| Membership | Price (+HST) |
|---|---|
| Single | $85/year |
| Single Plus | $120/year |
| Family | $130/year |
| Family Plus | $175/year |
| Contributing | $300/year |
| Supporting | $600/year |
| Sustaining | $1,000/year |
| Benefactor's Circle | $2,500/year |
| Director's Circle | $5,000/year |
| President's Circle | $10,000/year |
Winter Wonders
This Event Has Passed
This page contains details for a 2024/2025 event.
Sign up for event notifications using the form below to hear first about tickets for future events.
Celebrate the Magic of the Season
December 5 to January 5 (Thursdays to Sundays)*
Experience the magic of the season at Royal Botanical Garden’s Winter Wonders! Hendrie Park transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling lights, festive installations, and enchanting displays.
Stroll through RBG’s scenic winter landscape to the backdrop of festive music while savouring warm holiday treats, guided by the glow of lights and twinkling stars. The magic continues indoors with seasonal décor, and vibrant plant displays in the rejuvenated Mediterranean Garden and the Breezeway. Delight in the whimsical Botanical Train Display featuring model trains amongst famous Canadian landmarks from coast to coast and explore unique seasonal finds in the Gift Shop.
Timed-tickets required. *Date exceptions apply. This is a time-ticketed experience. Upon registration you will be required to select an entry time.
Interactive Installations
Walk through rows of light structures or speak through the “singing tree” to see how the lights react.
Botanical Train Display
2,500 plants create a seasonal backdrop for seven different lines of model train tracks. Follow our trains on their journey past scale models of iconic Canadian landmarks constructed entirely from plant materials!
Indoor Seasonal Displays
Finish your visit with a stroll through the displays at RBG! Pass through the Breezeway (all dressed up for the season) and explore the beautifully lit Mediterranean Garden.
Sips & Bites
The team will be serving a rotating menu of festive snacks and warm drinks available for purchase from one of three stations along the walk.
The Garden Shop
Find the perfect holiday gifts or something for yourself! Offering a beautiful selection of merchandise as diverse as our gardens, including the talents of local artisans.
Looking to gift this experience?
Give the gift of Winter Wonders by purchasing a gift certificate!
Winter Wonders Tickets
Timed-ticket entry required. Food and drink available for purchase throughout the experience.
| Visitor | Ticket Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Adult | $20 (+HST & $1 Service Fee) |
| Child (age 3 to 12) | $16 (+HST & $1 Service Fee) |
| Infant / Toddler (age 0-2) | FREE |
| RBG Members* | $10 (+HST & $1 Service Fee) |
*See your membership type for the number of guests eligible to purchase member tickets
*Accessing your Member Tickets
To access your member tickets, simply log in to your RBG online account using the email address associated with your membership. Once logged in, visit the registration page and your member tickets will be available.
Do NOT make a new account; any new account created will not have access to your member benefits, including your member tickets.
Unsure which email is associated with your membership? Get in touch with the membership team.
Not yet a member? To access member tickets on a brand new membership, simply purchase the membership in its own order, log out, log back in, and your member tickets will be available!
Selecting an Appropriate Number of Membership Tickets
Members are eligible for a number of reduced priced tickets according to your membership type (see below). To find your membership type, check your membership card or log in to your account.
- Single: 1
- Single Plus: up to 2
- Family: up to 2 adults and 6 children
- Family Plus: up to 4 adults and 6 children
Should your order go through with an inappropriate number of tickets, RBG guest services will be in touch to make the appropriate adjustments.
How To Activate Your Account
- Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
- Enter your email address and “submit” (NOTE: RBG members must use the email associated with their current membership)
- Check your email for a link to reset your password
- Log in with your new credentials and check your account information. Ensure your updated membership is showing.
Virtual Waiting Room
Our major events are incredibly popular and registration can feel competitive. To help manage site activity and make registration as fair as possible, RBG has implemented an online waiting room system.
The waiting room will open 1 hour prior to sale time. There is no benefit to joining the waiting room at 10 a.m. When the sale begins at 11 a.m., you will be randomly placed in an online queue, with a limited number of registrants let into the site at a time. Complete your purchase, and close the browser tab when complete.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the popularity of this event and large number of individuals hoping to secure tickets, the waiting room time will likely be significant. Please factor a long wait into your planning.
Why use a virtual waiting room? A virtual queue allows a limited (and randomly selected) number of individuals into the ticket site at once. This practice:
- prevents “cart-jacking” (a reduced number of individuals competing to add the same tickets to their carts at the same time)
- ensures the ticketing site can operate without being overwhelmed by web traffic
- accommodates those working with slower internet connections without fear of competing
- creates a fairer system overall by randomly assigning places in the virtual line
Ticketing Details & Terms
- Tickets are non-refundable and final sale. After a purchase is complete, the tickets are the property of the ticket-holder, and RBG will be unable to accommodate any date or time changes. See F.A.Q.s for weather policy.
- Garden admission discounts and coupons are not applicable to this ticketed event.
- Everyone attending the event must have a ticket. You will not be admitted into the event without a ticket. Tickets will be scanned upon arrival.
- Pre-registration is highly encouraged for this ticketed event. Visitor Experience may be able to accommodate walk ups if there are spaces available.
- Tickets provide access to RBG Centre and Hendrie Park during this event. Separate Garden Admission would be required for those wishing to visit any RBG garden areas during regular admission hours.
- Weather Policy: This even runs rain or shine. RBG reserves the right to cancel the event due to extreme inclement weather with little to no notice (ticket purchasers will be contacted by email). If the event is cancelled, you will receive a credit on your account that is equal to the amount of the original purchase. The credit can be applied towards a future Winter Wonders date of your choosing.
Thank You for Supporting RBG!
Royal Botanical Gardens is a registered charitable organization dedicated to connecting people, plants and place. By attending this event, you’re supporting our efforts in areas like plant science, conservation, horticulture and education.
2024 Operational Dates
- December 5 to 8 (Thurs-Sun)
- December 12 to 15 (Thurs-Sun)
- December 19 to 23 (Thurs-Mon)
- December 27 to 30 (Fri-Mon)
- January 2 to 5 (Thurs-Sun)
This activity is NOT available: December 24, 25, 26, 31, January 1.
Tips for Visiting:
- Upon registering you will be required to select an entry timeslot. You may arrive any time within this 1/2 hour entry window and stay as long as you’d like.
- RBG Centre and Hendrie Park will be closed between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. as our teams prepare for Winter Wonders. Visitors may wait for entry outside RBG Centre during this time.
- Expect to spent approximately 1-2 hours at this experience.
- Please leave your pets at home for this experience, pets are not permitted (service dogs excluded).
- Outside food and beverage will not be permitted.
- Please be aware that some areas of the garden contain fast moving, bright lights.
See our Frequently Asked Questions for more details to help you plan!
Get There with GO
Enjoy a Hassle-Free Visit to RBG’s Winter Wonders with GO Transit!
Skip the stress of driving and parking, travel with GO Transit for just $10 per adult with the One-Day Weekend Day Pass, and kids under 12 ride for free on GO Transit. When you travel to Winter Wonders on Saturdays (Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28 and Jan. 4), take advantage of our complimentary shuttle on Saturdays running from Aldershot GO Station to the RBG Centre for Winter Wonders.
*NOTE: Shuttle available Saturdays only. Visitors for other dates should travel to Burlington Station and take public transit. Details below.
- Purchase your $10 One-Day Weekend pass from GO Transit (kids 12 and under ride GO Transit for free!)
- Take the Lakeshore West Train Line.
- Exit at the Aldershot Train Station
- Find the complimentary shuttle directly to RBG in the SOUTH parking lot (Shuttle provided from Aldershot GO Station to RBG on event Saturdays only)
- Take the Lakeshore West Train Line.
- Exit at the Burlington Train Station
- Burlington Transit Route 1 Plains to Hamilton to RBG Centre.
There are are no direct buses that run from Aldershot GO to RBG at this time. Options for travelling from Aldershot GO include:
- It is possible to walk or bike 1.2 km from the Aldershot station to Plains Road to catch the Burlington Transit Route 1 bus from there. Please see the Burlington Transit Trip Planner for details.
- Travelers arriving at Aldershot GO may also consider taking a cab or ride share to the Gardens (4 km distance).
What to Expect
Explore the wonders of Hendrie Park before warming up indoors with lots of seasonal fun!
Outdoors
- Light Displays
- Interactive Displays
- “The Singing Tree”
- “Tree Love” (Artist: ZEM)
- Roaming Entertainers
- Fire Pits
- Food and Drink
- and more!
Indoors
- Botanical Train Display
- Atrium Bar
- Holiday Botanical Displays
- Throughout RBG Centre
- In the Mediterranean Garden (greenhouse)
- Greenhouse Café
- Garden Shop
- and more!
Entertainment
Join us for live entertainment each evening indoors the Atrium and grab a drink before stepping out into Hendrie Park.
Sapphire Quartet
Dec 6, 13, 29, Jan 2
About
Sapphire is a vibrant, award-winning a cappella barbershop quartet based in the Greater Toronto Area. Known for our tight harmonies and dynamic performances, we love bringing music to life for local BIAs, corporate clients, and private events alike. Our repertoire spans timeless classics and fresh, contemporary arrangements. Whether we’re spreading holiday cheer or lighting up a special occasion, we’re excited to share the magic of music with you this season and beyond! Let’s make memories together, one note at a time! Follow us on Facebook at SapphireHIQuartet.
Mo Guzman
Dec 5, 14, 20, 28
About
Mo Guzman is a self-taught, full-time musician and professional street performer who regularly plays in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Catering to a variety of different occasions from community to corporate-level functions, his gift of raw vulnerability transcends his audience in a heartfelt experience, and he is known for connecting with and engaging diverse crowds of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Mo’s unique vocal style encompasses a broad range of music, with an inter-generational repertoire ranging from the 1960’s to modern day, including rock, R&B, soul, pop, country and more.
- Linktree: linktr.ee/moguzmanmusic
- Instagram: instagram.com/moguzmanmusic
- Website: moguzmanmusic.ca
- YouTube: youtube.com/@moguzmanmusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/Mo-Guzman-Music-100207768530106
Lauren Roy
Dec 4, 7, 30
Lauren Roy
Lauren Roy is a powerhouse vocalist known for her warm voice and ability to weave stories through song, captivating audiences with every performance. For this event, she brings her soulful vocals and the ukulele’s gentle charm to the stage, delivering a performance that’s both intimate and uplifting.
Off the stage, Lauren is the visionary founder of Boutique Entertainment, a company that redefines event entertainment with its unparalleled creativity and artistry. Boutique Entertainment is renowned for curating exceptional live music and DJ experiences tailored to weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. With a reputation for flawless execution and heart-centered performances, the brand transforms events into unforgettable moments, leaving lasting impressions on every audience. Under Lauren’s leadership, Boutique Entertainment has become a trusted name for its commitment to excellence, passion, and authenticity.
The Boutique Collective
Dec 11, 18, 23
About
This holiday season, The Boutique Collective brings together some of the most talented musicians for a fresh, stylish spin on the classics you love. With their signature mix of jazz, pop, soul, and funk, this dynamic group transforms holiday favorites into something unforgettable, blending timeless charm with modern flair.
Each performance by The Boutique Collective is a showcase of top-tier musicianship and undeniable groove. From soulful takes on traditional carols to upbeat, funky renditions of modern hits, they’ll have you feeling the holiday spirit in every note.
Kat Steeves
Dec 12, 15, Jan 3
About
Kat Steeves is an emerging queer singer-songwriter from Guelph, Ontario. They are known for their soulful yet uplifting vocals and captivating stage presence. With a unique blend of folk, jazz, and pop influences ranging from Noah Kahan and Donovan Woods to Fleetwood Mac and Norah Jones, Kat’s sound can only be described as welcoming and warm.
They draw inspiration in their writing from personal experiences and the world around them, they infuse each song with honesty and vulnerability, allowing listeners to connect on a truly personal level.
Kat’s journey as a musician began with busking in 2019 in downtown Guelph, playing gigs at local bars and open mic nights. They have since performed over 400 gigs all over Southern Ontario. Some of those include 10th Annual Gain Fest 2022, Blue Mountain Guitar Trail 2022 & 2023 and Main stage at Riverfest Elora 2024.
They are currently working on recording music and is hoping to release some in the upcoming future.
Noel Thompson
Dec 8, 19, 22, Jan 4
About
Noel Thomson is an accomplished guitarist and vocalist who has been a mainstay of the Toronto music scene for over 10 years. He has appeared on numerous pop, jazz and funk records including those that have received international airplay and has performed extensively across North America.
Mike Henley
Dec 21
About
Michael Henley-Dunbar is a Toronto-based Songwriter, Producer, Music Director and Session Musician. An experienced multi-instrumentalist, he attributes his musical growth to his time spent cultivating music experiences with Toronto post-production suite SNDWRx Audio by Design (as a composer and audio engineer for television and film), as well as his history of performing with and helping to craft some of the best live performance acts in Toronto, such as Big Smoke Brass, Toronto’s leading voice in the Canadian brass scene, as well as the St Royals and Boutique Collective, two of the leading entertainment organizations in Toronto. He holds a BMus (Honours – Jazz Performance) from the University of Toronto, with specializations in show programming, sound design, orchestration and musical arrangement. His music has been described as cinematic, groove-oriented, driving and anthemic, with comparisons to contemporaries such as Jason Robert Brown and Jack Antonoff.
Jeff Eager
Dec 27, Jan 5
About
Jeff Eager is a versatile talent with a commanding stage presence and expansive skills across guitar, bass, keys, and vocals. Effortlessly blending soul, rock, funk, pop, and R&B, Eager has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most dynamic artists.
His career highlights include performing at the 2018 International TED convention, opening for Rick Astley in Europe, sharing the stage with Lenny Kravitz, and collaborating with artists like Arkells, Elise LeGrow, and Shakura S’Aida. He has also graced Toronto’s historic Massey Hall with Epic Eagles.
Jeff’s original works showcase timeless artistry. His 2014 debut album, Bonavista, was followed in 2023 by 2070, a tribute to the golden age of analog music. Drawing inspiration from legends like Prince, Hall & Oates, and Elton John, 2070 features standout singles such as I Don’t Dance Anymore and The One, which was featured on Hockey Night in Canada.
2070 is available on all streaming platforms and as a limited-edition 12” vinyl.
Held in Hendrie Park
This display is placed in Hendrie Park. Enter at RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road W. Burlington. Parking is available on-site.
Daytime hours during Winter Wonders: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., last admission is at 3 p.m. The Gardens will reopen for Winter Wonders from 5 to 10 p.m. Winter Wonders tickets required.
See event F.A.Q. for parking and transit information.
Winter Wonders FAQ
Have a question about Winter Wonders? Click the topics below for more information. If you have a question that is not answered, give us a call at 905-527-1158 or send us a message.
Tickets
Pre-purchased tickets are required for this special event. Upon purchasing, you will be required to select an entry time. Tickets are final sale. When purchasing your tickets, please ensure you select the appropriate date/time, as switching your tickets after purchase will not be possible. Tickets are required for all in your party attending the event.
Access2 Cardholders: purchase ticket(s) for the cardholder online. For a complimentary ticket for your support person, either display your Access2Card upon arrival, OR get in touch prior to the event (via email or at 905-527-1158) and our Guest Services Centre can add an additional ticket to your order free of charge.
Accessing Member Tickets
To access your reduced-rate member tickets, simply log in to your RBG online account using the email address associated with your membership. Once logged in, visit the registration page and your member tickets will be available.
Do NOT make a new account; any new account created will not have access to your member benefits, including your member tickets.
Unsure which email is associated with your membership? Get in touch with the membership team.
Not yet a member? To access member tickets on a brand new membership, simply purchase the membership in its own order, log out, log back in, and your member tickets will be available!
Selecting an Appropriate Number of Membership Tickets
Members are eligible for a number of reduced priced tickets according to your membership type (see below). To check your membership type, check your membership card or log in to your account.
- Single: 1
- Single Plus: up to 2
- Family: up to 2 adults and 6 children
- Family Plus: up to 4 adults and 6 children
Should your order go through with an inappropriate number of tickets, RBG guest services will be in touch to make the appropriate adjustments.
How To Activate Your Account
- Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
- Enter your email address and “submit” (NOTE: RBG members must use the email associated with their current membership)
- Check your email for a link to reset your password
- Log in with your new credentials and check your account information. Ensure your updated membership is showing.
Gifting Winter Wonders Tickets
Looking to give an experience at Winter Wonders as a gift? You have 2 options available:
- Purchase tickets on their behalf for a specific date / time and forward the pdf tickets emailed at the time of purchase
- Purchase a digital gift certificate they can use to redeem for tickets on a day and time that works for them!
Note: gift certificates are not redeemable for food and beverage offerings at the event.
What's Included?
Your special event ticket to Winter Wonders gives you access to RBG Centre and Hendrie Park after 5 p.m. on the dates available. Access to the indoor Mediterranean Garden, the botanical train exhibit and seasonal displays are also included.
Food, drink, and purchases at Shop at the Gardens are available for additional costs.
Arrival and Entry Time
This event is time-ticketed. Please arrive at your scheduled time. You can expect to spend approximately 1 – 2 hours at this experience. When you arrive at RBG Centre (680 Plains Road W., Burlington) for your start time you will be greeted by our staff team who will check you in and direct you to the outdoor experience.
Your tickets will be emailed to you as a pdf attachment shortly after online payment. You will be required to present these tickets upon arrival, either printed out or digitally on your personal device.
The event concludes at 10 p.m.
Parking & Transit
This event is held in Hendrie Park – please enter through RBG Centre at 680 Plains Road W. Burlington Ontario. Parking is included, available in the large lot at RBG Centre. Additional parking is available in the small Cherry Hill parking lot (across the street), though this will require crossing the street and a short walk to RBG Centre for entry.
This garden is located along bus routes for Burlington Transit, with stops a short distance from the entrance. See rbg.ca/directions for more details.
Get there with GO!
Take the Lakeshore West Train Line. Disembark at Burlington Station and take Burlington Transit Route 1 Plains to Hamilton to RBG Centre.
Note: there are no buses servicing Aldershot station that make stops at RBG. For non-shuttle dates, be sure to plan your trip using Burlington station.
Food & Drink
Festive snacks will be available for purchase. Our outdoor food and beverage locations are cashless and accept card payments, including credit, debit, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
This is a licensed event; alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those age 19+. A valid I.D. is required for beverage purchase.
Outside food and alcohol will not be permitted.
Washrooms
While enjoying the outdoor light display, washroom facilities are available in the Atrium at RBG Centre (lower level), at the Turner Pavilion Teahouse, and close to the Container.
Indoors, additional washrooms are available across from the Greenhouse Café (near the Botanical Train).
Weather Policy
Winter Wonders is held rain or shine. The majority of Winter Wonders is held outdoors, so come prepared for the weather!
RBG reserves the right to cancel the event due to extreme inclement weather with little to no notice (ticket purchasers will be contacted by email). If the event is cancelled, you will receive a credit on your account that is equal to the amount of the original purchase. The credit can be applied towards a future Winter Wonders date of your choosing.
Lighting
Pathways will be lit however there may be some darker patches. Please take your time and be mindful of your step. Appropriate footwear for walking on gravel pathways and turf are recommended, especially in snowy, wet conditions.
Pets & Service Animals
With the exception of service animals, personal dogs/cats/animals are not permitted during the evening portion of Winter Wonders.
Pets are welcome in RBG’s outdoor spaces between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. so long as they remain leashed. Please be responsible and clean up after your pets.
Accessibility
The experience takes visitors along wide, paved or gravel pathways. For those attending with a wheelchair, walker, or stroller, an outdoor model is recommended. Some benches will be available for those who need them. Accessible parking spaces are available outside RBG Centre. Visitors access the garden through RBG Centre, descending through the Atrium via stairs or an elevator. If you have any further questions about accessibility at this event please contact us by phone (905-527-1158) or use the form at rbg.ca/contact-events.
Terms & Conditions
- Tickets purchased to RBG special events are final sale and non-refundable. Tickets for this experience can be transferred to someone else if you can no longer attend the experience. Please keep your tickets and confirmation: it is proof of your purchase and allows entry into the experience.
- Liability: RBG assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to property, or for personal injury or mishap; all activities are at the risk of the participant.
- Filming/Photography Release: Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this experience may be used for exhibit, reproduction, and/or distribution for RBG related promotional use, including all forms of print, television advertisement, social media and /or website display. In consideration of your participation as a guest or attendee of this experience, you authorize Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns unrestricted right and permission to copyright and use such photos and images under their sole discretion. Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns are released without limitation of any claims for libel or invasion of privacy.
- By purchasing tickets and participating in this experience on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests.
- RBG reserves the right to cancel the event due to inclement weather with little to no notice. If the event is cancelled, you will receive a credit on your account that is equal to the amount of the original purchase. The credit can be applied towards a future Winter Wonders date of your choosing.
General Admission
General Admission tickets are available for purchase online, or when you arrive to any of our garden areas.
Give the Gift of Membership
Whether you are a master or beginner gardener, a birdwatcher, hiker, five years old or 105, you’ll agree that Royal Botanical Gardens is paradise found. History, culture, science, recreation and beauty—we have it all.
Donate
By supporting Royal Botanical Gardens, you give the children of today and tomorrow the gift of nature.
