Last Thursday was possibly the coldest night of Winter so far, but it was also a night full of magical sparkle and beautiful lights. A very special blogger event was taking place at Birmingham’s beautiful Botanical Gardens which have been transformed into a wonderful illuminated trail for the festive season, and with the promise of vintage fairground rides, warming mulled wine and deliciously festive food, we donned our hats and scarves and braved the cold in order to see the Botanical Gardens in a whole new light.
We were not disappointed.
The glasshouses, trees and bushes of the gardens are totally transformed as they twinkle and sparkle in the darkness. There are tunnels that are emblazoned with lights, and the eerie glow of the fire garden bathing everything in an orange light. The whole gardens are a riot of colour and sparkle, with lots of wonderful Christmas touches, from the 12 days of Christmas mural, to a reindeer trail which ends with a golden Rudolph. You can also find Santa, and some of his helpful elves along the route too.
There are numerous food and drink concessions both inside the trail and at the start of it where you can feast on gourmet hotdogs, festive cookies and a variety of hot and cold drinks. The mulled wine and ciders are delicious, and there are also bottled cocktails that are well worth a taste. This is also the area where you will find a beautiful, traditional carousel ride and a helter skelter, a definite taste of Christmas past.
But it is the finale that really takes the breath away. The lawn aviary finale is quite simply stunning, as the lawn and glasshouses are all light up and Christmas music plays. If there really is such a thing as a Winter Wonderland, then this just might be it.
Christmas at the Botanical Gardens runs until December 30th, you can find opening times and ticket information here.
With thanks to the Brum Bloggers for the invitation.