PDF version - 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 

November 17 – JaNuary 2 


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. 

#christmasyyj 

CentenniAl 

SquAre Snow dAy 

DeCember 1 | 1 – 5pm 


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.

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 

B 

C 

D 

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 

#christmasyyj

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 


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 

taken to preserve the historic moment! 



www.downtownvictoria.ca/events 

goVernment Street grAnd giVeAwAy 

November 17 – DeCember 20 

Government Street 

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. 


#christmasyyj 



12th AnnuAl BeAr weAr 


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 


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! 




14th AnnuAl Spirit oF giVing CAmpAign 

DeCember 1 – 24 

The bay Centre 

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. 




season-long celebrations

Food, FAShion, And Art Come 

together At the BAy Centre! 

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. 


about 

#christmasyyj 

these events, please visit 





ChriStmAS StArlight CinemA 

DeCember 4 | 6pm 

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET 


WHITE CHRISTMAS 


JIM CARREY, THE GRINCH 

Delta victoria ocean pointe resort & Spa 


HOME ALONE 


A CHRISTMAS CAROL 


IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 

season-long celebrations 

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 

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 





Crystal Garden about these events, please visit 


This annual www.downtownvictoria.ca/events 

event is Vancouver Island’s most prestigious artisan show; it features 

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. 


about 

#christmasyyj 







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 

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. 

dAnCe ViCtoriA preSentS: 

the nutCrACker 

November 30 – DeCember 1 | 7:30pm 

DeCember 1 & 2 | 2pm 

EVENTS, ShowS AND ACTIVITIES 

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.

tuBA ChriStmAS 


market Square 

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. 

14th iSlAnd equipment ownerS 

ASSoCiAtion truCk light pArAde 

DeCember 1 | approxImaTeLy 7pm 

yates Street/Douglas Street/belleville Street/Government Street 

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. 


about 

#christmasyyj 






lighted Ship pArAde 

DeCember 1 | approxImaTeLy 7pm 

Inner Harbour/Ship point 

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. 

BrunCh with SAntA ClAuS 

DeCember 2, 9 & 16 | 10am – 12:30pm 

Inn at Laurel point 

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 

reservations@laurelpoint.com. 

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.

a SeNTImeNTaL CHrISTmaS 



royal Theatre 

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 


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. 

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. 







GreaTer vICTorIa CoNCerT baND 


market Square 

Enjoy a free, grand performance by these accomplished musicians as they fill 

Market Square with holiday magic. 

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 

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 


royal Theatre 

Canadian superstar and classically trained pianist Chantal Kreviazuk performs 


her about greatest these events, hits please surrounded visit by symphonic splendour. This one-night-only special 

performance will sell out fast – get your tickets early! 


helmCken houSe old FAShioned ChriStmAS 

DeCember 22 – 31 | 12 – 4pm 


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. 




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 

DeCember 27 – 29 | 7:30pm 


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 

winter FArmer’S mArket 

November 17, DeCember 1 & 5 | 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 


City Hall 

Ring in the New Year at the City of Victoria’s annual New Year’s Day Levee, 

hosted by City Council. 




wAlking tourS 

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. 

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

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

PDF version - Downtown Victoria Business Association

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