By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders event is back, running until January 5, 2025, transforming Hendrie Park into a breathtaking winter wonderland. This annual celebration seamlessly blends stunning light displays, interactive installations, and festive activities, combining the natural beauty of the gardens with the magic of the holiday season.
“Winter Wonders is designed to be a holiday tradition,” says Adrienne Lister, events producer at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG). “We aim to create an experience that feels familiar yet fresh every year, combining the garden’s unique beauty with holiday magic. Our goal is for visitors to leave feeling connected to nature and each other.”
One of the most beloved staples of Winter Wonders is the Botanical Train Display, featuring seven lines of model train tracks winding through scale replicas of iconic Canadian landmarks. “This display has been cherished across generations and is a highlight of many families’ holiday traditions,” Lister adds.
Indoor Horticulturalist Kathleen Hutcheson explains that all the plant materials used in the display are grown at RBG, including unique ornamental peppers that are slow-growing and rare in winter exhibits. “The careful planning for this exhibit starts as early as March,” she notes.
Interactive installations bring a magical, modern touch to Winter Wonders. Lantern Lane, introduced last year, features hundreds of illuminated lanterns nestled among some of RBG’s oldest trees, creating a serene and whimsical atmosphere. The Hugging Tree, another standout installation, lights up in a rainbow of colours when embraced, symbolizing the invisible connection between humans and nature.
“It’s a spectacular way to show how we’re all connected to the environment around us,” says Lister.
Adding to the festive fun is the Singing Tree, an installation that lights up and changes colours when guests sing or make audible sounds nearby. Visitors can gather around a post with holiday song lyrics or choose their own tune to bring the tree to life. The Singing Tree transforms the tradition of caroling into a celebration of harmony with nature, as groups sing and watch the tree’s lights dance in response.
The immersive light and sound displays, such as the mesmerizing icicles at the entrance of Winter Wonders, are a standout feature. Designed by Limbic Media and brought to life by Soundbox Productions and Holiday Lights, these dynamic installations change colour in sync with the music and react to movement. This innovative integration of sound and visuals sets them apart from traditional holiday light shows, adding an unforgettable “wow” factor as visitors enter and exit the outdoor installations at Winter Wonder.
Winter Wonders isn’t just about evening enchantment. Visitors who prefer daytime visits can explore festive displays and take a scenic ride on the RBG Express, which travels through Hendrie Park. The festive spirit continues with the Escarpment Train Exhibit, which showcases three eras of locomotive history. The Mediterranean Garden glows with holiday cheer, adorned with vibrant seasonal blooms. Guests visiting during the day, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., can enjoy the Imagination Playground, where children build and create with foam blocks, or embark on a 360° journey into the natural world through the Wild Immersion VR experience.
Roaming performers from Incirque, including Jack Frost on stilts, add a playful energy to the gardens, while live music in the Atrium, provided by Boutique Collective, enhances the festive ambiance. The gardens also feature unique snow globes created by RBG’s floral workshop volunteers and beautifully crafted holiday trees designed by the RBG teams, adding extra charm to the experience.
Planning for Winter Wonders begins immediately after the previous season ends, with a focus on improving and expanding the event each year.
“We try to balance familiar favourites with new additions,” Lister explains. “For example, the Botanical Train Display is a staple, but we always reconfigure it slightly to keep it fresh and exciting.”
Volunteers play a crucial role in both daytime and evening programming, with over 100 individuals contributing to the event’s success.
“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff and volunteers,” Lister emphasizes. “Their hard work and creativity ensure that Winter Wonders continues to grow and delight visitors year after year.”
Make this year’s Winter Wonders part of your holiday tradition. Whether you’re exploring the glowing pathways, hugging a tree that lights up, or marvelling at the intricate train displays, this magical experience will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.
