RBG's Winter Wonders Returns with Beloved Traditions and New Seasonal Installations

BURLINGTON, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One of the region's most beloved holiday traditions returns on November 26 as RBG’s Winter Wonders transforms Hendrie Park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Available Thursday to Sunday evenings through January 3, 2027 (some exceptions apply*). Discover dazzling light displays, festive music, glowing campfires, seasonal treats, and immersive experiences.

Returning favourites such as The Singing Tree and Lantern Alley are joined by new art installations from Canadian and international artists. New this year, Aestivatic Aesthetic, created by Hamilton-based light and projection art collective OPTICKS, transforms Kippax Trail into a nocturnal world filled with luminous creatures, a nature-inspired soundscape, and ultraviolet elements that can only be revealed using custom-designed “scout scopes.” Toronto-based artist and creative technologist Jordan Shaw presents Seed Bank, a series of interactive sculptural forms representing scattered seeds. As guests move through the installation, the seed collection comes to life through light. Meanwhile, The Light Within, by Australian artist Matthew Aberline with The Beautiful and Useful Studio, invites visitors to wander, gather, photograph, and pause in an immersive inflatable garden of colour, pattern, and light.

Also returning this year is the popular artisan market, where visitors can browse a rotating selection of local vendors offering handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goods.

The festivities extend beyond the garden paths into RBG Centre, with seasonal décor and vibrant plant displays bringing colour and warmth to winter. The Mediterranean Garden and Breezeway offer a lush escape. The Botanical Train Display features model trains winding through miniature Canadian-inspired landscapes surrounded by more than 2,500 plants. Guests can continue their holiday shopping at the RBG Gift Shop, featuring nature-inspired gifts, books, home décor, and exclusive RBG merchandise.

“Every year as the days grow shorter, Winter Wonders transforms the Royal Botanical Gardens into a magical, festive destination that delights visitors of all ages,” said Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “RBG has once again created a stunning holiday masterpiece with a beautiful and unique blend of nature, art, culture and community. It’s a joyful way to experience the holiday season with your friends and family.”

Whether it’s a cherished annual tradition, a festive date night, or a first visit with family and friends, RBG’s Winter Wonders offers an unforgettable way to celebrate the season.

Tickets are available NOW at rbg.ca/winterwonders

Timed-entry tickets are required and capacity is limited. Winter Wonders event tickets grant access to RBG Centre and Hendrie Park for the date and time on your ticket. Tickets include access to RBG Centre’s seasonal displays, the indoor Mediterranean Garden, Breezeway, and The Botanical Train Display.

Visit rbg.ca to learn more about seasonal daytime offerings, including festive décor, the Botanical Train Display, the Imagination Playground (Big Blue Blocks), rides aboard the RBG Express, the Gift Shop, and more.

Stay up to date on the latest happenings at RBG, follow @rbgcanada on Instagram, Royal Botanical Gardens on Facebook, and join the eRBG Newsletter at rbg.ca/erbg-newsletter.

About Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), proudly celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2026, is the not-for-profit caretaker of 2193 acres of land and ecosystems surrounded by Canada’s largest urban environment. RBG is an educator and experience creator delivering cultural, artistic, and culinary experiences throughout its diverse network of gardens and natural spaces.

For more information about Royal Botanical Gardens, please visit https://www.rbg.ca/