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
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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
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For more information
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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
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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