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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CHATHAM STREET CALEDONIA AVENUE

DISCOVERY 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

For more info on these events, visit www.downtownvictoria.ca

#YYJCHRISTMAS

Season

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

A J S O RGANIC

C AFÉ

SEASON LONG CELEBRATIONS | 9

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.


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.


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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#YYJCHRISTMAS

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.


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.

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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.

IT’S THE

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#YYJCHRISTMAS EVENTS SHOWS AND ACTIVITIES | 19

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!


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.


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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Documents

DVBA 2015 Christmas Guide