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6 places to visit for Christmas in Victoria 2017

Festival of Trees, Magic of Christmas highlights of the season

Victoria is a beautiful city all year long, but it’s even more spectacular when lit up for Christmas and the holidays.

And, when it comes to the holidays, many of the city’s hotels are offering fun, festive events and special packages to entice locals and visitors.

 

Victoria
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has special Christmas dinner shows taking place Dec. 22, 23 and 24 in the David Foster Foundation Theatre.

 

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is not only celebrating 90 years since it first opened on Beach Drive, but also the five-year anniversary of the completion of the new resort so it’s offering specials all month long.

Hot apple cider is being served in the Grand Lobby from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Christmas classic movie night is taking place in the David Foster Foundation Theatre Dec. 19, with Arthur Christmas.

Christmas dinner shows takes place Dec. 22, 23 and 24 in the theatre, which includes a cocktail reception and glass of bubbly before the doors open. Once inside, guests will be seated for a three-course dinner followed by the show. As the evening ends, departing guests will be offered hot chocolate and cookies. Make it a night and book the “Take the Elevator Home” rate.

 

Victoria
The Ultimate Shopping Package at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel includes a chauffeured car service to and from Oak Bay Village for shopping.

 

As well, the Ultimate Shopping Package is a great way to get organized for the big day. It includes a chauffeured car service to and from Oak Bay Village for shopping, an Oak Bay Beach Hotel canvas bag to keep, $40 resort credit, per room, per night, and a passport with savings at local shops. Each stay includes complimentary self-parking, Wi-Fi, evening turn-down service, bottled water and access to the heated seaside mineral baths. Visit oakbaybeachhotel.com.

 

Victoria
Warm up with s'mores and a hot drink on the veranda of the Fairmont Empress.

 

Fairmont Empress Hotel

S’mores on the veranda

Now through Dec. 23: 4 p.m. until late

Grab a seat on the veranda overlooking the sparkling Inner Harbour and enjoy hot beverages and Christmas-themed bites while toasting s’mores around the fire at the Fairmont Empress.

Kids' Christmas at the Castle

Dec. 16: noon to 3 p.m.

Champagne and canapés for mom and dad and Christmas activities and a candy buffet for the children. What’s not to love?

Lobby Lounge Singers

Dec. 16 & 17/23 & 24: 3 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy Christmas carols at the Fairmont Empress on Saturdays and Sundays in the afternoon.

Meet Mrs. Claus

Dec. 24: 5 to 9 p.m.

Kids of all ages can enjoy cookies and milk while listening to Mrs. Claus read stories.

Visit fairmont.com/empress-victoria.

 

Victoria
Discover the Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens.

 

Magic of Christmas: Butchart Gardens

Now through Jan. 6

With Christmas lights, holiday wreaths, carollers, ice skating and festive dining, it’s an exciting time at the gardens. Enjoy traditions of the season with Twelve Days of Christmas displays placed throughout the gardens. During the Magic of Christmas season, kids 12 years old and younger can bring a handmade paper snowflake and exchange it for a cup of hot chocolate in the coffee shop. Visit butchartgardens.com.

 

Victoria
Check out the ninth annual Gingerbread Showcase at the Parkside Hotel until Jan. 2

 

Ninth annual Gingerbread Showcase: Parkside Hotel

Now through Jan. 2

Feast your eyes on creative inspirations fashioned from gingerbread and other edibles. But this gingerbread festival is about more than just houses — look for detailed sculptures and unique works of art crafted by professional and amateur chefs. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Canada,” and participants are encouraged to vote for their favorite with a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. Displayed throughout the Parkside Hotel and Spa’s stunning atrium, this festive experience is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Visit parksidevictoria.com.

 

Victoria
Vote for your favourite tree at the 2017 Festival of Trees in support of B.C. Children's Hospital.

 

2017 Festival of Trees: The Bay Centre

Now through Jan. 2

The Victoria Festival of Trees, held at The Bay Centre this year, has become a holiday tradition and the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in the city. Vote for your favourite tree and help kids from the community who need the support and care only B.C. Children's Hospital can provide. All funds raised through the 2017 Festival of Trees are dedicated to the Excellence in Child Health Fund, which supports important programs and services provided by B.C. Children’s Hospital, its research institute and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. Your contribution supports research into childhood diseases, the purchase of and/or an upgrade to state-of-the-art medical equipment, and education programs for caregivers and families. Visit thebaycentre.ca and bcchildrens.ca.

 

Victoria
Visit with Father Christmas at the B.C. Royal Museum.

 

Father Christmas in Old Town: Royal B.C. Museum

Now through Dec. 17: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago, visit the wood-cobbled streets laced with festive garlands of Old Town at the museum and see the shops decked out with seasonal finery. Visit with Father Christmas, have your photo taken and share your holiday wishes. Photos are by donation. Visit royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

sthomas@vancourier.com

@sthomas10