicalgarden.org for details about these events and the Garden.
Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is at 5941 Mason Road in Sechelt. Admission for either event is by donation, $5 to $10 suggested for adults, $1 to $2 for children.
– Submitted by Paddy Wales
