Untitled - Downtown Victoria Business Association
Transcription
Untitled - Downtown Victoria Business Association
There’s no finer city in this country in which to experience the authenticity, magic and true spirit of Christmas than Downtown Victoria. We have it all… tree-lined streets twinkling with lights, unique independent and major retail stores, trolley rides, the giant Christmas tree in Centennial Square, great nightlife, and a host of special events just for the Christmas season – including a very cool Yule contest you can enter called “Take the Stage” (details on our website and on the back cover of this guide). Enjoy it all here – from shopping to getting together with everyone you love in your favourite spots. Join a real Christmas celebration – where else but Downtown Victoria. #christmasyyj 5th Annual Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up November 17 | 4:00PM – 5:45pm Centennial Square Join the DVBA and City of Victoria to kick-off the holiday season in Centennial Square with our fifth annual Downtown Christmas Tree Light-Up ... a growing Victoria holiday tradition. Enjoy musical performances, roving entertainment, ice sculptures, Taste of Downtown, and the reveal of a spectacular holiday lighting and projection display. Stay downtown for the Island Farms Santa Light Parade starting at 5:45 pm. Bring the whole family down to share the joy of the season, rain or shine. This is a free event. For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events Lights and Animation in Centennial Square Centennial Square Snow Day November 17 – January 2 December 1 | 1 – 5pm Centennial Square This Christmas, Centennial Square is the setting for a magical display of lights and animation. Starting on November 17 and running until the New Year, a huge, interactive animation will take over the back wall of the McPherson Theatre. Bring your smart phone with you and interact with a special story that will delight and captivate. At the other end of Centennial Square, see if you can find a special tree with lights that move and change with sounds. Use your voice or an instrument and watch as the lights magically swarm and dance to the sound. Centennial Square No matter what the weather forecast predicts, December 1st is a Snow Day in Centennial Square! Join us as we celebrate snow and ice – how cool is that? Thrill to an exciting ice carving demonstration by world renowned chef and carver Takashi Ito, check out the snow sculpture demos and take part in hands-on fun, enjoy snow themed crafts, activities, delightful interactive characters and of course, tons of the white stuff – so bring your mittens! DJs and live music, hot and cold refreshments and giveaways will ensure this FREE event is wonderful winter fun for the whole family! Presented by the City of Victoria and the DVBA. #christmasyyj Free Parking Compliments of the DVBA Our Christmas gift to you: enjoy your First Hour Free at all five City parkades every Saturday from November 24 to December 22, compliments of the DVBA, no voucher required! Save the First Hour Free vouchers that you can pick up wherever you shop and dine downtown and use them another time. And remember, all five City parkades are always free on Sundays and holidays. With ample parking stalls available in City parkades, on-street parking, privately-owned facilities, and plenty of free parking initiatives, it’s easier than you think to park downtown. For more information and for a list of parking tips check out www.downtownvictoria.ca/core-programs/parking-programs Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides November 24 – December 23 Saturdays | 11 am – 3pm Sundays | NOON –4pm Enjoy a classic downtown tradition with your family this holiday season. Starting November 24 and running every weekend until December 23, 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 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 4 stops at: A Store St. at Chatham St. | In front of Ocean River Sports B Johnson St. near Wharf St. | In front of Willie’s Bakery C Langley St. at Bastion Sq. | Across from re-Bar D Government St. at Fisgard St. | In front of CRD Plaza #christmasyyj season-long celebrations 12th Annual Bear Wear November 19 – January 3 Hotel Grand 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 the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (formerly the Queen Alexandra Foundation). Vote for your favourite bear as many times as you like – the more times you vote, the better your chances at winning that bear in the raffle! Call 250-519-6935 for more information. 21st Annual Festival of Trees SEASON-LONG CELEBRATIONS Christmas in Old Town November 15 – January 7 | 10am – 5pm Royal BC Museum Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Marvel at the massive Christmas tree, visit the wood-cobbled streets laced with festive garlands, see the ships decorated with Christmas finery, and even have your picture taken with Father Christmas! Admission is free with museum membership. Father Christmas at the Royal BC Museum December 7 – 23 (Fridays – Sundays onlY) | 11am – 4:30pm Royal BC Museum Can you imagine a more magical place to visit with Father Christmas than the decorated streets of Old Town? Share holiday wishes and have a photo For more information taken to preserve the historic moment! about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events Government Street Grand Giveaway November 20 – January 4 The Fairmont Empress The Festival of Trees transforms the Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees every holiday season to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital. Sponsors, local businesses, organizations, and individuals come together to decorate trees in an often wacky, sometimes irreverent, and always beautiful fashion. These enchanting trees are displayed throughout the Christmas season. Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase November 24 – January 1 | 10am – 6pm Inn at Laurel Point Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed out of gingerbread. More than houses, they are 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 leave a lasting impression and your mouth watering – a perfect excuse to stop in at AURA for a festive Gingerbread Tea! For more information about these events, please visit 14th Annual Spirit of Giving Campaign www.downtownvictoria.ca/events December 1 – 24 November 17 – December 20 The Bay Centre Government Street Help spread the holiday spirit to families supported by the Mustard Seed. Drop off your financial or non-perishable food donation at The Bay Centre this holiday season. The Mustard Seed is a non-profit organization fighting hunger in Greater Victoria. Currently 7,200 people receive assistance from the Mustard Seed and 1,650 are children under 12. For more information, call 250-952-5690. For more information about these events, please visit Fill out your Government Street passport and enter to win the grand prize draw and lots of other fabulous prizes. Passports are available at participating stores, just look for the window sticker! The final draw takes place December 20. For more information about these events, please visit #christmasyyj www.downtownvictoria.ca/events www.downtownvictoria.ca/events season-long celebrations Food, Fashion, and Art Come Together at The Bay Centre! Christmas Starlight Cinema December 1 – January 2 The Bay Centre Visit The Bay Centre during the month of December to view one-of-a-kind garments created by fashion design students from the Pacific Design Academy’s fall 2012 program. Each garment has been handcrafted using food labels. This unique display has been created to raise funds and awareness for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Vote for your favourite garment ($2 suggested donation) and make a donation to the Mustard Seed Food Bank – you could win a $100 Bay Centre gift card just for placing your vote. 100% of all proceeds will be donated to the Mustard Seed. For more information, call 250-952-5690. For more information about these events, please visit #christmasyyj www.downtownvictoria.ca/events For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events December 4 | 6pm Miracle on 34th Street December 5 | 6pm White Christmas December 11 | 6pm Jim Carrey, The Grinch December 12 | 6pm Home Alone December 18 | 6pm A Christmas Carol December 19 | 6pm It’s A Wonderful Life Delta Victoria Ocean 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. 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! For more information, call 250-360-2999. EVENTS, shows AND ACTIVITIES Mozart’s Requiem November 24 | 8pm Royal Theatre One of the most enigmatic pieces of music ever created, Mozart’s Requiem was surrounded by myths and controversy about his death before its completion. Another part of this magical evening with the Victoria Symphony is Copland’s beautiful and nostalgic Appalachian Spring. Tickets start at $35, available from the Royal Theatre box office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121. Stuart McLean & The Vinyl Café Christmas November 26 & 27 | 7pm events, shows and activities The Snowman November 18 | 2:30pm Royal Theatre Enjoy the film version of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs with live musical accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony and Maestro Joey. Experience the magic of the remarkable friendship between James and his snowman, and delight in this holiday tradition. To begin the concert, a group of young musicians join the orchestra to play toy instruments in Leopold Mozart’s delightful Toy Symphony. 24th Annual Out Of Hand Artisan Craft Fair November 23 | 10am – 9pm November 24 | 10am – 6pm Royal Theatre Stuart McLean is one of Canada’s most beloved storytellers and a best-selling author. His hit CBC radio show “The Vinyl Cafe” premiered in 1994, and each week over 1 million listeners tune in to hear the stories. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased at the Royal Theatre box office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121. 15th Annual Victoria Gallery Walk November 29 | 3 – 8pm Enjoy festive refreshments, live entertainment, décor, and fabulous art at the 15th annual Gallery Walk. Pick up your passport and enter for a chance to win one of seven original art pieces. Participating galleries include: Alcheringa Gallery (655 Fort St), Legacy Gallery (630 Yates St), Madrona Gallery (606 View St), West End Gallery (1203 Broad St), Winchester Gallery (796 Humboldt St), Winchester Modern (758 Humboldt St), and View Art Gallery (104-860 View St). For more information, please call 250-388-0009. November 25 | 10am – 5pm For more information Crystal Garden about these events, please visit For more information about these events, please visit This annual event is Vancouver Island’s most prestigious artisan show; it features www.downtownvictoria.ca/events www.downtownvictoria.ca/events a thoughtful selection of contemporary crafts from across the province (and points east), artisan food and indie fashion. Don’t miss the popular Friday night fashion show with runway models featuring designer clothing and accessories found at the fair, a DJ, Fairmont Empress cocktails and prizes. Sunday – get cozy in Victoria’s most stylish coffee lounge. For more information about these events, please visit #christmasyyj www.downtownvictoria.ca/events For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events Dance Victoria Presents: The Nutcracker November 30 – December 1 | 7:30pm December 1 & 2 | 2pm Royal Theatre Back by popular demand – opulent costumes, gorgeous sets, 60 local dancers, and guest appearances by renowned dance artists. Add Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score played live by the Victoria Symphony and you have The Nutcracker. Tickets for this event can be purchased online, at the Royal Theatre box office, or by calling 250-386-6121. EVENTS, shows AND ACTIVITIES Tuba Christmas Lighted Ship Parade December 1 | 1 – 3pm December 1 | approximately 7pm Market Square Inner Harbour/Ship Point It isn’t Christmas until it is Tuba Christmas! More than 60 tuba players from across BC and the Pacific Northwest will knock your socks off with this BIG holiday concert! Start your season with this fun-loving family Christmas tradition that originated more than 35 years ago in New York City’s Rockefeller Centre. After the Truck Light Parade passes, head down to the Inner Harbour to experience the magic of lighted ships in the Harbour and the lighting of the DVBA Harbour Christmas trees. 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. 14th Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Parade Brunch with Santa Claus December 1 | approximately 7pm Inn At Laurel Point Yates Street/Douglas Street/Belleville Street/Government Street Kids can eat, meet, and snap a photo with St. Nick himself! Children will enjoy their own special buffet plus an area to watch favourite Christmas movies. All children receive a complimentary photo with Santa. Adults $39/Seniors $30/Children 6-10 $19.50/Children under 6 free. $1 from each adult brunch purchased goes to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. Reservations recommended: call 250-414-6739 or email [email protected]. December 2, 9 & 16 | 10am – 12:30pm Owners decorate their trucks and heavy equipment to create this exciting annual spectacle of light. The parade starts in Ogden Point and heads to the Western Communities via Douglas and Government Streets. The convoy is expected at Yates and Douglas at approximately 7:00 pm. Drop off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Ken Lavigne December 3 | 7:30pm Royal Theatre A Victoria tradition, Ken Lavigne’s Christmas concerts have always been a sell-out due to his superlative voice and engaging story-telling. Tickets start at $32.50 (student/seniors discount available); call 250-386-6121. 47th Annual Carolling Week December 3, 4, 5 & 7 | 12 – 1pm City Hall Ante Chamber The public is invited to enjoy the holiday sounds of choirs from Victoria area schools. Performances will take place in the City Hall Ante Chamber. Christmas Lights Across Canada NOVEMBER 27 | 4:30pm | (revised from printed version) Parliament Buildings Here in Victoria, this country-wide event will feature special guests and festive children’s choirs. At 5 pm, the large Sequoia tree on the front lawn of the Legislative Assembly will be lit up with thousands of lights, followed by seasonal hot cocoa and cookies for everyone. For more information about these events, please visit #christmasyyj www.downtownvictoria.ca/events For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events EVENTS, shows AND ACTIVITIES A Sentimental Christmas Greater Victoria Concert Band December 7 & 8 | 8pm December 8 | 1 – 3pm December 9 | 2pm Market Square Royal Theatre Enjoy a free, grand performance by these accomplished musicians as they fill Market Square with holiday magic. Join Victoria Symphony Orchestra Music Director Tania Miller at this year’s annual Christmas Pops concert. Joining Tania and the VSO will be the young, but very talented, singers of the Victoria Children’s Choir. Come prepared to sing along and to leave with the spirit of Christmas in your hearts and minds. Tickets start at $35. Call 250-386-6121, buy online, or visit the McPherson box office. The Sound Of Music December 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 | 8pm December 9 & 16 | 2pm McPherson Playhouse The Victoria Operatic Society presents this performance of a much-loved musical classic. Tickets start at $21. Call 250-386-6121, buy online, or visit the McPherson box office. Naden Band Christmas Concert & Toy Drive December 10 – 12 | 7:30pm | (revised from printed version) Royal Theatre The Annual Naden Band Concert is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season and support the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive. Bring a new unwrapped toy (for ages 0-18) to the concert and it will go to children in need in Greater Victoria. Get your tickets early, this concert sells out every year. Tickets are $7 for children and $10 for adults and can be purchased through the Royal/McPherson box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121. 3rd Annual Victoria Figgy Pudding Carolling Competition December 15 | 1 – 4pm Bastion Square Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus December 8 | 9 – 11:30am Vista 18 (18th floor, Chateau Victoria – 740 Burdett) Enjoy breakfast cooked by Executive Chef Garrett Schack and served by the management and employees of the Chateau Victoria team. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be there to thank everyone in person! 100% of the proceeds raised at this annual holiday event go to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Reservations are required as seating is limited: call Yvonne at 250-361-5660. The 3rd Annual Victoria Figgy Pudding Carolling Competition is a fun and heart-warming event that will bring the voices of Victoria to downtown and Bastion Square. You don’t need to sing well to participate – whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned caroller, there is a competition category for you! The competition runs from 1 – 3 pm, with awards and a sing-along from 3:15 – 4 pm. Register your group online at www.victoria.ca/figgypudding by Friday, November 23. This is a free event and will take place rain or shine. Chantal Kreviazuk with the Victoria Symphony December 15 | 8pm Royal Theatre For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events Canadian superstar and classically trained pianist Chantal Kreviazuk performs For more information her hitsplease surrounded by symphonic splendour. This one-night-only special aboutgreatest these events, visit performance will sell out fast www.downtownvictoria.ca/events – get your tickets early! Helmcken House Old Fashioned Christmas December 22 – 31 | 12 – 4pm Royal BC Museum For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events Helmcken House comes alive with the spirit of an early Christmas in Victoria. Visitors will discover the Christmas traditions of early Victorians through activities and crafts. Admission is by donation. For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events EVENTS, shows AND ACTIVITIES Carol Afternoon Tea December 24 & 25 The Fairmont Empress Enjoy live choral performances during Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress. Cost is $59.95 per person and reservations are strongly recommended. Call 250-389-2727 for more information. The Gift of Pandora’s Box Walking tours December 27 – 29 | 7:30pm December 30 | 2pm Royal Theatre Christmas gifts come in many different packages; this year Ballet Victoria gives new life to a classic tale, celebrating the holiday season with humour, dance, and Tchaikovsky’s music. Tickets start at $37 and can be purchased through the Royal Theatre box office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121. New Year’s Day Levee january 1 | 12 – 1:30pm City Hall Ring in the New Year at the City of Victoria’s annual New Year’s Day Levee, hosted by City Council. Chinatown Walks December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 10:30am Meet at the “Bright Pearl” sculpture (CRD Plaza at Government & Fisgard) Christmas lights and festive shop windows add to an area already steeped in history. Learn why the Chinese came, where they came from, and what customs they brought. Check out the best places for holiday shopping in Market Square, Fan Tan Alley, and on Fisgard Street. Tickets: $14 adults; $12 student/seniors. Ghosts of Christmas Past December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31 | 7:30Pm Visitor Information Centre (Government & Wharf) This 90-minute variation on the popular Ghostly Walks focuses on holiday ghost stories and the supernatural at Christmas in Victoria. The legend of Christmas Hill, the ghosts of Helmcken Alley, Victoria’s first documented ghost sighting from Christmas 1861, and the Christmas Eve assassination on the steps of the Roman Catholic Cathedral in 1890 are all included. Tickets: $14 adults; $12 students/seniors. Winter Farmer’s Market Nov 17, 17, Dec 1 & 151 & 511am-3pm November December | 11am – 3pm Market Square (revised from printed version) Local farmers and food producers bring you their best bounty of the season and delicious foods for your Christmas feast and holiday entertaining. Pick up local meats and poultry, freshly baked breads and desserts, sweet and savoury preserves that make welcome Christmas gifts, an array of fresh produce, and more. Presented by the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society and Market Square. #christmasyyj History of Christmas in Old Victoria Walking Tour December 5, 12 & 16 | 2pm Meets in Bastion Square, outside the Maritime Museum of BC This 90 minute walking tour takes place in Old Town, where Christmas traditions and colourful stories abound. The program starts inside for background discussion and stories, based on true accounts of how Christmas was celebrated during the days of Fort Victoria and the gold-rush era. Tickets: $14 adults; $12 students/seniors www.discoverthepast.com For more information about these events, please visit www.downtownvictoria.ca/events Loosen up your vocal chords and Take the Stage in Centennial Square this Christmas season. Enter to win prizes when you record a video singing your favourite carols in front of downtown's first ‘audio-reactive’ tree lights. Your voices will create your very own light show! Come sing your hearts out, upload your videos to our Facebook contest page, and the video with the most votes wins! Check our Facebook contest page for prize details. Happy Holidays and good luck everyone! Download Christmas carol lyrics from our website at downtownvictoria.ca facebook.com/downtownvictoria #christmasyyj www.downtownvictoria.ca