This month the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden offers two heart-warming events to celebrate the season – Woodland Christmas and Winter Lights, a local tradition for making fresh family memories year after year.
Woodland Christmas happens Sunday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m., with indoor activities and entertainment, plus an outdoor display of lights. Children are invited to make their own Christmas tree using natural boughs and twigs. Our garden elves have strung thousands of lights and decked the halls, artistic gnomes have made exceptional botanical wreaths for you, and the forest fairies have been busy baking and preserving to fill your holiday shelves.
The Big Elf himself, aka Santa Claus, is coming to hear your wishes, Grandma June and Sophie Gawn will tell magical tales for the wee folk, and Gibsons actor Mac Dodge will read Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales. DJ little d will spin some rocking seasonal tunes, and you’ll want to take a stroll through the twinkling paths. Enjoy a cup of tasty hot mulled apple cider while you take in all the activities.
The Winter Lights festival continues from 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 11 and 12, 17 to 21, and 28 to 30. It’s a perfect evening stroll to share with friends and loved ones of all ages. Walk the twinkly trail then come indoors for a warm-up and refreshments. We’ve increased the number of lights thanks to a generous donation from Sunshine Coast Credit Union. Bundle up, dress for the weather, and enjoy the twinkle and glow.
Sunday Dec. 18, come hear the Sweet Adelines harmonies of Arbutus Sounds Chorus, and Monday, Dec. 19, enjoy a Christmas performance from Suncoast Phoenix Community Choir. Other evenings sit around a campfire to enjoy your mug of hot chocolate or warm apple cider.
See www.coastbotanicalgarden.org for details about these events and the Garden.
Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden is at 5941 Mason Rd. in West Sechelt. Admission for either event is by donation, $5 to $10 suggested for adults, $1 to $2 for children.
– Submitted
