New traditions this year
We have been given the opportunity to stay close to home and celebrate our city and our families this holiday season. Things will not be the same as in past years. This is our reality, but we can make new traditions. Here are some suggestions for celebrating the holidays:
Seasonal Spectacles
While crowds and such have been discouraged, there are still holiday spectacles to visit and admire. The Bay Centre is hosting the 29th Annual Festival of Trees in support of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Check it out and vote for your favourite tree! Habitat for Humanity Victoria‘s Gingerbread Showcase fundraiser launched on November 12th and runs until January 3rd. All the wonderful gingerbread creations can be viewed in person or online. The Royal BC Museum is once again decorating the Old Town for the Christmas Season. Come down and experience the festive decorations until January 9th!
Christmas in Old Town at the Royal BC Museum
Festive Drinks
Going out for drinks? Make it festive with a seasonal cocktail! Many wonderful bars in downtown Victoria, including Clive’s Classic Lounge, Yates St Taphouse, and Brown’s Social House, are offering holiday drink options. Looking for delicious hot chocolate and other seasonal yet non-alcoholic beverages? Try Murchie’s Tea and Coffee, Wild Coffee, Discovery Coffee, and so many others!
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Make a Wreath
A holiday wreath adds greenery, beautiful scents, and festive cheer to any door. Whether you want to make a small or large one, it is an activity for the whole family. You can be as creative as you want when collecting your materials, so why not have fun with it? Check out this article in YAM Magazine for some easy instructions!
Photo by Belle White for YAM Magazine
Light Displays
The evenings are getting darker earlier, but that also means that it’s time for the light displays to appear on houses and downtown businesses. Taking a driving tour of light displays is a great way to celebrate the holidays and stay safe. Some places to check out include: The Fairmont Empress, The Parliament Buildings, Fan Tan Alley, Bastion Square, and your own neighbourhood!
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Shopping Local
Retailers, restaurants, and other downtown businesses are relying on our support more than ever this year. By shopping locally for gifts for our loved ones, we are also giving those small businesses a gift too! Many downtown businesses, like Bodacious, Glam & Fame, and Migration, have online stores if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home! Let’s work together to share the holiday cheer this season!
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There are plenty of ways to stay safe and have fun this holiday season right here in downtown Victoria! Different is not a bad thing. It is new and exciting! We can all still have a wonderful holiday full of cheer!
