Special Features - Happy Holidays in Downtown Nanaimo

WINTER 2016 EDITION

Happy Holidays in

40 PAGES

OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO DOWNTOWN

Special Holiday dnbia Events PAGES 13-17 Downtown Events PAGES 21-24 Gift Guide PAGES 8-12

DIFFERENT

DIVERSE

DELIGHTFUL

"What's Your Flavour?"

Experience the many different flavours and offerings in downtown Nanaimo.

There's something for everyone!

dnbia.ca

@downtown.nanaimo.bia

@DowntownNanaimo

@dnbia

Downtown Nanaimo BIA

HappyHolidays in

Downtown Nanaimo is different, diverse, and delightful. There is truly a flavor for everyone whether it is specialty shops, designer boutiques, second hand treasures, a great foodie experience, or endless cocktails and craft beer. This holiday season, downtown Nanaimo invites you to an experience that includes “something for everyone!”

Every member in your family can find what they’re looking for in this guide! Whether you’re a student away from home, a family looking for a true holiday experience or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, downtown Nanaimo has it and this guide will tell you where.

You can find a number of different features and activities showcasing downtown businesses as well as events happening downtown during the holiday season throughout the guide. We have included a gift guide to ease your holiday shopping stress, a four page spread on our Signature Events and a community events guide. Our recipe feature will help you bring the downtown Nanaimo foodie experience home, our kid’s activity page will get your children excited about our holiday signature events and our New Year’s Eve feature will encourage you to be young and dance the night away.

After going through this guide one thing you will NOT be short of is details on all of downtown this holiday season and ways you can stay connected.

CONTENTS DNBIA Special Holiday Message ...................... 4 Parking Downtown ...... 5 Nanaimo Museum ....... 6 Festive Recipe .............. 7 Gift Guide ................8-12 DNBIA Holiday Events: Santa Fly In .................13 Santa’s Parade .......14-15 Trolley Rides ...............16 Santa’s Workshop .......17 Kid’s Activity Page ..18-19 Featured Event .......... 20 Events Guide..........21-24 New Year’s Eve .......... 25 Symphony Feature..... 26 Port Theatre Feature . 27 Holidays in the OCQ 28-29 Stay Connected...........30

Whatever the dynamics or occasion may be, downtown Nanaimo has a flavor for it!

What’s your flavor?

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A Special Holiday Message from the DNBIA Every winter, Nanaimo’s vibrant downtown is transformed into a holiday wonderland. Festive lights, decorations, and music, Santa’s workshop, and the Christmas trolley infuse our downtown core with the spirit of the holidays. From local favourites like Santa’s fly-in, to the highly anticipated Santa Claus Parade, the magic of the season is in the air. These special events would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the phenomenal DNBIA staff, countless volunteers, and the downtown merchants and property owners. It takes a community of people working together to create such a unique and beloved experience, and I extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved.

I encourage you to support our community of small business owners this holiday season, and create some new traditions with friends and family in our dynamic downtown. Parking on evenings and weekends is always free, so come for a special event, and stay to shop, dine and celebrate together, all while helping our small, local businesses thrive.

From all of us at the DNBIA, we wish you and yours a very happy, healthy holiday season.

John Cooper, President DNBIA

DNBIA Staff • Corry Hostetter, Executive Director • Carroll Xavier, Administrator • Sabrina Biserovic, Information & Volunteer Coordinator • Kathleen Byrne, Marketing & Events Coordinator

DNBIA Board John Cooper, President

City Appointee

Shawna McPhillips, Vice President Coastal Community Credit Union Judy Stephen, Secretary Nanaimo & Voyager Magazine Greg Bombardir, Treasurer

MNP LLP

Blake McGuffie, Esplanade Tax Service Leslie Sutton, Community Futures Libery Harakas, Lobelia’s Lair Caroline Roach, The Mortgage Centre Bill Carter, Bastion Jewellers Rebecca Kirk, City Appointee Laura Healey, Mane Mortgage

CONTACT INFO A10 Victoria Crescent Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5B8

www.dnbia.ca | 250-754-8141

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written consent of the DNBIA. The DNBIA is not in any way responsible for errors or omissions printed in this booklet and retain the right to edit copy. All content subject to change without notice.

* all featured Santa Event photos © David Delgado Graphic Design by Jenneson Creatives ©2016

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Parking Downtown for the Holidays PARK IT FOR FREE

Parking downtown is made easy and accessible for the holiday season. Enjoy downtown without worrying about parking: • There is free evening parking after 5pm • You can leave your car overnight at 6 City of Nanaimo lots for FREE on Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights • There are numerous free or low cost parking with plenty of options to choose from

- FREE all day at 87 Nicol St & 366 Prideaux St - FREE parking for the first two hours on-street parking zones (691 spaces available) - FREE for the first two hours on Shaw Lane off the China Steps - FREE for the first 3 hours at Port Place for mall customers and patrons of the Great Canadian Casino

FREE EVENINGS & WEEKENDS

(5pm Friday to 8am Monday) - All metered parking - Bastion Street Parkade - Maffeo Sutton Park - 340 Wallace Street - 299 Selby Street - 35 & 95 Cavan Street

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Thursday, December 1 2016 to Friday January 6, 2017 The museum’s collection of cameras and historical photographs will highlight Christmas’ past in the Harbour City.

Get into the Christmas spirit while catching a glimpse of how our community has changed over the years.

nanaimomuseum.ca

December 1 • January 6

Capturing Christmas

Images & Cameras from the Collection 6

Nanaimo Museum Photo Collection B1-43

Capturing Christmas

Moments in time from winter and Christmas in Nanaimo have been captured by cameras for 150 years.

Mon Petit Choux

Festive Thumbprint Cookies In a mixing bowl cream together butter and sugar. Add egg yolk and vanilla and combine. Add flour and salt and mix until dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet ingredients and the dough starts to form a ball.

Form the dough into small balls about an inch in diameter. Roll the balls through the egg white, then through chopped pistachios and place onto a greased cookie sheet (or lined with parchment paper) about an inch apart.

image from www.bakerita.com

Ingredients

Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your hand. Using your thumb, make an indent in the center of each cookie. Bake the cookies for five minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven and fill the indents with raspberry jam. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for 10-12 more minutes. Allow the cookies to cool for five minutes on the tray and then remove them to a cooling rack to finish cooling. Enjoy your festive treat!

1/2 c butter at room

temperature 1/3 c granulated sugar 1 egg, separated 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 c all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 c finely chopped, unsalted, pistachios Raspberry Jam or another red jam, such as cranberry or red currant. * Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F.

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Downtown Gift Guide

2016

Make Christmas oh-so-special this year and make your own gifts and ornaments.

Come on in to The Stitcher’s Muse for a great selection of special kits for making your very own ornaments. The team at The Stitcher’s Muse is always willing to help, and love to get people started on or up to the next level in their stitching. Many items make a great gift before being stitched too!

Starting in January, The Stitcher’s Muse will have free basic cross stitch and embroidery lessons every Saturday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

The biggest needlework shop in British Columbia!

99 Commercial Street, (250) 591-6873 thestitchersmuse.com

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This Holiday Season give the gift of menswear from NYLA Fresh Thread. SAXX, Sock and Stocking Stuffer’s.

206 Commercial St (250) 716-3331 nylafreshthreads.com

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Woofles Barking Boutique located in the Old City Quarter has numerous gift giving ideas for your furry friend this holiday season! Christmas themed dog toys, baked treats and cozy Christmas sweaters in all sizes.

427 Fitzwilliam St (250) 591-1013

Christmas is one of our favourite seasons.

Come and see our vintage Christmas decorations, entertaining ideas, and unique gifts.

Our warm and welcoming staff are always happy to see you.

83 Commercial Street (250) 591-1595

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Sartorial Boutique located in the Old City Quarter has lots of gift options this holiday season! Try a Campy Home Candle with essential oils and up to 80 hours of burn time!

Or the original designs on Front Row Society scarves to keep your loved ones cozy. A winning choice is the Sartorial Boutique gift certificates for that person you just can’t decide for!

Unit A2 - 418 Fitzwilliam St (250) 753-0737

Quintessential is a unique boutique nestled in the heart of downtown Nanaimo. Offering diversity of clothing and accessories for women and babies. See a great selection of gift giving ideas ranging from $15 and up.

Shop the Matt & Nat collection of handbags and wallets. A Canadian company that makes an all Vegan line that is durable and environmentally friendly. Find fanciful fashion Jewelry for a little sparkle - there is something for everyone. Come visit us this holiday season and see what you can find for that special someone on your list!

70 Commercial St # 201 (250) 753-1041

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Santa Claus is FLYING to town

Santa Claus is FLYING to Downtown Nanaimo!

Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal, Nanaimo Waterfront Saturday, November 26th@ 1:00pm Santa will be arriving in true downtown Nanaimo style – flying in by Harbour Air Seaplane!

Santa and his elves will arrive at the Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal for the grand opening of Santa’s downtown Nanaimo workshop.

The best places to watch Santa fly-in are the Nanaimo Waterfront and the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza. Santa will make his way to the workshop and on the way you can chat and take pictures with him and his elves. Turbo the Harbour Air Otter, will also be joining in on the holiday fun. Don’t miss the start of a great downtown event!

Thank you to our Santa Fly-in Sponsor

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PARADE • 2016 Saturday, November 26 Starting at 5:00 Every year Nanaimo comes together in the heart of downtown to celebrate the holiday season with the Downtown Nanaimo Santa Claus Parade. Numerous businesses, organizations, and service clubs get together to decorate their parade floats in the spirit of good old Saint Nick!

Spectators from all over the Nanaimo region gather downtown to get a glimpse of the lights, sparkle, and Santa himself. Waiting for the Downtown Santa Claus Parade is a great excuse to have a true downtown Nanaimo experience! You can warm yourself with hot chocolate or latte from one of our homegrown café’s, start your Christmas shopping early with gifts from our retail shops with the most spectacular holiday window displays, or have a bite to eat at one of our unique restaurants.

There is an experience for everyone!

The parade runs from Victoria Cres., along Commercial St. and Church St. and ends at Front St.

For a parade application or to volunteer please go to www.dnbia.ca 14

TIPS FOR STAYING WARM: • Grab a warm drink!

• Don’t forget your Santa hat, mittens, and boots • Bring a comfy chair and warm blanket and rain gear (just in case) but please leave your umbrella at home so everyone will be able to see the spectacular floats

PARKING: • Page 5 has downtown parking options • Public Transit is available • Watch for ‘no parking’ signs for event road closure (parade route will be closed from 4 – 8 pm)

ROAD CLOSURES: Watch for No Parking Signs! All streets along the parade route will be closed from 4pm to 8pm – to avoid being towed away, please do not park on any of the streets on the parade route after 4pm.

The Staff from 91.7 Coast FM would like to wish you a

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Listen Live @

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Sean Fenzl

CHRISTMAS TROLLEY HOURS

Saturdays Dec 3 – Dec 17 12:00 – 4:00pm*

Christmas Trolley

Have a magical downtown Nanaimo experience this holiday season on the Downtown Nanaimo Christmas Trolley!

This is a great chance to enjoy a holiday treat from a downtown business and experience the ride! Also, bringing you to one end of downtown to another, this is a great opportunity to browse and shop for those perfect Christmas gifts as there is truly something for everyone in downtown Nanaimo!

As you ride the Downtown Christmas Trolley don’t forget to take pictures and share with us online! Use the hashtag #DowntownNanaimoChristmasTrolley for a chance to win some neat downtown Nanaimo holiday swag. The DNBIA will share as many posts as possible!

DOWNTOWN NANAIMO

Thank you to our Downtown Nanaimo Christmas Trolley Sponsor – the Nanaimo Port Authority!

The trolley departs and drops off at two locations:

see

Santa Fly-In page13

Santa’s Workshop on Museum Way

Trolley Routes

OR

* DON’T FORGET:

The last Trolley of the day leaves at 3:45pm 16

CHURCH

Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter.

see

Santa’s Workshop page17

Santa’s Workshop You can enjoy great holiday entertainment throughout the month of December at Santa’s Workshop!

101 Gordon Street (Vancouver Island Conference Centre Foyer)

Weekend Workshop Hours:

November 27, December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Grand Opening – Saturday November 26 at 1:30pm Following Santa’s fly-in, Santa will open the downtown Nanaimo Santa’s Workshop at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Inside, family and friends can enjoy crafts, Christmas treats and holiday music to celebrate the grand opening.

Following the weekend of November 26th, Santa’s Workshop will be open every Saturday and Sunday until December 18th.

Paid parking is available under the Vancouver Island Conference Centre or check out Page 5 for more downtown Nanaimo parking options.

Thank you to our Santa’s Workshop Sponsor - the Vancouver Island Conference Centre!

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ACROSS: 1. hang it up on Christmas Eve 5. they pull the sleigh 6. pull with a bang to get the hat and toy inside 8. it’s green and spiky with red berries 9. little helpers 10. open this calendar 1 day at a time

WORDSEARCH

DOWN: 2. if you eat too much you’ll be stuffed like this bird 3. Christmas cookie made into houses and men 4. put these on the tree 6. when Santa comes down this, look out for the soot!

7. Jingle Bells and Frosty The Snowman

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Blitzen Comet Cupid

Dancer Dasher Donner

Prancer Reindeer Rudolph

Vixen Elves Santa

Try These:

CRAFTS for KIDS Christmas memories made lickity split with simple craft supplies & some imagination!

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women's clothing ❄ * jewelry ❄ * handbags ❄ * shoes * baby gifts and accessories *

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201–70 Commercial Street

www.quintessential.me facebook/quintessential.fashions 19

SPECIAL EVENT!

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Community MONDAY November 21 Feature Exhibit: Voices from the Engraver

Ends Nov 21 @ Nanaimo Museum (101 Gordon St) An interactive look at the artistry behind money and stamps in this travelling exhibit from the Bank of Canada & the Canadian Museum of History.

SATURDAY November 26 Santa Fly-in

Nov 26 1:00pm @ Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal – Pioneer Waterfront Plaza Watch Santa and his elves fly into downtown Nanaimo on the Harbour Air Seaplane!

- see page 13 -

Santa’s Workshop Grand Opening

Nov 26 1:30pm @ Vancouver Island Conference Centre (101 Gordon St.) – Bottom Floor Santa will officially open his workshop that will include tons of treats, crafts and music! - see page 17 -

A Whovian Christmas Whobilation in Whoville

Nov 26 2 – 4pm @ Harbourfront Library Celebrate Santa’s fly-in and parade at the library with our Whoville Whobilation!

There will be songs, stories, photos and lots of crafts. Coming as your favourite Christmas Who from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is encouraged! This will also be in partnership with the Nanaimo Arts Council for their annual ‘A Child’s Creative Christmas’.

Downtown Nanaimo Santa Claus Parade

Nov 26 5:00pm @ Downtown Watch as Nanaimo comes together to celebrate the holiday season in the heart of downtown. Keep an eye out for Santa too!

- see page 14 -

Annual Christmas Marketplace Nov 26 11:00 am @ St. Paul’s Anglican Church

SUNDAY November 27 Santa’s Workshop

@ 12 - 4 pm Nov 27, Dec 3, Dec 4, Dec 10, Dec 11, Dec 17, Dec 18 @ Vancouver Island Conference Centre (101 Gordon St.) – Bottom Floor Take your picture with Santa and stay for crafts, treats and Christmas music!

- page 17 -

THURSDAY December 1 Museum Hours Capturing Christmas Dec 1 until Jan 6 museum hours @ Nanaimo Museum See page 6 for more details

12K’s of Christmas

Dec 1 – Dec 12 Business Hours @ Casino Nanaimo Daily Slot Tournament; top 7 scores share $700 each day!

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THURSDAY December 1 12K’s of Christmas

Dec 1 – Dec 12 11 am, 3 pm & 7 pm @ Casino Nanaimo Slot hot seat draws every day at 11am, 3pm & 7pm!

Winners will receive a voucher for 2 Vancouver Island Symphony tickets for their 2016/2017 show of their choice.

12K’s of Christmas

Dec 1 – Dec 12 5:00pm – 10:00pm @ Casino Nanaimo Table hot seat draws on the hour from 5pm-10pm each night with $3,600 guaranteed in FREE bets!

FRIDAY December 2 Jingle Mingle Craft Fair

Dec 2 4:30 – 8:30 pm @ OmTown Yoga Meet Artisans, Entrepreneurs & Crafters from our community and celebrate all things handmade and local. From soap to buttons, to clothing and skin care products, each vendor brings something uniquely hand crafted with the highest quality and utmost care. We will be showcasing sustainably made, awesome products that we are proud to support and want to share with all of you!

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SATURDAY December 3 Vancouver Island Symphony presents Holiday Spirit Dec 3 7:30pm @ The Port Theatre The Nutcracker holds a place of choice – with both Tchaikovsky’s & Duke Ellington’s versions – and youth is celebrated in a grand manner, in a joyful, spirited evening. A Christmas celebration like no other! A perfect starter for merriness and cheer! see page 26 -

18th annual Nanaimo Artwalk

Dec 3 & 4 11 am – 5 pm @ Nanaimo Artwalk Nanaimo is home to an astounding number of incredibly talented and accomplished artists. A good portion of this community comes together once a year to share their creations with you. This year 46 artists who work in a variety of mediums open their studios or set up displays in businesses in downtown Nanaimo to offer work for view and sale.

Downtown Nanaimo Christmas Trolley Dec 3, Dec 10, Dec 17 12 - 4 pm @ Museum Way & Wesley St in the Old City Quarter Ride the trolley and see what beautiful downtown Nanaimo has to offer this holiday season!

- page 16 -

Code Switching Art Lab

Dec 3 10 am – 5 pm Dec 4 12 pm – 5 pm @ Nanaimo Art Gallery Multi-disciplinary works by youth artists from our community will be featured in a dynamic exhibition at Art Lab. This collaborative project is part of Nanaimo Art Gallery’s program Code Switching and spearheaded by artists ages 15 to 19

SUNDAY December 4 Victoria Children’s Choir Concert Dec 4 2:00pm @ St. Andrew’s Church

featuring the Victoria Children’s Choir.

SUNDAY December 4 Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Nutcracker

December 5 & 6 7:30pm @ The Port Theatre As midnight strikes, young Clara journeys to the wondrous Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.

Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s acclaimed production of Nutcracker is a sheer delight, and features endearing Canadian scenes such as a snowy pond hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill.

- page 27 -

WEDNESDAY December 7

FRIDAY December 9

Annual Carol Festival

Camerata Choir

Dec 7 7:00pm @ St. Andrew’s Church All proceeds raised help St. Andrew’s United Church building fund.

The Annual Christmas Luncheon & Auction Dec 7 11:00am @ Vancouver Island Conference Centre hosted by the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce The largest Christmas Networking Luncheon in Nanaimo – attracts over 400 people – all in the Christmas spirit. Sponsored by Coastal Community Credit Union, Nanaimo News Bulletin and VICC.

THURSDAY December 8 O Christmas Tea – A British Comedy

Dec 8 & 9 7:30pm @ The Port Theatre When catastrophe strikes at a Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends find hilarious solutions to keep them afloat. These masters of physical comedy—with over a dozen comedy awards to their name—sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly escapade brimming with whimsy in a celebration of friendship at Christmas.

Dec 9 7:00pm @ St. Andrew’s Church Concert featuring the Camerata Choir

Light up a Life Community Sing-A-Long

Dec 9 5:30-7:30 pm @ Old City Quarter Spread Christmas cheer and benefit Haven Society. Nonperishable gift items will be collected at: Lobelia’s Lair, The Teak Tree, and Sartorial Boutique.

- page 29 -

SUNDAY December 11 Malaspina Sing Along Messiah Concert

Dec 11 2:00pm St. Andrew’s Church Tickets available at the Port Theatre

WEDNESDAY December 14 Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular 2016

Dec 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18 7pm & 3pm shows @ Port Theatre This year’s singing and dancing extravaganza will include new broadway hits, classical songs and Christmas favourites. As part of a 10th anniversary show, Elvis will once again grace the stage. Sights and sounds of ABBA will be back by popular demand.

SATURDAY December 17 Nanaimo Youth Choir

Dec 17 7:00pm @ St. Andrew’s Church Tickets available from the Nanaimo Conservatory or from the choir members.

Special Christmas Storytime Event

Dec 17 2 – 4 pm @ Harbourfront Library Join Mrs. Claus by the fireplace for a very special Christmas storytime followed by Christmas themed activities, crafts and treats for all. All ages welcome.

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SUNDAY December 18

SUNDAY December 25

Christmas Potluck Supper & Service

Christmas Day Service

Dec 18 5:30pm @ St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Service of Christmas Lessons & Carols Dec 18 7:00pm @ St. Paul’s Anglican Church

TUESDAY December 20 2nd Annual Ken Lavigne Christmas Musical Roadshow

Dec 20 7:30pm @ The Port Theatre Music, Merriment and Magic will fill the air at the 2016 Ken Lavigne Christmas RoadShow as Ken takes a loving look back to the great radio shows of old.

SATURDAY December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec 24 7:00pm @ St. Paul’s Anglican Church

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Dec 25 10:00am @ St. Paul’s Anglican Church

SATURDAY December 31 New Year’s Eve Bash

Dec 31 11 am - 11 pm @ Casino Nanaimo Hot Seat Draws every hour!

Guaranteed to win between $50-$150 in Free Play!

New Year’s Eve Bash

Dec 31 1:30 – 3:30am @ Casino Nanaimo Ring in the New Year with $2,017 Cash Draw plus FIVE $217 Bonus Late Night Draws every half hour

New Year’s Eve at Level Two

Dec 31 until 4 am @Level 2 (170 Skinner St) If you’re still looking for a New Year’s resolution this year, resolve to party at LevelTwo! - page 25 -

All Holiday Season!

Lasting holiday memories – Scenic Flight!

Call for available times @ Sunshine Coast Air, # 7-90 Front Street Make lasting memories this Christmas Season by sharing a spectacular scenic float plan adventure with Sunshine Coast Air. Soar over stunning coastline and islands in a Classic DeHavilland Beaver Aircraft. phone 250-591-1810

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR:

Level 2 for New Year’s Eve

December 31st

If you’re still looking for a New Year’s resolution this year, resolve to party at LevelTwo! Nanaimo’s LevelTwo Nightclub will be pulling out all of the stops to make sure the last night of 2016 is one to remember. Along with fully decked out New Year’s style decor, LevelTwo will be bringing a classy upscale vibe while still maintaining a massive party atmosphere.

As an added bonus to all of the fun that LevelTwo will be providing for this event, and this one night of the year only, the club will be open until 4am!

Tickets available early December for discounted door prizes and priority entry for all ticket holdAdding to the fun will be free food, champagne ers. Check out LevelTwo’s Facebook page for all and other New Year’s giveaways to all patrons in event updates, and to get your tickets before the house, accompanied by a fierce lineup by all they are all sold out. of LevelTwo’s resident DJs in one night.

Get ready for the party of a lifetime.

The Twelve K’s of Christmas CASINO-WIDE SLOT TOURNAMENT December 1 - 12 | 10am - 10pm

DAILY TOP 7 SCORES SHARE

$700 IN FREE SLOT PLAYS Earn 50 Encore Points to qualify. No registration required.

Maximum 3 plays per day. Visit Guest Services for details on all promos • casinonanaimo.com Sun - Thu: 10am - Midnight • Fri - Sat: 10am - 2am • 620 Terminal Ave, Nanaimo • 250.753.3033

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Join VIS for the Christmas Spirit Event December 3 at 7:30pm.

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. - Norman Vincent Peale will delight in The Nutcracker – both Tchaikovsky’s and Duke Ellington’s version and many glorious Carols.

The Vancouver Island Symphony is bringing the magic of the season to the Port Theatre on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 pm. This night of memories – past, present and future - features over a 150 people on stage – the Vancouver Island Symphony, the Vancouver Island Symphonic choir and Children’s choir, the VIU Jazz Ensemble (Gregory Bush, director) and the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra (Calvin Dyck, director). Artistic Director, Pierre Simard, has created a night of music that will bring the Holiday Spirit to the forefront and let it linger for weeks to come. The audience

We are Keeping Music Live.

vancouverislandsymphony.com

Christmas music tends to unite people – it is a time of joy, family and nostalgia.

The melodies of a song causes people to think alike, allows people to feel a certain something through the music, and the rhythms will inspire us to move our bodies – and reminisce. Music is like magic – and magic is a great part of creating Christmas Spirit.

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Bring your friends, family and colleagues to a night of connection – one that will last a lifetime. Come experience the magic of the music with the Vancouver Island Symphony.

For more information on the Vancouver Island Symphony’s Holiday Spirit show, check out www.vancouverislandsymphony.com.

Saturday December 3, 2016 7:30 pm

Holiday Spirit

Guest Artists: VIS Symphonic & Children’s Choirs VIU Jazz Ensemble Abbotsford Youth Orchestra

SERIES SPONSOR

2016 -2017 SEASON SPONSOR

TICKET CENTRE HOURS:

Port Theatre Presents

Monday-Friday 11am-5:30pm Saturdays 12pm-5pm

The Port Theatre is the place to be this holiday season – to laugh, smile, sing, dance and enjoy the wonder of holiday traditions.

We’re thrilled to bring back The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker as part of our 2016-2017 Spotlight Series. This acclaimed production is a sheer delight, and features endearing Canadian scenes such as a snowy pond hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill, plus the heart-warming addition of twelve white furry friends. Create magical memories with your loved ones during this wondrous adventure, danced to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.

Looking for ways to give? Donations to the Theatre Angels program allow us to give joy and a sense of belonging to less fortunate members of our community by providing tickets to over 50 social service agencies. A gift of membership can show support for our non-profit society and give access to early buys and discounts on hot ticket events. Meanwhile, gift certificates are a sure-fire way to give the gift of live entertainment to those you love. top photo: Alanna McAdie , Yosuke Mino, RWB School Recreational Division Students

BUY TICKETS, GIFT CERTIFICATES, MEMBERSHIPS OR DONATE:

250-754-8550 | www.porttheatre.com 125 Front St, Nanaimo BC

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Nutcracker

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 & 6, 7:30pm

Pre-Show Chats 6:45pm in Harmac Room

Presented by The Port Theatre Society | TICKETS $25-68 | 250.754.8550 | porttheatre.com/spotlight Dancers Yosuke Mino & Alanna McAdie, Samara Rittinger | Photos Samanta Katz, Réjean Brandt Photography

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Happy Holidays in the Come rediscover the magic of the Old City Quarter this holiday season!

Just a short stroll from Nanaimo’s waterfront, this charming district features and eclectic mix of retail shops, local restaurants and services. You can find unique gifts, the perfect bite or even a tour of the historical charm with a ride on the Downtown Nanaimo Christmas Trolley.

Gift Giving Ideas for the Whole Family: - A Wee Cupcakery - Coastal 66 - Hagar’s Boutique - Sweet Somethings - Pumpkin Pie Kids Wear - Sartorial Boutique - McLean’s Specialty Foods - Crispin Shoes - Bocca Café - Woofles Barking Boutique - Divine Glow - The Teak Tree

And many more...

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Help us spread some community cheer this holiday season as we get into the spirit of giving at the Old City Quarter’s Light Up a Life event!

This annual campaign benefits Haven Society, a local organization that provides crisis support and shelter for women and children who are victims of abuse. Non-perishable gift items will be collected at: Lobelia’s Lair, The Teak Tree, and Sartorial Boutique.

More Light Up a Life Community Sing-A-Long details can be found at www.dnbia.ca

Light up a Life Community Sing-A-Long - WITH MARTY STEELE & FRIENDS

December 9 6:00 – 8:00pm

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Catch up on all things downtown Nanaimo this holiday season by visiting our website and social media!

Stay connected by signing up for City Notes at dnbia.ca

Website: dnbia.ca Facebook: @downtown.nanaimo.bia Twitter: @DowntownNanaimo Instagram: @dnbia YouTube: Downtown Nanaimo BIA And look for #DowntownNanaimo

Enter to win 2 tickets to a Vancouver Island Symphony Performance in 2017!

Answer the question regarding the Vancouver Island Symphony feature and submit to info@dnbia.ca or drop off at the DNBIA office for a FREE entry in a draw to win 2 tickets to a Vancouver Island Symphony Performance in 2017. Please include your phone number and email.

Question: Finish the closing statement from the Vancouver Island Symphony feature on Page 26 “We are Keeping Music ______” Answer: ________________________________________________________ Email to info@dnbia.ca OR drop off at DNBIA – A10 Victoria Cres.

Name: _________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ Phone Number: _________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Please include your phone number and email. Draw will be made on December 15 30