Are you ready for Christmas this year? We are! That’s why we would love for you to come downtown and enjoy all of 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 and roaming carollers will help get you into the holiday spirit. Enjoy your First Hour Free in the City of Victoria’s five downtown parkades, no coupon required. Bring your friends and family and come enjoy a wonderful, colourful Christmas in Downtown Victoria!
downtownvictoria .ca
7th Annual Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up November 29 4 - 5:30 pm C e n t e nn i a l s q u a r e
Find your way to THis ICON ON THE MAP
Join the DVBA and City of Victoria to kick-off the holiday season in Centennial Square with the seventh annual Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up, a growing Victoria holiday tradition. Enjoy musical performances and free treats, ride the Ferris wheel for a toonie, and watch as thousands of lights are switched on at 5 pm. Bring the whole family down to Centennial Square to share the joy of the season before the Island Farms Santa Light Parade! Events will take place rain or shine. For more information visit downtownvictoria.ca/Christmas
DVBA Christmas Guide
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Find Your Way To 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. LOOK FOR TH e s e m a r k e r s O N THE M A P TO FI N D C o l o u r f u l c h r i s t m a s e v e n t s
Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides
Trolley route
November 29 – December 21 Sat u r day s | 1 2 – 4 p m | S u nday s | 1 2 – 3 p m
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 the Christmas celebrations. The trolleys are free of charge, compliments of the DVBA, and are a unique way to tour the downtown, hop between shops, or take a scenic break! Two free trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route throughout the downtown with four stops at: a Store St. at Chatham St. (in front of Oce an River Sports)
b
Johnson St. ne ar Wharf St. (in front of Willie’s Bakery)
C Langley St. at Bastion Sq. (across from re-Bar)
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Government St. at Fisgard St. (in front of CRD Pl a z a)
Free Parking
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LOOK FOR THIS I C O N O N THE M A P TO FI N D f i r s t h o u r f r e e PA RKI N G
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. Along with your first hour free, rates in city parkades have decreased to $2/hour, now charged in 15-minute increments. Safe Walk service is also available in the parkades to escort you and your 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 www.victoria.ca/parking
downtownvictoria .ca
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Fairm Empreosnt Hotel s DVBA Christmas Guide
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For more information on t hese events, visit www.downtownvictoria.ca
#christmasy yj
Skating at The Fairmont Empress
Find your way to THis ICON ON THE MAP
N o v e m b e r 2 0 - m i d –J an u a r y | Fa i r m o n t E m p r e s s F r o n t Lawn
The annual winter wonderland at The Fairmont Empress is expanding this year with the addition of a skating rink on the hotel’s iconic front lawn overlooking the festively lit Victoria Harbour. The covered rink will offer skating from 5-9 pm weekdays and noon-9 pm weekends. Special seasonal festivities will include Sunday Skates with Santa, Christmas Eve skating with the Elves, hot cocoa and cider. The cost is $10 per person, $5 for children aged 10 and under and rentals are available at $5 per pair. For more information and special group prices, please call 250-995-3668.
23rd Annual Victoria Festival of Trees N o v e m b e r 1 9 – J an u a r y 6 Fa i r m o n t E m p r e s s
Every year, the Festival of Trees transforms the Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Sponsors, local businesses, organizations, and individuals come together to decorate trees in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent, and always beautiful fashion. These enchanting trees are displayed throughout the Christmas season; vote for your favourite by donation.
Canada’s 6th Annual National Gingerbread Showcase N o v e m b e r 2 2 – J an u a r y 4 | 9 a m – 9 p m Inn at La u r e l P o i n t
Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed from gingerbread. More than just houses, they 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 spiritrousing experience, the gingerbread houses will leave your mouth watering and your eyes wanting more.
Victoria Public Market Artisan Corner N o v e m b e r 1 5 – D e c e m b e r 2 1 | 1 1 a m - 3 p m | Sat u r day s and S u nday s V i c t o r i a P u b l i c Ma r k e t at t h e H u d s o n
Browse unique gifts made locally at the 2nd Annual Artisan Corner, showcasing Vancouver Island's amazing and talented crafters and jewellers. The Artisan Corner is in the Victoria Public Market every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. For more information visit victoriapublicmarket.com Se ason Long Events
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I’m
i n m g a e r D OF A BRIGHT
Ferris WHEEL #christmasyyj
downtownvictoria .ca
DVBA Ferris Wheel in Centennial Square Find your way by locating THis ICON
November 29 –
ON THE MAP
December 21 F r i d ay s | 5 – 9 p m Saturdays * | 1 – 9 pm S u n d ay s | 1 – 7 p m
The DVBA Ferris Wheel is back in Centennial Square for four weekends this holiday season. Come and see the lights of Centennial Square and Downtown Victoria from 20 metres up! Rides are $2 and riders must be 2 years old and 36 inches tall to ride. Grab a snack from local food vendors, enjoy holiday entertainment courtesy of the City of Victoria, try out the audio-reactive tree, and snap a picture at the Ferris wheel photo backdrop. Watch for pop-up events too! (Ferris wheel will not operate in inclement weather) *On Saturday, November 29th rides will begin at 4 pm.
Tree of Wishes: CFAX Santas Anonymous Society N o v e m b e r 2 4 – D e c e m b e r 1 5 | T h e B ay C e n t r e , C e n t r e C o u r t
Special holiday wish cards, created by local children in need, adorn a tree in Centre Court at the Bay Centre. Donors choose a gift, shop for the child’s wish, and bring the gift back to the Tree, so it can be transported to the workshop for delivery to local children in need. Volunteers and local personalities are on site to assist shoppers in fulfilling a wish for a child in need. Se ason Long Events
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14th Annual Bear Wear N o v e m b e r 2 5 – J an u a r y 5 | H o t e l G r and Pac i f i c
The holiday teddies 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 (463 Belleville Street) and all funds raised at this annual event go to support 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 chance to win that bear in the raffle!
Celebrate the Season at The Bay Centre & 16th Annual Spirit of Giving D e c e m b e r 1 – 2 4 | T h e B ay C e n t r e
Step into a winter wonderland set under a canopy of twinkling lights surrounded by beautiful live fir trees – it’s Christmas time in Centre Court at the Bay Centre! While you are here, help spread the holiday spirit to families supported by the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Drop off your financial or nonperishable food donations, or have your gifts wrapped at the by-donation wrapping station. The Mustard Seed will receive 100% of the proceeds. Don’t forget to stop by the mistletoe in Centre Court before you go for a chance to win a $100 Bay Centre gift card!
Bastion Square Holiday Pop-Up Market November 29, December 5, 12 & 19 | 3 – 9 pm N o v e m b e r 3 0 , D e c e m b e r 6 , 7, 1 3 , 1 4 , 2 0 & 2 1 | 1 2 – 5 p m | B a s t i o n S q u a r e
This magical Holiday Pop-Up Market will feature an exciting array of locally produced arts, crafts, tasty treats, and great entertainment! Come and experience Bastion Square in the heart of downtown this Christmas! (Weather permitting). downtownvictoria .ca
Christmas Starlight Cinema D e lta V i c t o r i a Oc e an P o i n t e R e s o r t & S pa
Bundle up and bring the family down to the
December 2
| 6 pm – A Christma s Story
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe to enjoy one
December 3
| 6 pm – White Christmas
of Victoria’s great Christmas traditions –
December 9
| 6 pm – Elf
Christmas movies under the stars in the
December 10 | 6 pm – Home Alone
beautiful Inner Harbour. On Tuesday and
December 16 | 6 pm – Pol ar Express
Wednesday evenings in December, cuddle up
D e c e m b e r 1 7 | 6 p m – I t ’ s A W o nd e r f u l L i f e
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.
Pile Up The Prezzies! D e c e m b e r | Ma r k e t S q u a r e
Father Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC Museum
The goal is to deliver a sleigh full of toys,
D e c e m b e r 5 – 2 1 ( F r i day s , Sat u r day s ,
trinkets, treats and treasures to kids of all
and S u nday s ) | 1 1 a m – 3 p m
ages for C-FAX Santas Anonymous. Please
R oya l B C M u s e u m
drop off unwrapped gifts at Oscar & Libby’s in Market Square and watch the sleigh pile up. For a list of needed gifts, stop by the shop or visit Oscar & Libby’s on Facebook.
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).
Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas D e c e m b e r 2 0 – 2 4 , 2 6 – 3 1 , J an u a r y 2 , 3 , 4 | 1 2 – 4 p m | R oya l B C M u s e u m
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. Included with museum admission, or by donation.
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I
w For more information on t hese events, visit www.downtownvictoria.ca
#christmasy yj
IT’S THE Christmas Lights Across Canada N o v e m b e r 2 6 | 7 p m | Pa r l i a m e n t B u i l d i ng s
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.
16th Annual Downtown Victoria Gallery Walk
MOST
wonderful N o v e m b e r 2 7 | 3 – 8 p m | A l c h e r i nga G a l l e r y | C o u c h G a l l e r y
L e gac y A r t G a l l e r y | Mad r o na G a l l e r y | W e s t End G a l l e r y | W i nc h e s t e r M o d e r n
This much-loved annual art event features special seasonal exhibitions and refreshments. Pick up a passport at any participating gallery for your chance to win fabulous art.
26th Annual Out of Hand Craft Fair
Stuart McLean & A Vinyl Café Christmas
TIME November 28 | 10 am – 9 pm
November 29 | 10 am – 6 pm
N o v e m b e r 2 7 & 2 8 | 7: 3 0 p m
h t g i L FOR A
November 30 | 10 am – 4 :30 pm
R oya l T h e at r e
C r y s ta l G a r d e n
This annual event is Vancouver Island’s
most prestigious artisan show; it features
a diverse selection of contemporary crafts from across the province, an artisan food
market, and indie fashion. Out of Hand has been providing shoppers the opportunity
Christmas celebration, with stories and songs, has been a Vinyl Café tradition since the year Morley asked Dave to cook the family turkey … and things didn’t go exactly to plan. This year’s Vinyl Café Christmas Concert will feature two brand new Dave and Morley stories and new music. Tickets
parade to buy local, high quality, thoughtful and unique gifts directly from the source for 26 years.
start at $56.75 and can be purchased through the Royal and McPherson Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
Events, Shows and Activities
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Island Farms Santa Light Parade November 29 5:45 pm Government Street
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 up Government Street from Belleville to Chatham Street. Meet up at the Capital Iron parking lot for free treats courtesy of Island Farms.
MEC Snowfest November 30 | 10 am – 5 pm M o u n ta i n E q u i p m e n t C o - o p
49th Annual Carolling Week at Victoria City Hall
This event is a celebration of all things
December 1, 2, 3 & 5
SNOW…related. Meet community groups,
V i c t o r i a C i t y Ha l l A n t e c h a m b e r
enjoy information clinics, score great deals on outdoor equipment, participate in children’s snow crafts, and more.
| 12 – 12:40 pm
Bring a lunch and enjoy this annual tradition, which showcases choirs from Greater Victoria schools performing favourite Christmas carols at Victoria City Hall. Tune up your singing voices and join in, or listen and enjoy. This event is free to attend. For more information visit www.victoria.ca
downtownvictoria .ca
Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker
A Christmas Story, The Musical
D e c e m b e r 5 & 6 | 7: 3 0 p m
December 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13 | 8 pm
December 6 & 7 | 2 pm
December 7 & 14 | 2 pm
R oya l T h e at r e
McP h e r s o n P l ay h o u s e
This treasured holiday classic takes
Presented by the Victoria Operatic Society,
audiences on a wondrous adventure with
this familiar story revolves around a
Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar
mischievous boy, Ralphie, and his desperate
Plum Fairy. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s
quest to get a BB gun for Christmas despite
version of the Nutcracker features classic
the warnings of his parents and teacher.
Canadian scenes and settings. Tickets start
Tickets start at $21.75 and can be purchased
at $29 and can be purchased from the Royal
through the Royal and McPherson
and McPherson Theatre box offices, online,
Theatre box offices, online, or by calling
or by calling 250-386-6121.
250-386-6121.
Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus D e c e m b e r 6 | 9 – 1 1 : 3 0 a m | V i s ta 1 8 , C h at e a u V i c t o r i a
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 $15 adults/$8 children). Reservations required – call Yvonne at 250-361-5660.
Merry Kissmas! December 6 | 12 – 3 pm Ma r k e t S q u a r e
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
Music in Market Square December 6 | 1 – 3 pm Ma r k e t S q u a r e
Enjoy a grand performance of holiday favourites by the Greater Victoria Concert Band.
round trip tickets for two to Seattle aboard the Victoria Clipper!
Events, Shows and Activities
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IT’S THE MOST
wonderful TIME
h t g i L FOR A
parade #christmasyyj
downtownvictoria .ca
16th Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Parade December 6 approx . 6:30 pm Bl anshard Street Belleville Street Government Street
Owners decorate their trucks and heavy equipment to create this exciting annual spectacle of light. The parade starts at Ogden Point and heads to the Western Communities via Downtown. The convoy is expected at Yates and Blanshard at approximately 6:30 - 7 pm. It turns south on Blanshard to Belleville before heading north on Government Street. It moves quickly so don’t miss it! Drop off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
25th Annual Lighted Ship Parade D e c e m b e r 6 | a p p r o x . 6 : 3 0 p m | Inn e r Ha r b o u r | S h i p P o i n t
After the Truck Light Parade passes the Inner Harbour (approximately 6:30 pm), the Lighted Ship Parade begins. Boats of all sizes sail through the harbour, festooned with bright lights and surrounded by the backdrop of the Harbour Lights in a magical Christmas show. Events, Shows and Activities
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Ship Point Christmas Night Market December 6 | 5 – 9:30 pm | Ship Point
Before the Truck Light Parade 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!
Wonderland Winter Flea
Carol-Along with the Carillon
December 7 | 10 am – 4 pm
D e c e m b e r 7 | 4 : 3 0 - 5 :1 5 p m
Ma r k e t S q u a r e
R oya l B C M u s e u m
This bustling outdoor market will ring your
Rather than carolling door to door, bring
holiday happiness bell! Wander through
your family, friends, and pooch and gather
the interesting stalls while Wine & Roses
under the Centennial Carillon. Provincial
Ladies Salon Orchestra plays old time swing
Carillonneur Rosemary Laing will climb
and Latin tunes. Find fabulous flea market
to the top of the seventy-five stairs, where
treasures, tasty holiday treats, and local
she commands the sixty-two bells, and
artisan-made gifts.
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 illuminated for the season.
Ken Lavigne D e c e m b e r 8 | 7: 3 0 p m | R oya l T h e at r e
This very special hometown concert by this acclaimed tenor will feature a symphony orchestra conducted by Joey Pietraoia, accompanied by the British Columbia Boys Choir. Tickets start at $38 and can be purchased through the Royal and McPherson Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
downtownvictoria .ca
Tuba Christmas 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 Christmas songs in a big way.
December 13 1 – 3 pm Market Square
A Sentimental Christmas Carol
Miracle on Broad Street
December 12 & 13 | 8 pm
December 12, 6 am – 6 pm
D e c e m b e r 1 4 | 2 p m | R oya l T h e at r e
1 4 2 0 B r o ad S t r e e t
Join the Victoria Symphony to sing carols
CFAX Santas Anonymous Society’s
and experience Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
signature event, a twelve-hour radiothon
in a special version for orchestra and actor.
to raise funds for the Christmas Program.
Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased
Enjoy entertainment, local personalities,
through the Royal and McPherson
and a fun day filled with the spirit of giving.
Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121. Events, Shows and Activities
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Festivus Fest! December 14 | 1 – 3 pm Ma r k e t S q u a r e
A Rock’n’Roll Christmas D e c e m b e r 1 5 | 7: 3 0 p m
An afternoon of entertainment from the fabulous folks and friends of Larsen Music to raise money for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Performances by The Choir, Bucan Bucan, Ensemblele, and more. Enter the raffle to win an instrument, spin the famous Larsen Wheel of Fortune, or simply come and listen. Contact info@ larsenmusic.ca for more information.
McP h e r s o n P l ay h o u s e
Two of the very best tribute artists – Zachary Stevenson as Buddy Holly and Lance Lipinsky as Jerry Lee Lewis – perform with special guest Molly Dee (Divas of Rock’n’Roll) and the All-Star Legends Band, for this not-to-bemissed holiday experience. Tickets are $43.50 and can be purchased through the Royal and McPherson Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
Naden Band Christmas Concert & Toy Drive D e c e m b e r 1 5 , 1 6 & 1 7 | 7: 3 0 p m | R oya l T h e at r e
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. Last year, donations at these concerts supported over 1000 children with holiday gifts. Tickets are $10 plus a donation of a toy at the door. For more information call 250-386-3366.
Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Frozen Castle Dance Party
D e c e m b e r 1 8 | 1 2 – 1 :1 5 p m
December 20 | 12 – 3 pm
( D o o r s at 1 1 : 3 0 a m )
Ma r k e t S q u a r e
S t. A nd r e w ’ s P r e s b y t e r i an C h u r c h ( Sanc t u a r y – D o u g l a s s t r e e t )
Intrepid Theatre hosts a mid-day outdoor dance party featuring a wintry walk-in
Join a downtown Christmas tradition: a
cardboard castle for tiny tots to decorate
hearty carol sing-along accompanied by
and explore, sparkly princesses, and a live
organ, violin, and vocal presentations,
DJ spinning fun dance music for all ages.
and complete with hot apple drinks and
It’s a Christmas party for families and kids!
cookies. Free admission. For more information call 250-384-5734.
downtownvictoria .ca
An Intimate Afternoon with Frank Mills December 20 | 2 pm McP h e r s o n P l ay h o u s e
Internationally renowned pianist Frank Mills plays a combination of traditional favourites and a touch of holiday spirit. Tickets are $63.50 and can be purchased through the Royal and McPherson Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
The Irish Tenors December 20 | 8 pm R oya l T h e at r e
Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan – world-renowned singers – join the Victoria Symphony on stage to regale the audience with holiday favourites and beloved Irish tunes. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased through the Royal and McPherson Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
The Gift D e c e m b e r 2 7, 2 8 & 2 9 | 2 p m | R oya l T h e at r e
Enjoy an original, magical Christmas story set to the music of The Nutcracker. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at the Royal and McPherson Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
A Viennese New Year’s J an u a r y 1 | 2 : 3 0 p m | R oya l T h e at r e
This annual New Year’s Day concert starts the year off with music, dance, and song, reminiscent of the worldwide Viennese tradition. Full of romantic waltzes, songs, and an extravaganza of talent, this is a great way to spend the first day of 2014. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at the Royal and McPherson Theatre box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
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o l l j y a e B
happy
SOUL
Here’s a wee, colourful Christmas gift from the Downtown Victoria Business Association to you — 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!
downtownvictoria .ca
From
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Thinking of you from Downtown victoria
From
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Thinking of you from Downtown victoria
downtownvictoria .ca