DVBA 2015 Christmas Guide
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Transcript of DVBA 2015 Christmas Guide
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
Is everyone ready for Christmas this year? We are! That’s why we would love for
you to come downtown and enjoy all the fun we have planned for you this holiday
season. Downtown Victoria is the ultimate colourful place, filled with beautiful
streets, interesting retailers, and the best food anywhere!
The Ferris wheel is back in Centennial Square, so make sure to bring your friends
down for a ride. Free trolley rides abound — to help out with those sore feet from
shopping. And throughout the Christmas season, you can enjoy First Hour Free
parking any day in the five City of Victoria Parkades. Friends, come and have a
Colourful Christmas in Downtown Victoria.
DVBA CHRISTMAS GUIDE | 3
Kick-off the holiday season in Centennial Square with the 8th Annual Centennial Square
Christmas Tree Light-Up presented by the DVBA and the City of Victoria. Join in the festivities
with free treats, appearances by Father and Mother Christmas, and musical performances. This
is also your chance to be among the first to ride the Ferris Wheel this season. At 5pm, witness
the magic as thousands of lights in Centennial Square are switched on in a wondrous spectacle
celebrating the holidays. Bring the whole family down to Centennial Square to share the joy of
the season before the Island Farms Santa Light Parade starts! Events will take place rain or shine.
downtownvictoria.ca
8th Annual Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up
N OV E M B E R 28
4 P M - 5 : 30 P M
C E N T E N N I A L S Q UA R E
FIND YOUR WAY
TO THIS ICON ON THE MAP
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
Free Parking
Parking in Downtown Victoria is easier than ever! Use one of the five City of Victoria parkades when
you come downtown and your first hour will automatically be FREE.
Safe Walk service is also available in the parkades to escort you and you family back to your vehicle.
And remember, parking on street and in city parkades is always free after 6 pm, on Sundays, and on
holidays! For more information visit victoria.ca/parking
Free Horse-Drawn Trolley RidesNOVEMBER 28 – D ECEMBER 20
SATURDAYS | 12 – 4 PM | SUNDAYS | 12 – 3 PM | D OW NTOW N VIC TO RIA
Enjoy a classic downtown tradition with your family this holiday season. Every weekend, horse-drawn
trolleys will circulate throughout downtown making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of
Christmas downtown. The trolleys are free of charge, 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 free trolleys will
circulate on a pre-set route throughout the downtown with stops at:
STORE ST. AT CHATHAM ST. (IN FRONT OF OCEAN RIVER SPORTS)
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)
Find Your WayTo help you take in all the good stuff this Christmas, we’ve put it all on a map.
From the Centennial Square Light-Up and Ferris wheel, to the Trolley Rides and more!
You’ll find it all here in Downtown Victoria.
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HERALD STREET
CHATHAM STREET CALEDONIA AVENUE
DISCOVERY STREET
PEMBROKE STREET
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Experience the spirit of the holidays with a whimsical ride on the DVBA Ferris Wheel. Come see
the lights of Centennial Square and Downtown Victoria with a view from 20 metres up. Holiday
entertainment, courtesy of the City of Victoria, photo opportunities and more await to delight and
entertain. Rides are $2. Riders must be over 2 years old and 36 inches to ride with an adult.
Ferris wheel will not operate in inclement weather. downtownvictoria.ca
FIND YOUR WAY BY LOCATING THIS ICON ON THE MAP
Ferris Wheel in Centennial Square
N OV E M B E R 2 8 –
D E C E M B E R 20
F R I DAYS | 5 – 9 P M
SATURDAYS* | 12 – 9 PM
S U N DAYS | 12 – 7 P M
C E N T E N N I A L S Q UA R E
Christmas CarollersNOVEMBER 28 – D ECEMBER 20 | FREE
SATURDAYS | 11 – 3 PM | SUNDAYS | 12 – 4 PM | D OW NTOW N VIC TO RIA
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. Brought to you by the DVBA, listen for our
Carollers roaming the streets bringing tidings and good cheer. downtownvictoria.ca
Operation Christmas ChildAJs is proud to be a pick-up and drop-off location for Operation Christmas Child; with empty
shoeboxes and instructions for anyone who wants to participate. These gift-filled shoeboxes
will be sent around the world to less fortunate children overseas; a wonderful tradition to begin
with your family. Pick up your shoebox, and return it once you’ve packed it full of gifts,
before November 22.
UNTIL
NOVEMBER 22
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Government Street Grand GiveawayNOVEMBER 13 – D ECEMBER 24
GOVERNMENT S TREE T
Fill out your Government Street Holiday Passport
and enter to win the amazing grand prize draw
and other fabulous prizes. Passports are available
at 34 participating stores, identified by a window
sticker. Passports will also be mailed out in the
Money Saver Envelope at the end of November,
so check your mailbox! The last day for entries is
December 24.
Christmas in Old TownNOVEMBER 14 – JANUARY 2
ROYAL BC MUSEUM
Savour the sights and sounds of Christmas
long ago. Visit the wood-cobbled streets laced
with festive garlands and see the shops decked
with seasonal finery. Included with museum
admission or membership.
24th Annual Victoria Festival of TreesNOVEMBER 18 – JANUARY 5
THE BAY CENTRE
The Festival of Trees is decking the halls of
The Bay Centre for BC Children’s Hospital
Foundation! The festival brings together
sponsors, local businesses, organizations, and
individuals to decorate trees in a sometimes
wacky, often irreverent, and always beautiful
fashion. These enchanting trees are displayed
through the Christmas season and the public
is invited to donate to vote for their favourite
(suggested $2 minimum); all ballots will be
entered to win a $500 Bay Centre gift card.
SEASON LONG CELEBRATIONS | 9
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
Aura Gingerbread TeaNOVEMBER 21 – JANUARY 2 (E XCEP T FO R
SUNDAYS , CHRIS TMA S DAY, AND JANUARY 1)
11 AM – 5 PM | AUR A RE S TAUR ANT, INN AT
L AUREL P OINT
After you have marveled at the most
magnificent gingerbread display in town, join
the staff at Aura for a festive gingerbread tea.
The pastry team will be offering gingerbread
inspired desserts for you to enjoy with tea,
coffee, or hot chocolate before you brave back
out into a chilly winter’s day. $10/person, with
$1 from each purchase donated to support
Habitat for Humanity Victoria.
15th Annual Bear Wear!NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 3 | HOTEL GR AND PACIF IC
The holiday teddy bears are back! Head down to the Inner Harbour and visit the best-dressed teddy
bears in town. Bear Wear takes place in the lobby of the Hotel Grand Pacific and all funds raised
at this annual event go to support the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. Vote for
your favourite bear as many times as you like – the more times you vote, the better your chances at
winning the raffle!
Canada’s National Gingerbread ShowcaseNOVEMBER 21 – JANUARY 3 | 9AM – 9PM
INN AT L AUREL P OINT
Feast your eyes and treat your nose to creative inspirations constructed from gingerbread.
More than just houses, these are detailed sculptures and unique works of art created by professional
and amateur chefs. Vote for your favourite and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria.
A spirit rousing experience, the gingerbread houses will leave your mouth watering and your eyes
wanting more.
The Polar Express: an IMAX ExperienceSHOW TIME S THRO U GHO UT D ECEMBER
IMA X VIC TO RIA ( INSID E ROYAL BC MUSEUM)
Each year, people love to settle into their seats
and relive this inspiring holiday adventure on
the biggest IMAX screen in Western Canada.
Join them. Get your ticket, climb aboard the
Polar Express, and enter a world where the wonder
of life never fades. Visit imaxvictoria.com for
information and showtimes.
Celebrate the Season at The Bay Centre & 17th Annual Spirit of GivingD ECEMBER | THE BAY CENTRE
The Bay Centre is truly magical at
Christmas time; a place to celebrate the
festive season as you choose heartfelt gifts
for family, friends, and colleagues. Step into
a winter wonderland set under a canopy of
twinkling lights surrounded by beautiful live
fir trees in centre court. While you are here,
help spread the spirit of giving to families and
the working poor supported by the Mustard
Seed Food Bank. Drop off your financial or
non-perishable food donations or have your
gifts wrapped at the by-donation gift wrapping
station. The Mustard Seed will receive 100% of
the profits. Don’t forget to stop by the mistletoe
in Centre Court for your chance to win a $100
Bay Centre gift card.
Pile Up The Prezzies!D ECEMBER | MARKE T SQUARE
Help us deliver a pile of toys, trinkets, treats &
treasures to kids of all ages for C-FAX Santa’s
Anonymous. Please drop off unwrapped gifts
at Oscar & Libby’s in Market Square. For a list of
needed gifts, stop by the shop or visit Oscar &
Libby’s on Facebook.
Choirs in the Courtyard at the Greater Victoria Public Library D ECEMBER 1 – 12 | 12 – 1 PM
Treat yourself to an early afternoon seasonal
sampling of Victoria’s choirs in the Central
Branch courtyard – one of the city’s sweetest
acoustic spots. Details and times for specific
choirs at gvpl.ca
Winter Collection Group Show: West End GalleryD ECEMBER 1 – 30 | W E S T END GALLERY
The Winter Collection Group Show is a unique
opportunity to come into the gallery and obtain
specially produced paintings by our beloved
artists for this festive exhibition. Delight
yourself or that someone special with the gift of
art. Learn more at westendgalleryltd.com.
SEASON LONG CELEBRATIONS | 11
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
Father Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC MuseumD ECEMBER 4 – 6 , 11 – 13 , 18 – 20 (FRIDAYS ,
SATURDAYS , AND SUNDAYS)
11 AM – 3 PM | ROYAL BC MUSEUM
Visit with Father Christmas in Old Town;
have your photo taken and share your holiday
wishes. Included with admission or museum
membership (photos by donation).
Christmas in Old Victoria D ECEMBER 6 , 13 , & 20 | 10AM
D ECEMBER 12 , 19 & 26 | 2 PM
MEE TING P OINT O UTSID E 26 BA S TIO N SQ
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. No reservations needed.
Adults $15. Information at 250-384-6698
or discoverthepast.com
Ghosts of Christmas PastD ECEMBER 4 – 6 , 11 – 13 , 18 – 20, 26 – 31 , AND
JANUARY 1 - 2 | 7: 30 PM
MEE TING P O INT O UTSID E TO URISM VIC TO RIA
VIS ITO R INFO RMATIO N CENTRE
As we approach the longest night, the team
from Ghostly Walks is ready to tell their
favourite yuletide haunting stories on this
90-minute walking tour. A Songhees legend,
a Christmas Eve murder, the “White Lady” of
Bastion Square (who first made her appearance
at Christmas 1861), and many more spooky
stories will send shivers down your spine. No
reservations needed. Adults $15. Information at
250-384-6698 or discoverthepast.com
Helmcken House Old-Fashioned ChristmasD ECEMBER 6 | 1 – 3 PM |
D ECEMBER 20 – JANUARY 4 | 12 – 4PM
ROYAL BC MUSEUM
Step through the doors of the oldest house in
British Columbia, still on its original site,
and experience what Christmas would have been
like in Victoria over 100 years ago. Decorations,
music, and first-hand accounts will take you back
to Christmas past. This year, you can also visit St.
Ann’s Schoolhouse – volunteers from the Society
of Friends of St. Ann’s Academy will be on hand
to share the history and accomplishments of the
Sisters. Included with museum admission,
or by donation.
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For more info on these events, visit downtownvictoria.ca
EVENTS shows ACTIVITIES
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DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
MEC SnowfestNOVEMBER 22 | 10 AM – 5 PM | MO UNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO - O P
MEC Snowfest is an annual celebration of all things SNOW…related. Meet local community groups,
clubs, and vendors, and talk about playing in the snow. Find a deal at Snow Swap where you can
score some AWESOME deals on gear that can get you outside. The day will be filled with information
clinics, video presentations, prize draws, giveaways, face painting and snow crafts for the little folks,
and much much more.
Festive on Fort Wreath WalkNOVEMBER 26 | 6 – 8 PM | 700 BLO CK O F FO RT S TREE T
Nibble your way along the block at participating businesses and check out their festive wreaths.
Enter to win the wreath at each business and you will also be entered to win the block’s ginormous
wreath – decked out with prizes and gift certificates from the street’s businesses.
27th Annual Out of Hand Craft FairNOVEMBER 27 | 10 AM – 9 PM
NOVEMBER 28 | 10 AM – 6 PM
NOVEMBER 29 | 10 AM – 4 : 30 PM
CRYS TAL GARD EN
This annual event is Vancouver Island’s most
prestigious craft show; it features a diverse
selection of contemporary crafts from across
the province, an artisan food market and
indie fashion.
Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Café ChristmasNOVEMBER 26 – 27 | 7: 30 PM
ROYAL THE ATRE
Christmas is a time of tradition. And families
across Canada have made The Vinyl Café
one of their Christmas traditions. This year’s
Vinyl Café Christmas Concert will feature two
brand new Dave & Morley stories, and special
musical guests. Tickets start at $57 and can
be purchased through the Royal Theatre box
office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
EVENTS SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES | 15
Island Farms Santa Light Parade
NGO Ho Ho NOVEMBER 28 | 7: 30 PM
VIC TO RIA E VENT CENTRE
Because changing the world is hard work! On
November 28, celebrate at the annual NGO HO
HO - the holiday party for Victoria’s non-profit
community. The party will be animated with
live music by the Capital City Syncopators,
drinks, late night bites, face painting, photo
booth, and best of all - a room full of people
who are involved with making Victoria such an
awesome city. Tickets are $10.
Carol-Along with the CarillonNOVEMBER 29 | 4 : 30 – 5 :15 PM
ROYAL BC MUSEUM
Rather than carolling door to door, bring your
family, friends, and pets and gather under the
Centennial Carillon. Provincial Carillonneur
Rosemary Laing commands the 62 bells from
up above, and down below the crowd will be led
by the Newcombe Singers in a carol sing. Hot
chocolate and cookies help to make the season
bright, and at the end, the Carillon will be illu-
minated for the season.
N OV E M B E R 28
5 : 4 5 P M
G OV E R N M E N T S T R E E T
After the Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up, bring the family to this festive annual
parade to celebrate the holiday season. Enjoy an array of dazzling floats and marching bands that
travel along Government Street from Belleville to Chatham Street. Meet up at the Capital Iron
parking lot for free treats courtesy of Island Farms.
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
Merry & BrightNOVEMBER 29 | 6 : 30 PM
THE ATRIUM
Tis the season! Catch this event for a live and
silent auction, a complimentary tasting hour,
and delicious cocktail catering at Intrepid
Theatre’s signature holiday fundraiser in one
of the city’s most beautiful downtown venues,
The Atrium. Naughty or nice, this is one holiday
event you want on your calendar! Tickets $40
in advance or $45 at the door.
Christmas Starlight CinemaD ECEMBER 1 | 6 PM – A CHRIS TMA S S TO RY
D ECEMBER 2 | 6 PM – ICE AGE
D ECEMBER 8 | 6 PM – ELF
D ECEMBER 9 | 6 PM – HO ME ALO NE
D ECEMBER 15 | 6 PM – P O L AR E XPRE SS
DECEMBER 16 | 6 PM – IT ’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
DELTA VIC TORIA O CE AN P OINTE
RE SO RT & SPA
Bundle up and bring the family down to the
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe to enjoy one of
Victoria’s great Christmas traditions – Christmas
movies under the stars in the beautiful Inner
Harbour. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening
in December, cuddle up to your loved ones and
watch your favourite movies. Movies are FREE
but donations to Santas Anonymous are
appreciated. Bring a lawn chair and extra
blankets, the hotel will supply heaters! (In the
event of rain, movies will be screened inside).
For more information, call 250-360-2999.
50th Annual Carolling WeekNOVEMBER 30 – D ECEMBER 4
(E XCEP T D ECEMBER 3) | 12 – 12 :45 PM
VIC TO RIA CIT Y HALL ANTECHAMBER
Bring a lunch and join the City of Victoria every
day (except December 3) through the first
week of December for this annual tradition
which showcases choirs from Greater Victoria
schools performing favourite Christmas carols
at Victoria City Hall. Rod Berod will return on
keyboard and Al Ferraby of CFAX 1070 will
be the Master of Ceremonies. Tune up your
singing voices and join in, or listen and enjoy.
Smoking Lily Customer Appreciation EveningD ECEMBER 3 | 5 – 8 PM
MILKMAN ’S DAU GHTER
As Smoking Lily does once a year, to show
their gratitude for continued support, they’re
hosting a customer appreciation evening at
The Milkman’s Daughter. They’ll be offering
something bubbly to drink, something sweet to
eat, and a shopping discount for both in-store
and online customers.
EVENTS SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES | 17
Christmas Lights Across CanadaD ECEMBER 3 | 7 PM
PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Join special guests and children’s choirs to
celebrate the annual cross-country light-up.
The giant sequoia on the front lawn of the
Parliament Buildings will be illuminated
with thousands of lights, followed by hot
cocoa and seasonal treats for everyone.
Merry Kissmas!D ECEMBER 5 | 12 – 3 PM
MARKE T SQUARE
It’s Kissmastime! Share the love with a kiss
under the city’s biggest mistletoe. Bring
your family, pets, and friends – United Way
volunteers will be on hand to take
photographs. Your Kissmas photo
could win you round trip tickets for two
to Seattle aboard the Victoria Clipper!
Wish DayD ECEMBER 4 | 6 AM – 6 PM
Tune into KOOL FM 107.3 for Wish Day,
a 12 hour radio-a-thon where listeners hear
local children’s wishes for Christmas and
call in to purchase that gift and return it to
1420 Broad Street.
Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus FundraiserD ECEMBER 5 | 9 – 11 : 30 AM | V IS TA 18 ,
CHATE AU VIC TO RIA
This much-loved Christmas tradition helps
local families, with 100% of the proceeds
going to the Times Colonist Christmas
Fund. Admission is by donation (minimum
$20 adults/$10 children). Experience the
true Christmas spirit by helping those less
fortunate. Reservations required – call Yvonne
at 250-361-5660.
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
Christmas Beauty for AllD ECEMBER 5 | 1 – 4 PM
UNIVERSIT Y O F VIC TO RIA LEGAC Y
ART GALLERY
Come into the Legacy Art Gallery for a break
from your holiday shopping hullabaloo!
Enjoy live music, light refreshments, and
a festive art-making activity related to the
Arts and Crafts exhibition, Beauty for All.
The Legacy is always free to the public.
Music in Market SquareD ECEMBER 5 | 1 – 3 PM
MARKE T SQUARE
Enjoy a grand performance of holiday
favourites by the Greater Victoria
Concert Band.
IT’S THE
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Alberta Ballet’s: The NutcrackerD ECEMBER 4 – 5 | 7: 30 PM | D ECEMBER 5 & 6 | 2 PM | ROYAL THE ATRE
A favourite Victoria family tradition returns to the Royal by popular demand. Alberta Ballet’s
sumptuous production casts a bewitching spell. Extravagant bejeweled sets and gorgeous costumes,
created by Emmy Award winner Zach Brown, give the ballet the look of a richly illustrated children’s
book. Be prepared to be transported to 19th century Russia with the captivating magic of this beloved
holiday classic. Accompanied by the Victoria Symphony. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at
the Royal Theatre box office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
17th Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy & Food Drive
D E C E M B E R 5
A P P R OX . 6 : 30 P M
B L A N S H A R D S T R E E T
B E LLE V I LLE S T R E E T
G OV E R N M E N T S T R E E T
Owners decorate their trucks and heavy equipment to create this exciting annual spectacle of light. The
convoy starts at Ogden Point and heads to the Western Communities via Blanshard and Government
Streets. The convoy is expected at Yates and Blanshard at approximately 6:30-7:00 pm and it moves quickly
so don’t miss it! Drop off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. ieoa.ca
Ship Point Christmas Night MarketD ECEMBER 5 | 5 – 9 PM | SHIP P OINT
Before the Truck Light Convoy and the Lighted Ship Parade, head down to Ship Point for a covered
Christmas Market featuring local vendors of food and handcrafted items, festive music, hot apple
cider, and mulled wine. Santa says he’s going to be there too!
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26th Annual Lighted Ship ParadeD ECEMBER 5 | APPROX . 7: 30 PM
INNER HARBO UR/SHIP P OINT
After the Truck Light Convoy passes the Inner
Harbour, the Lighted Ship Parade begins.
Decorated ships dazzle as they circle the
Inner Harbour, competing for the title of
Most Festive Boat. On shore, warm up with a
mug of mulled wine or apple cider, browse the
artisan market and enjoy live music, a visit from
Santa Claus, a kids’ colouring booth,
and snacks to nibble on while watching the
boats. All profits from the drink sales will
be donated to the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
Christmas StorytimeD ECEMBER 10 | 10 : 30 – 11 : 30 AM
CENTR AL BR ANCH , GRE ATER VIC TO RIA
PUBLIC LIBR ARY
Ho, Ho, Ho! Enjoy a festive storytime,
a craft, and a tasty holiday treat in
anticipation of Christmas Day. For young
children and their families; children under 3
must be accompanied by an adult. Register at
gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875)
for more information.
Santa Claus Sunday Brunch SeriesD ECEMBER 6 , 13 & 20 | SE ATINGS AVAIL ABLE
FRO M 11 AM – 2 PM
AUR A RE S TAUR ANT, INN AT L AUREL P OINT
Straight from the North Pole, it’s Santa!
Back by popular demand, at the Santa
Claus Brunch, kids can eat, meet, and snap
a photo with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself.
Children will enjoy their own special buffet
as well as their own area to watch their
favourite Christmas movies. All children will
receive a complimentary photo with Santa.
These events sell out quickly, so be sure to
reserve your seat (call 250-414-6739 or email
[email protected]). Adults $44,
seniors $35, children 6 – 11 $22, children under 5
free; $1 from each adult brunch purchased will
go to Habitat for Humanity Victoria.
Miracle on Broad Street D ECEMBER 11 | 6 AM – 6 PM
BROAD S TREE T
Stop by Miracle on Broad Street, an annual
12 hour radio-a-thon hosted by CFAX Radio.
Located street level at 1420 Broad Street
this is a day of Miracles: including hearing
stories of those touched by CFAX Santas
Anonymous over 38 years and entertainment
throughout the day by local artists. CFAX will
be collecting donations to purchase groceries
for over 1,500 families this Christmas.
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
A Sentimental ChristmasD ECEMBER 11 – 12 | 8 PM | D ECEMBER 13 | 2 PM | ROYAL THE ATRE
Celebrate the season with the Victoria Symphony’s traditional concert of Yuletide cheer, featuring
soprano Eleanor McCain. Maestra Tania Miller and the Victoria Symphony will be joined by the
choristers from the Victoria Choral Society for a concert full of Christmas favourites, including the
chance for the audience to join in with sing-a-long holiday carols. Tickets start at $30 and can be
purchased through the Royal Theatre box office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
Tuba ChristmasD ECEMBER 12 | 1 – 3 PM | MARKE T SQUARE
A tradition that began in New York City’s Rockefeller Centre some 40 years ago; more than 65 tuba
players from BC and the Pacific Northwest come together to play much loved Christmas songs in a
big way.
Greater Victoria Public Library Open HouseD ECEMBER 12 | 2 – 4 PM | CENTR AL BR ANCH , GRE ATER VIC TORIA PUBLIC LIBR ARY
To celebrate the holidays, and to say ‘thank you’ for using and supporting your library this year,
the Greater Victoria Public Library is providing free festive refreshments from 2 – 4PM. Drop by
for a treat and a chat! Children are welcome to join in a Christmas craft activity from 2 – 3PM.
2015 Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy Christmas Concert Benefiting The Salvation Army Toy DriveD ECEMBER 14 – 16 | 7: 30 PM | ROYAL THE ATRE
The Naden Band concert has become a Christmas staple for Victorians over the past 30 years.
Experience musical merriment while supporting The Salvation Army’s Toy Shoppe. Donations at
these concerts support hundreds of local children with holiday gifts. Admission is $10 and a new,
unwrapped toy.
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Christmas Carol Sing-AlongD ECEMBER 17 | 12 – 1 :15 PM | S T. AND RE W ’S PRE SBY TERIAN CHURCH (SANC TUARY)
Join a downtown Christmas tradition: a hearty carol sing-along accompanied by organ, violin,
and vocal presentations, and complete with hot apple drinks and cookies. Free admission.
More information: 250-384-5734
Christmas with the Rat PackD ECEMBER 17 | 7: 30 PM | MCPHERSO N PL AYHO USE
The legendary Rat Pack lived and died the high life of booze, broads, and bright lights, always
projecting a sense of utter detachment and serenity. Through it all, they remained just outside the
radar of understanding… the most distant stars in the firmament. Don’t miss this fun-filled evening of
good music, good fun, and tom-foolery. Tickets are $47 and can be purchased at the McPherson box
office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
Christmas with Holly ColeD ECEMBER 19 | 8 PM | ROYAL THE ATRE
Deck your holiday season with the sounds
of Holly! Juno-winning Canadian singer/
songwriter Holly Cole returns to the Victoria
Symphony to delight audiences with her
versatile and distinctive voice. Tickets start at
$40 and can be purchased at the Royal Theatre
box office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
Santa ScootD ECEMBER 19 | 11 AM – 2 PM
MARKE T SQUARE
Santa rides a scooter! A parade of Vespas and
vintage scooters will be making their way through
city streets collecting donations, then rallying
at Market Square for a pizza party! $1 from every
pizza sold at Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria will go
to charity. Come see the bikes and enjoy a pizza!
A Downtown ChristmasD ECEMBER 20 | 6 PM – 1 AM | YATE S S T. TAPHO USE
If you live, work, or play downtown, this is your Christmas party. 19+ event, no minors; no cover
charge. Door prizes and gifts for everyone that attends. For more information, call 250-857-8670.
DOWNTOWNVICTORIA.CA
Aura Christmas Day BrunchD ECEMBER 25
SE ATINGS FRO M 10 AM – 2 PM
AUR A RE S TAUR ANT, INN AT L AUREL P OINT
Create a wonderful Christmas memory this
holiday season and treat your family and
friends to Aura’s Christmas Day Lunch buffet.
Sinfully decadent and overflowing with
holiday cheer, it’s truly a meal worth waiting
for. Kids are invited to enjoy the always-
popular Children’s Buffet and watch all their
favourite Christmas movies. This event sells
out every year so make your reservations early.
Adults $67, children 6 – 11 $33.50, children
under 5 free. Reservations required:
250-414-6739 or [email protected]
Jewish VictoriaD ECEMBER 27 | 10 : 30 AM | MEE TING P OINT O UTSID E EMANU -EL SYNAGO GUE
Starting at Canada’s oldest synagogue and walking through Old Town, discover the stories of
Victoria’s gold-rush Jewish merchants and politicians, including Victoria’s second mayor and
Canada’s first Jewish member of parliament. Guide Gary Cohen also provides plenty of information
of general interest about Victoria’s history. No reservations needed. Adults $15. Information at
discoverthepast.com or 250-384-6698.
Ballet Victoria: The GiftD ECEMBER 27 – 29 | 2 PM | ROYAL THE ATRE
The Victoria Symphony will whisk you away
to a fantasyland where nothing exists except
you, the music, and the wonder filled story of
The Gift, Ballet Victoria’s interpretation of
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at a family Christmas
Eve party. Tickets start at $30 and can be
purchased at the Royal Theatre box office,
online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
Here are wee, colourful Christmas gifts from the Downtown Victoria Business
Association to you. Gift tags and postcards! No postage? No worries! Drop off your
postcard to the DVBA Office (20 Centennial Square) with the note and address filled
out and we’ll mail it for you. Thank you for visiting, enjoying and supporting our
downtown. Have a very merry colourful Christmas!
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