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Upcoming Closure: the Arboretum will be closed to the public Monday May 29. All other garden areas remain open.

Winter Wonders

This Event Has Passed

This page contains details for a 2022 event. Check back for updated information for the 2023 season!

Celebrate the Magic of the Season

November 23 to January 8*

This unique outdoor experience guides visitors along Hendrie Park’s picturesque pathways adorned with charming festive lights, new interactive light to sound installations, and magical displays that celebrate the magic of the winter season. Stroll through our breathtaking garden to the rhythm of festive music while indulging in the warm tastes and fragrances of the holiday season.

After your walk cozy up indoors with the Botanical Train display, explore Mediterranean plants in the warmly lit greenhouse, and pick up unique gifts from Shop at the Gardens.

Timed-tickets required; get yours today!

*Date exceptions apply. This is a time-ticketed experience. Upon registration you will be required to select an entry time.

Winter Wonders is supported by:

Canada wordmark, featuring a graphic Canadian flag above the final A
The Heart of Ontario, Hamilton, Halton, Brant

King Paving & Construction

Enbridge

Winter Wonders Tickets

Timed-ticket entry required. Tickets will be available onlineFood and drink available for purchase throughout the experience.

Visitor Ticket Price
Adult $20 (+HST & Service Fee)
Child (age 4 to 12) $16 (+HST & Service Fee)
Infant / Toddler (age 0-3) FREE
RBG Members
(See your membership type for the number of guests your membership accommodates)
$5 (+HST & Service Fee)
  • Everyone attending the event must have a ticket including children under the age of 3. You will not be admitted without a ticket. Tickets will be scanned upon arrival.
  • 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.
  • RBG Members must present membership card upon entry.

About Timed Entry

Upon registering you will be required to select one of two arrival timeslots (5 to 7 p.m., or 7 to 9 p.m.).

Please note that you may arrive at any time within your arrival timeslot (indicated on your ticket). Staggered arrival times help RBG to offer a better overall experience by reducing lineups at entry.

Please note, 9 p.m. is last entry time. Expect to spend approximately 1 hour at this experience.

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.

Operating Dates

  • Wednesday November 23 to Sunday November 27
  • Wednesday November 30 to Sunday December 4
  • Wednesday December 7 to Sunday December 11
  • Wednesday December 14 to Sunday December 18
  • Wednesday December 21 to Friday December 23
  • Tuesday December 27 to Friday December 30
  • Monday January 2 to Sunday January 8

This activity is NOT available: December 24, December 25, December 26, December 31, January 1.

Join us for the day! RBG opens daily at 10 a.m. Round out your visit with a ride on the RBG Express, lunch at the Greenhouse Café, a walk through historic Rock Garden, a visit to Shop at the Gardens, and more. Keep reading to learn more about daytime activities.

Tips for Visiting:

  • Upon registering you will be required to select one of two timeslots, 5 to 7 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. Please note that you may arrive at any time within your timeslot (indicated on your ticket). Staggered arrival times help RBG to offer a better overall experience by reducing lineups at entry. 
  • 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.
  • The walk is 1.5 km, and takes approximately 1 hour.
  • 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.
  • visitor [posing under an arch of lights at Winter Wonders
  • Teahouse exterior decorated for Winter Wonders, with visitors sitting around campfires on the patio
  • the singing tree, with long icicle like strands of purple lights hanging from branches of a very large tree
  • looking through the Hendrie Park gates at night to the christmas tree shapes made from lights
  • hands warming over a propane firepit

Route Map

Route: 1-way, 1.5 km path through the garden. Paths are paved, or finely packed gravel. Access Hendrie Park via the tunnel from RBG Centre.

A map of the Winter Wonders route through Hendrie Park, indicating 7 stations
Select image to download accessible pdf version
  1. Oak Allée: “Welcoming Winter” (pass Atrium Bar and washrooms on your way out)
  2. Helen M. Kippax Garden: “Blanketed in Snow” (pass Turner Pavilion Teahouse and washrooms)
  3. Global Garden: “Remember to Look Up”
  4. White Garden: “The Sounds of Winter”
  5. Rose Garden Tent: Entertainment Area (and Food Trailer)
  6. Scented Garden: “Forever Green”
  7. Prehistoric Grove: “Ice Floats”

After completing the route, exit through RBG Centre, and don’t miss the Shop, Botanical Train Display, and indoor Mediterranean Garden!

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Winter Wonders Sips & Bites

All prices subject to HST. Outside food and drink will not be permitted.

Indoor Atrium Bar

Grab a drink for your journey! The bar in the Atrium at RBG Centre is the perfect place to start your walk with a cup of something warm, sweet, or extra.

Full Menu

Winter Warmers (19+)

  • Royal Botanical Mulled Wine: 6oz Peller family reserve merlot, St. Remy vsop, mulling spice, $11
  • The Naughty Cider: 1oz Gretzky no. 99 Red Cask Whisky and mulling spice ,$9
  • The Great One: 1oz coffee or hot chocolate, Wayne Wretzky Canadian cream, whipped cream/ candy cane topping, $9

Little Warmers (alcohol free)

  • The Nice Cider: hot apple cider with mulling spice, $4
  • Winter Wonders Hot Chocolate: whipped cream & candy cane crumble, $4

RBG Winter Wonders Ale: 6.2% abv a collaborative brew with great lakes brewery, brewed with honey and spices, $9

Wine Bar

  • House Wines: 6oz $7, 9oz $11
    • Good Natured – chardonnay or merlot/gamay
    • Peller Estates – pinot grigio or cabernet/merlot
  • Premium Wines: 6oz $9, 9oz $14
    • Wayne Gretzky Estates Founders Series – pinot grigio
    • Wayne Gretzky Estates Founders Series – merlot
    • Trius Select Merlot

Canned and Boxed

  • Botanical Wine Spritzers: $9
  • Craft Beer & Cider cans: $9
  • Collective Arts Origins of Darkness Premium Stouts: $11
  • Flow boxed water $3.50

Turner Pavilion Teahouse

Surrounded by Hendrie Park‘s new, innovative Rose Garden, the Teahouse offers an ideal spot to relax in nature’s tranquility while enjoying a light snack or drink.

Full Menu

Sandwiches

  • Ham and Cheddar w. Maple Aioli and mixed greens on Ciabatta Bun $9
  • Roast Beef and Cheddar w. Mayonnaise, Mustard, and mixed Greens on Multigrain Bun $9
  • Turkey Provolone w. Maple Aioli and mixed greens on Multi Grain Bun $9
  • Italian; Soppresata and Genoa Salamis, Prosciutto, Provolone, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Mixed Greens on Ciabatta Bun $9
  • Grilled Vegetable Wrap w. Zucchini, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Mushroom, Hummus, Mixed Greens $9

Boxes

  • Charcuterie; Genoa and Sopressata Salamis, Prosciutto, Gherkins, Olives, Mustard, Crostinis $12
  • Cheese & Fruit; Cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Grapes, Berries, Fig Jam, Crackers $12
  • Veggies & Hummus Carrot, Celery, Cucumber, Red Pepper, Grape Tomato, Red Pepper Hummus $7

Salad

  • Caesar; Romaine, Crouton, Parmesan, Bacon Bits, Creamy Dressing $11 (W/ Chicken $16)
  • Garden; Spring Mix, Grape Tomato, Cucumber, Heirloom Carrot, White Balsamic Vinaigrette $9 (w/ Chicken $14)
  • Potato; Yukon Gold Potato, Celery, Red Onion, Red Pepper, Creamy Dressing $12
  • Pasta; Grilled Vegetables, Penne Pasta, Sundried Tomato Dressing $12

Hot Buttered Popcorn: $3

Baked

  • Cookies; Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut $3
  • Scone w. preserves $3
  • Muffin $3
  • Spinach and Feta Pastry $6
  • Danish; Assorted Flavours $6
  • Croissant w. preserves $6

Winter Warmers (19+)

  • Royal Botanical Mulled Wine: 6oz Peller Family Reserve Merlot, St Remy VSOP, Mulling Spice, $11
  • The Naughty Cider: 1oz Gretzky No.99 Red Cask Whisky & Mulling Spice, $9
  • The Great One: 1oz Coffee or Hot Chocolate, Wayne Gretzky Canadian Cream, Whipped Cream/ Candy Cane Topping, $9

Little Warmers

  • The Nice Cider: Hot Apple Cider with Mulling Spice $4
  • Winter Wonders Hot Chocolate: Whipped Cream & Candy Cane Crumble $4

Beer

  • RBG Winter Wonders Ale: 2% abv A Collaborative Brew with Great Lakes Brewery, Brewed with Honey, and Spices, $9
  • Domestic Bottles $7
  • Import/ Premium Bottle $8
  • Craft Beer & Spirits Can $9
  • No Boats on Sunday Cider $9

Wine: 6oz $7, 9oz $11

  • Good Natured Chardonnay or Merlot / Gamay
  • Peller Estates Pinot Grigio or Cabernet / Merlot

XOXO Botanical Wine Spritzers $9 (Peach Orange Blossom, Raspberry Rhubarb)

Other Beverages

  • Assorted Soft Drinks – $3
  • Brewed Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate – $3
  • FLOW Boxed Water $3.50
  • Espresso $3.50
  • Hot Apple Cider $4
  • Americano $3.75
  • Latte/ Cappuccino $4

(add 0.50 for Non-Dairy Alternatives)

RBG’s Food Trailer

RBG’s food trailer will be operating in Hendrie Park during the event with a selection of delicious grab-and-go fare. Find it by the entertainment tent!

Full Menu

Round Buns

  • Tennessee Fried Chicken Sandwich: $12
  • Hamburger: $11
  • Veggie Burger: $11

Long Buns

  • Foot Long Hotdog: $10
  • Veggie Hotdog: $8
  • Kids Hotdog (10 and under): $6

No Buns

  • Poutine: $10
  • Deep Fried Pickles: $10
  • Tempura Onion Rings: $7
  • Fries: $6
  • Cookies: $3

Winter Warmers (19+)

  • Royal Botanical Mulled Wine: 6oz Peller Family Reserve Merlot, St Remy VSOP, Mulling Spice, $11
  • The Naughty Cider: 1oz Gretzky No.99 Red Cask Whisky & Mulling Spice, $9
  • The Great One: 1oz Coffee or Hot Chocolate, Wayne Gretzky Canadian Cream, Whipped Cream/ Candy Cane Topping, $9

Little Warmers

  • The Nice Cider: Hot Apple Cider with Mulling Spice $4
  • Winter Wonders Hot Chocolate: Whipped Cream & Candy Cane Crumble $4

Other Beverages

  • RBG Winter Wonders Ale: 2% abv A Collaborative Brew with Great Lakes Brewery, Brewed with Honey, and Spices. $9
  • Assorted Cold Beverages $3
  • Brewed Coffee & Tea $3

The Greenhouse Café

Thurs to Sun, 5 to 8 p.m. Find fresh, seasonal ingredients on a new menu that incorporates local produce, meats and cheeses and features wines and craft brews exclusive to Ontario.

Live Entertainment Schedule

Enjoy live performances under the heated Rose Garden tent offered every night of Winter Wonders. Grab a drink or snack from the RBG food trailer while you listen!

Michael Maguire playing guitar

Michael Maguire

November 23, 24, December 7, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, January 2, 3, 7, 8

Learn More

Always the innovator, Michael consulted with his good friend and student Charles Tauber in the design and construction of his custom made seven string guitar. Michael brings this beautiful instrument with him to every performance. Michael Maguire creates musical magic with every performance. Familiar melodies and jazz standards instantly become new creations under his fingers and through his voice. For the adept or casual listener, Maguire’s music is pure delight.

Gareth Bush sitting with his guitar on a lakeside dock

Gareth Bush

November 25, 26, December 2, 3, 17, 18, 27, 28 January 4, 5, 6

Learn More

Born in Halifax and having moved countless times along the East coast, Gareth Bush now resides in Toronto, Ontario as a live performer and recording artist. Since 16, Gareth has been songwriting, Youtube-ing, busking, performing in local music venues and now ranks as Toronto’s best rated wedding and event musician.

While he finds inspiration from the likes of John Mayer, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Lifehouse, and Mumford & Sons, Gareth has been entertaining audiences over the past decade with an extensive repertoire covering all major genres, with over 700 hit songs in his pocket.

Gareth released his debut EP “This is For Keeps” in 2013 and has since recorded two full cover albums, “Try Again” Volumes 1 & 2, which are available digitally worldwide.  Volume I includes his acoustic cover of Paramore’s “Still Into You,” which has become a popular first dance selection at weddings across the globe.

Swag quartet headshots

SWAG Quartet

November 27, December 4, 8, 11, 14, 21

Learn More

SWAG is a women’s barbershop quartet based in the Greater Toronto area. Collectively, members Susanne, Wendy, Voula and Grace have more than seven decades of a cappella singing experience. We enjoy singing shows for local BIAs, corporate clients and at private events. After months of Zoom rehearsals, we are especially thrilled to be able to perform for live audiences once again. SWAG hopes to share with you the power of music this holiday season!

Lauren Roy in floral dress sitting in a sunny, rusticly decorated corner, holding an acoustic guitar

Lauren Roy

November 30, December 1, 9, 30

Learn More

Lauren is thrilled to be back at the Royal Botanical Gardens once again. Having had the privilege of playing the RBG stages over the years with her jazz band, high energy party band and duo, she is looking forward to this intimate, winter wonderland and will be cozied up solo with her ukulele – ready to warm you up and chase the chill away. Be sure to come and say hello!  www.laurenroy.com I @laurenroymusic

Held in Hendrie Park

This display is placed in Hendrie Park. Enter at RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road W. Burlington. Free parking 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. 

  • a group of christmas tree shapes made from lights in scented garden
  • visitor hanging an ornament on a large tree at winter wonders
  • musician playing guitar on a small stage inside the rose garden tent
  • Large black gazebo decorate with twinkle lights in the rose garden
  • Three winter wonders videos gathered around a tiny microphone outdoors at Winter Wonders

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.

Arrival / Entry Time

When planning your visit, please note that you may arrive at any time within your timeslot (indicated on your ticket). Different arrival times allows RBG to offer a better overall experience by reducing lineups. You can expect to spend approximately 1 hour 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.

You will be required to present your pre-purchased tickets upon arrival, either printed out or digitally on your personal device. Each ticket will be scanned. The confirmation receipt is not a ticket. Your tickets were sent to you as an attachment in the confirmation e-mail you received after booking.

Food & Drink

Outside food and drink is not be permitted.

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.

  • Indoor Atrium Bar
    Grab a drink for your journey! The bar in the Atrium at RBG Centre is the perfect place to start your walk with a cup of something warm.
  • Turner Pavilion Teahouse
    Surrounded by Hendrie Park‘s new, innovative Rose Garden, the Teahouse offers an ideal spot to relax in nature’s tranquility while enjoying a light snack or drink.
  • RBG’s Food Trailer
    RBG’s food trailer will be operating in Hendrie Park during the event with a selection of delicious grab-and-go fare. Find it by the entertainment tent!
  • The Greenhouse Café
    Open Thurs to Sun, 5 to 8 p.m. Find fresh, seasonal ingredients on the new Greenhouse Café menu that incorporates local produce, meats and cheeses and features wines and craft brews exclusive to Ontario.

Washrooms

Washroom facilities are available at the start of the route (lower level of the Atrium at RBG Centre) and approximately half-way through (smaller facility at the Turner Pavilion Teahouse). Please note masks are required for use of all indoor spaces.

Parking & Directions

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 the small Cherry Hill Gate 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.

What Do I Do if I Feel Ill?

As part of our commitment and shared responsibility for the health and safety of our guests, staff and volunteers, we ask that event attendees perform a self assessment to help reduce the spread of COVID – 19 prior to entering the event. Should you feel ill please stay home and contact your health care provider. Your tickets can be transferred to other family members or friends (no transfer fee required). 

Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment

Weather

Winter Wonders is held rain or (moon)shine and is 100% outdoors, so come prepared for the weather! RBG reserves the right to cancel Winter Wonders due to inclement weather without notice.

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 one-way, 1.5 km route for this display takes visitors along wide, paved or gravel pathways, with one short stretch over grass. If accessing with a wheelchair / walker / stroller, and outdoor model is suggested. Some benches will be available for those who require them.

Please be aware that some areas of the garden contain fast moving, bright lights.

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 Winter Wonders 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.

Will the Botanical Train return?

Yes! The Botanical Train display will return to RBG Centre during Winter Wonders. Huge planters made from almost 700 kg of cedar filled with 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!

General Admission or Membership also applies.

Available November 23 to January 8*.
*Date exceptions: December 24, 25, 31, January 1.

Hours:

Monday & Tuesday: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., last admission is at 4 p.m.
Wednesday to Sunday: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., last admission is at 3 p.m. The display remains open during Winter Wonders, 5 to 10 p.m. Winter Wonders tickets required. 

Will the RBG Express return?

All Aboard! Don’t miss a ride on the RBG Express during your day visit the Gardens.

NOTE: this experience is NOT available during the evening as part of Winter Wonders. Visit rbg.ca/events/rbg-express for details.