DVBA Christmas Guide 2014

downtownvictoria.ca

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!

DVBA ChristmAs GuiDe | 3

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

7th Annual Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up

Nove mbe r 29

4 - 5 :30 pm

Ce Nte NNi al square

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.

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 informa-

tion visit www.victoria.ca/parking

Free Horse-Drawn Trolley RidesNoVemBer 29 – DeCemBer 21

sAturDAys | 12 – 4 pm | suNDAys | 12 – 3 pm

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:

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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trolle y route

DVBA ChristmAs GuiDe | 5

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PANDORA AVENUE

PANDORA AVENUE CORMORANT STREET

FISGARD STREET

HERALD STREET

CHATHAM STREET CALEDONIA AVENUE

DISCOVERY STREET

PEMBROKE STREET

VIEW STREET

FORT STREET

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The Bay Centre

Visitor Information Centre

FairmontEmpressHotel

Bastion Square

Centennial Square

Victoria Public Market

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

#christmasyyj

seAsoN loNG eVeNts | 7

FiNd your way

to tHis iCoN oN tHe mapSkating at The Fairmont EmpressNoVemBer 20 - miD –JANuAry | fAirmoNt empress froNt l AWN

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.

Canada’s 6th Annual National Gingerbread ShowcaseNoVemBer 22 – JANuAry 4 | 9 Am – 9 pm

iNN At l Aurel poiNt

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 spirit-

rousing experience, the gingerbread houses

will leave your mouth watering and your

eyes wanting more.

Victoria Public Market Artisan CornerNoVemBer 15 – DeCemBer 21 | 1 1 Am - 3 pm | sAturDAys AND suNDAys

ViC toriA puBliC mArket At the huDsoN

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

23rd Annual Victoria Festival of TreesNoVemBer 19 – JANuAry 6

fAirmoNt empress

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 irrev-

erent, and always beautiful fashion. These

enchanting trees are displayed throughout

the Christmas season; vote for your

favourite by donation.

downtownvictoria.ca

I’m OF A

BRIGHT FerrisWHEEL

Dreaming

#ChristmAsyyJ


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.

FiNd your way

by loCatiNg tHis iCoN

oN tHe map

DVBA Ferris Wheel in Centennial Square

Nove mbe r 29 –

deCe mbe r 21

Fridays | 5 – 9 pm

saturdays* | 1 – 9 pm

suNdays | 1 – 7 pm

Tree of Wishes: CFAX Santas Anonymous SocietyNoVemBer 24 – DeCemBer 15 | the BAy CeNtre , CeNtre Court

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.

downtownvictoria.ca

Bastion Square Holiday Pop-Up MarketNoVemBer 29, DeCemBer 5 , 12 & 19 | 3 – 9 pm

NoVemBer 30, DeCemBer 6 , 7, 13 , 14 , 20 & 21 | 12 – 5 pm | BA stioN squAre

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).

Celebrate the Season at The Bay Centre & 16th Annual Spirit of GivingDeCemBer 1 – 24 | the BAy CeNtre

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 non-

perishable 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!

14th Annual Bear WearNoVemBer 25 – JANuAry 5 | hotel Gr AND pACifiC

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!


Pile Up The Prezzies!DeCemBer | mArket squAre

The goal is to deliver a sleigh full of toys,

trinkets, treats and treasures to kids of all

ages for C-FAX Santas Anonymous. Please

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.

Christmas Starlight CinemaDeltA ViC toriA oCe AN poiNte resort & 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. On Tuesday and

Wednesday evenings 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.

Father Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC MuseumDeCemBer 5 – 21 (friDAys, sAturDAys,

AND suNDAys) | 1 1 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).

Helmcken House Old-Fashioned ChristmasDeCemBer 20 – 24 , 26 – 31 , JANuAry 2 , 3 , 4 | 12 – 4 pm | 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. Included with museum

admission, or by donation.

DeCemBer 2 | 6 pm – A ChristmA s story

DeCemBer 3 | 6 pm – White ChristmA s

DeCemBer 9 | 6 pm – elf

DeCemBer 10 | 6 pm – home AloNe

DeCemBer 16 | 6 pm – pol Ar e xpress

DeCemBer 17 | 6 pm – it ’ s A WoNDerful life

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

#christmasyyj

I’m OF A

BRIGHT FerrisWHEEL

Dreaming

IT’S THEMOST

wonderful TIME

FOR A

paradeLight

eVeNts, shoWs AND ACtiVities | 13

Christmas Lights Across CanadaNoVemBer 26 | 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.

16th Annual Downtown Victoria Gallery WalkNoVemBer 27 | 3 – 8 pm | AlCheriNGA GAllery | CouCh GAllery

leGACy Art GAllery | mADroNA GAllery | West eND GAllery | WiNChester moDerN

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.

Stuart McLean & A Vinyl Café ChristmasNoVemBer 27 & 28 | 7:30 pm

royAl the Atre

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

start at $56.75 and can be purchased

through the Royal and McPherson

Theatre box offices, online, or by calling

250-386-6121.

26th Annual Out of Hand Craft FairNoVemBer 28 | 10 Am – 9 pm

NoVemBer 29 | 10 Am – 6 pm

NoVemBer 30 | 10 Am – 4 :30 pm

CrystAl GArDeN

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

to buy local, high quality, thoughtful and

unique gifts directly from the source

for 26 years.

IT’S THEMOST

wonderful TIME

FOR A

paradeLight

downtownvictoria.ca

Island Farms Santa Light Parade

MEC SnowfestNoVemBer 30 | 10 Am – 5 pm

mouNtAiN equipmeNt Co - op

This event is a celebration of all things

SNOW…related. Meet community groups,

enjoy information clinics, score great deals

on outdoor equipment, participate in chil-

dren’s snow crafts, and more.

49th Annual Carolling Week at Victoria City HallDeCemBer 1 , 2 , 3 & 5 | 12 – 12 : 40 pm

ViC toriA Cit y hAll ANteChAmBer

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

Nove mbe r 29

5 :45 pm

gove rNme Nt stre et

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.


Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s NutcrackerDeCemBer 5 & 6 | 7:30 pm

DeCemBer 6 & 7 | 2 pm

royAl the Atre

This treasured holiday classic takes

audiences on a wondrous adventure with

Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar

Plum Fairy. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s

version of the Nutcracker features classic

Canadian scenes and settings. Tickets start

at $29 and can be purchased from the Royal

and McPherson Theatre box offices, online,

or by calling 250-386-6121.

A Christmas Story, The MusicalDeCemBer 5 , 6 , 1 1 , 12 & 13 | 8 pm

DeCemBer 7 & 14 | 2 pm

mCphersoN pl Ayhouse

Presented by the Victoria Operatic Society,

this familiar story revolves around a

mischievous boy, Ralphie, and his desperate

quest to get a BB gun for Christmas despite

the warnings of his parents and teacher.

Tickets start at $21.75 and can be purchased



250-386-6121.

Merry Kissmas!DeCemBer 6 | 12 – 3 pm

mArket 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 photo-

graphs. Your Kissmas photo could win

round trip tickets for two to Seattle aboard

the Victoria Clipper!

Music in Market SquareDeCemBer 6 | 1 – 3 pm

mArket squAre

Enjoy a grand performance of holiday

favourites by the Greater Victoria

Concert Band.

Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. ClausDeCemBer 6 | 9 – 1 1 :30 Am | V istA 18 , ChAte Au ViC toriA

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.

downtownvictoria.ca

IT’S THEMOST

wonderful TIME

FOR A

paradeLight

#ChristmAsyyJ


16th Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Parade

25th Annual Lighted Ship ParadeDeCemBer 6 | Approx . 6 :30 pm | iNNer hArBour | ship poiNt

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.

deCe mbe r 6

approx . 6 :30 pm

bl aNsHard stre et

be lle ville stre et

gove rNme Nt stre et

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.

downtownvictoria.ca

Wonderland Winter FleaDeCemBer 7 | 10 Am – 4 pm

mArket squAre

This bustling outdoor market will ring your

holiday happiness bell! Wander through

the interesting stalls while Wine & Roses

Ladies Salon Orchestra plays old time swing

and Latin tunes. Find fabulous flea market

treasures, tasty holiday treats, and local

artisan-made gifts.

Carol-Along with the CarillonDeCemBer 7 | 4 :30 - 5 :15 pm

royAl BC museum

Rather than carolling door to door, bring

your family, friends, and pooch and gather

under the Centennial Carillon. Provincial

Carillonneur Rosemary Laing will climb

to the top of the seventy-five stairs, where

she commands the sixty-two bells, 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 illuminated for the season.

Ken LavigneDeCemBer 8 | 7:30 pm | royAl the Atre

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.

Ship Point Christmas Night MarketDeCemBer 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!


A Sentimental Christmas CarolDeCemBer 12 & 13 | 8 pm

DeCemBer 14 | 2 pm | royAl the Atre

Join the Victoria Symphony to sing carols

and experience Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

in a special version for orchestra and actor.

Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased



250-386-6121.

Miracle on Broad StreetDeCemBer 12 , 6 Am – 6 pm

1420 BroAD street

CFAX Santas Anonymous Society’s

signature event, a twelve-hour radiothon

to raise funds for the Christmas Program.

Enjoy entertainment, local personalities,

and a fun day filled with the spirit of giving.

Tuba ChristmasA 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.

deCe mbe r 13

1 – 3 pm

market square

downtownvictoria.ca

Festivus Fest!DeCemBer 14 | 1 – 3 pm

mArket squAre

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.

A Rock’n’Roll ChristmasDeCemBer 15 | 7:30 pm


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-be-

missed 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 DriveDeCemBer 15 , 16 & 17 | 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. 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-AlongDeCemBer 18 | 12 – 1 :15 pm

(Doors At 11 :30 Am)

st. ANDre W ’ s presBy teriAN ChurCh

(sANC tuAry – DouGl A s street)

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. For more informa-

tion call 250-384-5734.

Frozen Castle Dance PartyDeCemBer 20 | 12 – 3 pm

mArket squAre

Intrepid Theatre hosts a mid-day outdoor

dance party featuring a wintry walk-in

cardboard castle for tiny tots to decorate

and explore, sparkly princesses, and a live

DJ spinning fun dance music for all ages.

It’s a Christmas party for families and kids!


An Intimate Afternoon with Frank MillsDeCemBer 20 | 2 pm


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



250-386-6121.

The Irish TenorsDeCemBer 20 | 8 pm

royAl the Atre

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 GiftDeCemBer 27, 28 & 29 | 2 pm | royAl the Atre

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’sJANuAry 1 | 2 :30 pm | royAl the Atre

This annual New Year’s Day concert starts the year off with music, dance, and song, remi-

niscent 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.

downtownvictoria.ca

happySOULBe a jolly

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!

From

From

To

To

thiNkiNG of you from DoWNtoWN ViCtoriA

thiNkiNG of you from DoWNtoWN ViCtoriA

downtownvictoria.ca

Documents

DVBA Christmas Guide 2014