G uide H olid ay 2019 - Downtown Victoria Business Association
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H olid a y G u i d e 2019 For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 1
Background photos on pages 1-5 and 31-32 by Rick Collins Photography
Nothing spells festive like meeting friends downtown for a hot
beverage, bustling around from store to store, and soaking up the
twinkling lights and decorations in every shop window.
Winter’s a favourite time for All you need to know about
many to wander downtown Lights of Wonder can be found
Victoria’s streets with family, at lightsofwonder.ca.
friends, or solo to reconnect with
familiar businesses and discover Downtown Victoria brims with
new ones. markets, happenings, mixers,
fundraisers, and other seasonal
We’re thrilled to share that this events in December. Our Holiday
year, all 1,500 downtown Victoria Guide helps you explore and plan
businesses have a special gift your time downtown. Take an
for everyone: Lights of Wonder extra one for a friend or visit
in Centennial Square. This dvba.ca/holidayguide.
stunning walkway of sparkling
lights, archways, and curios is a ‘Tis the Season. We wish you well
winter wonderland. Whimsical, and look forward to seeing you at
welcoming and free, Lights of Lights of Wonder.
Wonder is all-ages and all-access.
SHARE YOUR BEST MOMENTS WITH US!
@downtownvictoriabc
@downtownvictoria
PRINTER EDITOR WRITER LAYOUT DESIGN
Becca Gillie
Blachut Easdon
4 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events
Table of Contents
We’ve organized the Holiday Guide into event categories.
Take a look—there are so many fantastic events to enjoy in downtown Victoria.
6 Make, Discover + Win
Artisan markets, seasonal drives, and contests
10 Carouse, Celebrate + Toast
Parties, celebrations, and fundraisers
12 Eat, Drink + Savour
Dinners, tasting events, and drinks
16 Want a reminder for your fridge? This Downtown
Victoria map centrefold highlights a handful of events.
18 Delight, Share + Sing
Art installations, historical exhibits, and showcases
22 Watch, Listen + Enjoy
Concerts, carollers, and movies
26 Walk, Ride + Admire
Parades, guided tours, and walks
28 Giggle, Gawk + Inspire
Kid-specific Santa-time, cookie-time, and crafting
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 5Make,
Discover
+ Win!
Artisan markets, seasonal
drives, and contests
Nerdy Days of Christmas
Craft Fair
NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 1 | 10AM-4PM
MARKET SQUARE
A quaint and nerdy craft fair in downtown Victoria! Beautiful makers and artists all with a
nerdy flair. Entry is by donation and 100% of the proceeds go to Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Nerdy crafts, art, cards, gifts, totes, soaps, and so much more. So fun for the whole family and
for a great cause.
6 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityOut of Hand Modern Market
NOVEMBER 22-24 | CRYSTAL GARDEN
Photo Credit: Jay Wallace
Out of Hand Modern Market, Victoria’s most anticipated
market of the year, presents a carefully curated selection
of beautiful goods made by hand by over 100 of BC’s
most accomplished and talented artists and makers. On-
site coffee bar and live music add to this premier holiday
shopping event. This is the one market of the holiday
season you do not want to miss!
WIN Community Cheer Campaign
DECEMBER 1-31 | WOMEN IN NEED
Cheer together for women’s empowerment! Every December, we run our Community Cheer Campaign,
with a goal to fundraise $10,000! Consider donating online, or at the till when you shop at any WIN
location, or purchasing a WIN 2020 Calendar. 100% of the funds raised through our Community Cheer
Campaign go directly towards our Self Sufficiency and Transformations programs!
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 7Merry & Bright Weekends
NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 23 | SATURDAYS FROM 10:30 - 5:30PM | SUNDAYS FROM 12 - 4PM
Celebrate the season with some bookish holiday cheer. Enjoy a roaring fire, hot apple cider and DIY paper crafts
(gift tags, cards & ornaments) to make your holiday merry and bright. All ages welcome. We have the materials, just
bring your creativity. Need inspiration? Check out our tree at The Festival of Trees in The Bay Centre, a lush forest of
beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Nautical Holiday Wreath Workshop
NOVEMBER 23, DECEMBER 7 & 21 | 2 - 4:30PM
THE MARITIME MUSEUM OF BC
Get ready for the holidays, while learning a thing or two about
knots, at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia’s Nautical
Wreath Workshop! Our workshop leader will guide you through
the process of transitioning a single piece of rope into a
beautiful holiday wreath. All supplies are provided.
Government Third Annual Sea Glass
Street Photo Forest of Ornament
Contest Wishes Workshop
NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 21 NOVEMBER 30 - JANUARY 2 NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 14
GOVERNMENT STREET CHATEAU VICTORIA 2:30 - 4PM
MARITIME MUSEUM OF BC
Enjoy downtown Victoria and Downtown Victoria has
want to win prizes? Government always been a feast for the Decorate for the holidays with
Street is having a Holiday eyes to share with friends and sea glass and learn more about
Picture Contest with prizes from loved ones at Christmas. This local beaches at the Maritime
local businesses. Enter to win year, be sure to add to your Museum of British Columbia’s Sea
by taking a picture of yourself festive stroll by stopping at the Glass Ornaments Workshop! Our
enjoying Government Street Chateau Victoria’s “Forest of workshop leader will guide you
during December and post it Wishes”. While here, add your through the process of various
to your social media. Follow @ own special wish to the forest. wire-wrapping techniques to make
government_st_bc on Instagram Simply make a donation at beautiful sea glass ornaments,
and @GovStreetBC on Facebook our front desk and receive a while sharing stories of some of
for contest details. Weekly prizes “Wish Decoration.” All proceeds British Columbia’s local beaches
available with a grand prize to be benefit the Times Colonist and the legends of “mermaid
drawn on the 21st of December. Christmas Fund. tears”. All supplies are provided.
8 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityCharity Christmas Tree Sale to Support Victoria
Conservatory of Music
NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 1 | 10AM - 2PM
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL & SUITES VICTORIA
It’s time to decorate for the holidays! Bring your family and pick out a gorgeous local island-grown
Christmas Tree at our annual Charity Christmas Tree sale. Select your favourite 5- to 7-foot Douglas Fir.
All trees are $50 with proceeds going to the Victoria Conservatory of Music. We’ll have pop up carolers
and performances from students of the conservatory of music, a festive photo booth, Doubletree Cookies
and Hot Chocolate station, Marshmallow roasting, Doubletree s’mores station and Santa on location on
December 1 from 12 - 1PM.
Christmas Card Making Workshop At Delta Victoria
with proceeds to Santa’s Anonymous
NOVEMBER 27 & 28, DECEMBER 4, 5, 11 & 12 | 6 - 8PM
DELTA VICTORIA OCEAN POINTE HOTEL & SPA
Ready to get in the Holiday Spirit? Join us at our Christmas Card Making Workshop! Learn to make a
variety of different cards with our fantastic Art Teacher. All supplies are included! All proceeds to Santa’s
Anonymous. Registration is required. To do so, please contact vic.sales@deltahotels.com
Festival of Trees Victoria
UNTIL JANUARY 6
THE BAY CENTRE
Bring your family and friends and be
immersed in the festive season as you tour
a lush forest of one-of-a-kind decorated
trees to raise funds for BC Children’s
Hospital Foundation. A must-see event
known as Victoria’s unofficial kick-off to
the holiday season for the last 27 years.
While you are there, be sure to vote
for your favourite tree in support of BC
Children’s Hospital Foundation.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 9Carouse,
Celebrate
+ Toast
Parties, celebrations,
and fundraisers
DECEMBER 13-24, 26-30 | SUNDAY-THURSDAY — 4PM-9PM | FRIDAY & SATURDAY – 4PM-10PM
CENTENNIAL SQUARE
The Downtown Victoria Business Association and its members have created something special:
an all-ages, all access, FREE holiday extravaganza! Bundle up, get outside, and explore all that
downtown has to offer! Come share the magic of the season and take a selfie under our
canopy of lights. This celebration is Downtown Victoria’s BIG gift to the region.
Learn more at lightsofwonder.ca.
10 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityVictoria’s Largest Bring your small group to enjoy a BIG OFFICE
HOLIDAY PARTY! We’ve taken the hassle out of
Small Office party planning and done it all for you; including
Christmas Party a beautifully decorated setting, delicious holiday
buffet, live music, photo booth, fabulous door
DECEMBER 13 | 12-3PM prizes, and more! This is the perfect party for
DELTA OCEAN POINTE groups of 8 - 40 (tables of 8 & 10). For more
HOTEL & SPA details, or to purchase tickets, contact the Delta
Hotels by Marriott Victoria Sales & Events Team at
250-360-5900, or vic.sales@deltahotels.com.
Yule Celebration
DECEMBER 8 | 12-6PM | AVALON BOOKS
Celebrate Yule at Avalon Books 62-560 Johnson St. lower level Market Square. Ring in the season
with some of our blended teas, get a 15 min psychic reading with 3 of our readers. In store specials
for the day of 25% or more! check off your holiday shopping list with our local craft makers on
location. It would be wonderful if you could bring a non perishable item for our Harvest Basket
which will be donated to charity. Our celebration will commence at noon and run till 6 pm.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 11Eat, Drink
+ Savour
Dinners, tasting events,
and drinks
The Christmas Craft Beer Show
NOVEMBER 28 & 29 | 5 - 9PM
NOVEMBER 30 | 1 - 5PM
SAVE ON FOODS MEMORIAL CENTRE
Get ready to wet your whistle at the 4th Annual Christmas Craft Beer Show! Patrons will have a chance
to partake in some of the finest winter ales by microbreweries from across BC. There will be over 45
vendors on site, while some serious food will be offered with a special menu only available at this event.
Raise a pint of holiday cheer and join us for the most wonderful time of year to have a beer!
12 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityInn at Laurel Point Santa Claus
Sunday Brunch Series
DECEMBER 1, 8 & 15 | 11AM & 11:30AM | 1PM & 1:30PM
INN AT LAUREL POINT
Santa’s on his way! Bring the whole family and immerse yourself in the
magic of the season. These brunches sell out every year, be sure to
make your reservations early so you don’t miss out! 250-414-6739 or
email info@aurarestaurant.ca. Seatings at 11/11:30am and 1/1:30pm.
Christmas Dinner Feast at the Hotel Grand Pacific
DECEMBER 24 | 5 - 9PM
HOTEL GRAND PACIFIC
Join us at the Pacific Restaurant for our annual Christmas Day Dinner Feast! This menu offers a three-
course dinner with choices of three appetizers, four entrees and three desserts. Bring your family &
friends and have the Hotel Grand Pacific do the holiday cooking for everyone this year! Reservations
open Sunday, December 1, 2019. Reservations: 250-380-4458
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 13Bengal & Baubels Event
DECEMBER 19 | 6AM - 11PM
FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Enjoy a buffet featuring festive classics
and well known Indian flavours. Perfect
for small office parties. For more
information please contact Natalie
Sexton at 250-995-3668
or natalie.sexton@fairmont.com.
Christmas Eve Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dinner at Q Dinner at Q Dinner Buffet
DECEMBER 24 | 5 - 9PM DECEMBER 25 | 4 - 9PM DECEMBER 25 | 2, 4:30, & 7PM
Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Four-course set menu, with Five-course set menu. Featured Enjoy the chef attended
optional wine pairing. offers on select wines. carving stations, seafood,
classic Christmas dishes,
and a children’s buffet. Live
piano music. 2pm, 4:30pm,
and 7pm seatings.
14 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityNew Year’s Eve Dinner at Q
DECEMBER 31 | 5PM
Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Before your New Year’s celebrations, dine at Q
at the Empress. Three-course set menu with your
choice of main course. Wine pairings optional.
Perfect for those looking to enjoy a delicious
meal before New Year’s Eve celebrations. Does
not include access to the New Year’s Eve Gala.
New Year’s Eve Dinner and Gala
DECEMBER 31 | 7PM
Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Reception in the Palm Court from 7 – 8PM with
passed canapés and cocktails. Dinner begins
promptly at 8PM. After enjoying dinner, dance
into the New Year to live music at Canada’s
Castle on the Coast. The gala will feature a
performance by Amanda Woods – local jazz
and pop singer/songwriter. Guests of the gala
receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine
at midnight. Black tie.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Q
(late seating)
DECEMBER 31 | 8PM
Q AT THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Celebrate the New Year at Q at the Empress.
Five-course set menu with optional wine pairing.
Choice of main course.. Includes access to
Fairmont Empress New Year’s Eve Gala starting
at 9:00pm.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 15DISCOVERY STREET
TROLLEY ROUTE
CHATHAM STREET CALEDONIA AVENUE
HERALD STREET
Details on Page 10
Chinatown
STORE ST.
FISGARD STREET
16 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events
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For more info on these events, and Parliament Royal BC
many more, visit dvba.ca/events Buildings Museum
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 17Delight,
Share
+ Sing
Art installations, historical
exhibits, and showcases
Christmas in Old Town at
the Royal BC Museum
UNTIL JANUARY 9 | 10AM - 5PM
ROYAL BC MUSEUM
Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Visit the wood-cobbled streets lined with festive
garlands and see the shops decked in seasonal finery.
18 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityHabitat for
Humanity Victoria
Gingerbread
Showcase
UNTIL JANUARY 5 | 9AM - 9PM
THE PARKSIDE HOTEL & SPA
The best tasting seasonal family
event in Victoria! The Habitat
for Humanity Gingerbread
Showcase, presented by Revera,
is the ultimate holiday treat.
Come and view the sensational
edible creations and donate
to vote for your favourite;
this year our bakers will be
building a diverse community.
All proceeds support Habitat’s
affordable homeownership
program.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 19Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Royal
BC Museum’s Helmcken House Christmas
DECEMBER 17 - 31 | 12 - 4PM
Lights Across
ROYAL BC MUSEUM Canada
DECEMBER 5 | 6 - 7:30PM
Step through the doors of the oldest house in BC still on
BC LEGISLATURE
its original site and experience what Christmas was like in
Victoria more than 100 years ago. Decorations, music and Come celebrate the lighting of
first-hand accounts will take you back to Christmas past. the provincial Christmas tree and
St. Ann’s Schoolhouse will also be open. Parliament Buildings! Enjoy festive
performances outside then join
us inside for more music and
seasonal treats.
20 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityShine a Light on Youth – 13th Annual Carol-Along
This Christmas with the Carillon
NOVEMBER 30 | 1 - 4PM JANUARY 1 | 4:30 - 5:15PM
BASTION SQUARE ROYAL BC MUSEUM
Join Threshold Housing Society for a Winter Gather under the Netherlands Centennial Carillon with your
Carnival in Bastion Square. There will be live fellow singers, family, friends and pooches for a one-of-a-
music, hot chocolate, Santa Claus, a tree lighting, kind carolling party. Provincial Carillonneur Rosemary Laing
and Christmas themed activities for your family will accompany the choir, and hot chocolate and cookies
to enjoy! All in support of helping at-risk youth in will be served to make the season bright. At the end of the
our community. 45-minute set, the carillon will be lit up for the holidays.
Christmas Carol Sing-a-long
DECEMBER 12 | 12 - 1:30PM
ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Program and Carol Sing: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm. Doors open at
11:30 am. Come to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and enjoy
traditional carol singing accompanied by our pipe organ as
well as selections featuring flute, trumpet, and voice. This
event is a gift to you – admission is free. For more information:
office@standrewsvictoria.ca or 250-384-5734.
Seasonal Simplicity oneTree 2019
NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 30 UNTIL FEBRUARY 23 | 10AM - 5PM
THE BAY CENTRE THE BATEMAN FOUNDATION GALLERY OF NATURE
Meet up with friends, family and colleagues at the We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of a
Bay Centre and enjoy Seasonal Simplicity. Bring your single tree through the beauty of art and connecting
reusable mug and visit one of our cafes for a warm to nature through its incredible 200-year history. The
holiday beverage and immerse yourself in the biggest oneTree series celebrates the life and value of a
living tree display in downtown Victoria, featuring single tree by inviting participating artists to create
an interactive light tunnel surrounded by a winter as much beauty from its wood as possible.
wonderland - the place to be for your holiday pics.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 21Watch,
Listen
+ Enjoy
Concerts, carollers,
and movies
Magic of the Holidays with
the Victoria Symphony
DECEMBER 14 & 15 | 8 - 10PM | ROYAL THEATRE
Kick off your festive season with some holiday cheer! Join the Victoria Symphony and Vox
Humana Chamber Choir for Magic of the Holidays, December 14 & 15 at the Royal Theatre.
Celebrate the season with both holly jolly music and sentimental music including favorites like
O’ Holy Night, the Nutcracker Suite and Music from Harry Potter. Handel’s Messiah, Canadian
Brass and A Viennese New Year round out the Victoria Symphony’s holiday programs.
22 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityO Christmas Tea:
A British Comedy
DECEMBER 8 | 3 & 7:30PM
ROYAL THEATRE
Redefining immersive theatre, these
Photo Credit: Thaddeus Hink
masters of physical comedy sweep the
audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic
escapade brimming with whimsy,
action, and ingenuity in a celebration
of friendship. A new tradition for
Tuba Christmas the whole family! Off-Broadway
Comedians James & Jamesy return
DECEMBER 14 | 12:30 - 3:30PM with their outrageously funny and
MARKET SQUARE brilliantly inventive Christmas comedy
classic — an astonishing show that
Tuba Christmas Victoria presents an annual gathering
delights thousands of hearts every
of Tuba and Euphonium players performing in support
holiday season.
of the Times-Colonist Christmas Fund. All Tuba and
Euphonium players welcome to participate.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 23Photo Credit:
Kate Braidwood
Roaming Carollers A Wonderheads
Christmas Carol
DECEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22 | 12 - 4PM
DECEMBER 7, 14, 21 | 11AM - 3PM DECEMBER 17 & 18 | 7:30 - 9PM
MCPHERSON PLAYHOUSE
Two quartets of highly trained carollers
circulate throughout downtown on Saturdays Join Scrooge on his haunted Christmas Eve adventure and
from 11 am – 3 pm and Sundays from 12 – 4 be prepared to laugh, cry and be utterly enchanted! The
pm during the month of December. At 1:30 holiday classic you love brought to life in a way you never
pm, the two groups will meet to perform in imagined possible! Renowned theatrical imagineers and
8-part harmony and to lead sing-a-longs of multi-award winning company the WONDERHEADS reinvent
favourite carols. On Saturdays they will meet the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and his magical journey with
up outside The Bay Centre – on the Fort Street giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical
side of the building next to the Starbucks. On invention. Think Pixar meets Jim Henson.
Sundays they will meet at Market Square.
24 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityNutcracker with Ukrainian Shumka Dancers & Victoria Symphony
NOVEMBER 29 & 30 | 7PM
NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 1 | 1PM
ROYAL THEATRE
Shumka’s Nutcracker blends the grace and lyricism of classical ballet with the strength and power
of Ukrainian folk and character dance. This classic tale of young Clara and her dream Prince
incorporates Ukrainian traditions and symbols, grand orchestral versions of Tchaikovsky’s legendary
score, and lavish sets and costumes designed by National Opera of Ukraine’s Maria Levitska. Exuberant
entertainment! Presented by Dance Victoria.
54th Annual Carolling Week Peruvian
Christmas Carol
DECEMBER 2, 3, 4, 6 | 12 - 12:40PM
CITY OF VICTORIA - CITY HALL DECEMBER 4 | 12:15 - 12:45PM
ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Celebrate the holiday season with the 54th Annual Carolling
Week, a long-standing tradition at Victoria City Hall! Join us
Maribel Flores, voice; Martin Perez, voice
on select days the first week of December at noon for this
and guitar; and Brian Titus, voice and flute
festive event which showcases choirs from Victoria area
will share their gifts of traditional Peruvian
schools performing popular carols. Tune up your singing
Christmas music.
voices and join in, or listen and enjoy.
Ballet Victoria’s “The Gift”
DECEMBER 27 | 7:30PM
DECEMBER 28 & 29 | 2PM
ROYAL THEATRE
Live Orchestra! Ballet Victoria’s holiday tradition – the same theme but always
very different. Accompanied by the Victoria Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s
timeless score, this modern take on The Nutcracker follows Clara on a
reimagined Christmas classic journey filled with wonderful new characters.
From Harlequin dolls to dragons and fairies, a few mice and a Nutcracker
ballerina, it’s an amazing holiday performance for the whole family.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 25Walk,
Ride
+ Admire
Parades, guided tours,
and walks
Christmas in Old Victoria Historical
Walking Tour
NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 29 | SAT & SUN
SATURDAYS 2:30PM | SUNDAYS 10:30AM & 2:30PM
Get into the Christmas spirit and discover how Christmas was observed in early Victoria on this 90-minute
leisurely historical walking tour through Old Town. Start inside a heritage building for a short history of
Christmas traditions, then head out through the festive streets to hear true stories about the season, including
reminiscences of Emily Carr as a little girl. Tours start outside 26 Bastion Square (Burnes House) beside the
former Maritime Museum.
26 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityHorse-Drawn Trolley Rides
DECEMBER 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 | 1 - 5PM
Horse-drawn trolleys will circulate through downtown making it easy to take in all of the sights and
sounds of the holidays. The trolleys are free, compliments of the DVBA, and are a unique way to tour
the downtown or take a scenic break while you rest your weary feet. Two trolleys will circulate on a
pre-set route through downtown with four stops at:
• Store St. at Chatham St. (in front of Capital Iron)
• Johnson St. near Wharf St. (in front of Willie’s Bakery)
• Langley St. at Bastion Sq. (across from Re-Bar)
• Government St. at Fisgard St. (in front of CRD Plaza — hop off here to see the Lights of Wonder display.)
IEOA Truck Light Convoy Ghosts of Christmas Past
and Food Drive
NOVEMBER 29, 30
DECEMBER 7 | 5 - 8:30PM DECEMBER 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 26-31
7:30 - 9PM
It’s the 21st annual Truck Light Convoy and Food
Drive and we need your support. Cheer on the 80 As we approach the longest night, the team from
commercial trucks as they convoy, decorated in lights, Ghostly Walks is ready to tell their favourite yuletide
seasonal attire and festive sounds to collect food and haunting stories once again on their popular 90-minute
money donations for local food banks. Go to ieoa.ca walking tour. “Ghosts of Christmas Past.” A Christmas Eve
to find the schedule, route, donation locations, and to murder, the “White Lady” of Bastion Square and many
find out where the trucks are during the event. more spooky stories will send shivers down your spine.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 27Giggle,
Gawk
+ Inspire
Kid-specific Santa-time,
cookie-time, and crafting
Children’s Christmas
Kick Off
NOVEMBER 30 | 2 - 4:30PM
FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Kick off the holiday season with cookie decorating and hot
chocolate. Afterwards join the local celebration on Government
Street for Victoria’s Annual Santa Claus Parade. Parade begins at
5pm. All proceeds go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
28 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/events Kids Santa 19+ CharityKid’s Christmas at the Castle
DECEMBER 15 | 1 - 4PM
FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL
Perfect for parents and their kids. Sparkling wine
and canapés for Moms and Dads, Christmas
activities and treats for the kids. Cash bar.
Miniature World’s Father Christmas in
“Find the six Santas” Old Town at the Royal
contest BC Museum
DECEMBER 1 - 24 | 8AM - 4PM DECEMBER 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22
MINIATURE WORLD 11AM - 3PM
ROYAL BC MUSEUM
This year, the staff at Miniature World will hide six tiny
Santa Claus figurines throughout our exhibit. This contest is Visit with Father Christmas in Old Town,
open to children 12 years of age and under, and the goal have your photo taken and share your
is to find all six Santas! Find all six, and win an annual pass holiday wishes.
to Miniature World for the year 2020.
Santa visits in support Pancakes and
of the Children’s Health Pajamas in support
Foundation of Vancouver of the Children’s
Island Health Foundation of
Vancouver Island
DECEMBER 7, 14, 21 | 1 – 3PM
HOTEL GRAND PACIFIC DECEMBER 15 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM
HOTEL GRAND PACIFIC
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown
to hang out and take photos with Ol’ Saint Nick! Visits Enjoy this family-friendly holiday brunch
by donation. Enjoy some cookies and hot cocoa at with Santa, in your pajamas! For full details,
the same time, also available by donation. Full details or to buy your tickets, visit
and more events at islandkidsfirst.com/holiday-2019. islandkidsfirst.com/holiday-2019.
For more ideas on how to enjoy time downtown this season, visit dvba.ca/blog | 29Mark your calendar for Greater Victoria’s
largest, free outdoor light display
THE FIRST-EVER The Downtown Victoria Business Association will
transform the square into a holiday wonderland. With
LIGHTS OF WONDER
free admission and for all ages, Lights of Wonder will
WILL BE HELD AT offer live entertainment, warm nibbles, and magical
CENTENNIAL SQUARE light displays. Come visit!
FROM DECEMBER Interested in volunteering at Lights of Wonder?
13 TO 30. Visit dvba.ca/volunteer for more information.Thank you to the generous sponsors of Lights of Wonder
Platinum
Gold
Silver
CommunityAll the Best of
the Season
to You!
We hope you’ve enjoyed the Holiday Guide and
found a few new events for this year. Visit our blog
(downtownvictoria.ca/blog) for sharp ideas, tips,
and updates.
However you celebrate the season, we wish you the best.
And don’t forget to join us at Lights of Wonder—with
family, after a date, on your own, with your dog, with your
friends, with a book… You get the picture, so come down
and take lots of pictures. We’ll see you there!
downtownvictoria.ca
32 | For more info on these events, visit dvba.ca/eventsYou can also read
