Here at Pemberton Holmes, we are usually talking about real estate in Victoria. Buying, selling, what the market is doing, and what else can we do to serve our clients? As members of the Greater Victoria community since 1887, we are so much more than just a real estate company. As the year comes to a close, we are reminded about what we truly value, and that’s spending quality time with our loved ones.
The holiday season can sometimes feel rushed, always with things to do and people to see. With the hundreds of different holiday events happening all around Greater Victoria, hopefully you’ll be able to experience one or two, maybe a few of them – we invite you to pause, and enjoy these rare experiences with the ones you cherish.
Below is a list of a few events and activities going on in the capital region that we think you might want to check out.
Gingerbread Showcase
November 17 to January 6
This 10th annual event is sponsored this year by the Victoria Real Estate Board and is hosted at the beautiful Parkside Hotel & Spa at 810 Humboldt Street in Victoria. The theme for 2018 is “There’s No Place Like Home.” You will not believe the incredible creativity, artistry and detail in the breathtaking gingerbread masterpieces. A small donation will allow you to vote for your favourite, with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity.
Toys n Teddy Bears of Christmas Past
December 1 to 31
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do this Christmas, head out to Sidney and the Sidney Museum and take a trip down memory lane. The 2018 holiday exhibit focuses on toys from the 1970s to the 1970s including Transformers, Polly Pockets, Board Games, Dinky Toys, Barbie Dolls, accessories and more. See if you can find all of the teddy bears at play among the exhibits! You’ll find the Sidney Museum and Archives at 2423 Beacon Avenue, open daily from 10am to 4pm
The Butchart Gardens
December 1 – January 6
Ok maybe it’s cheating to add this one, but come on – it’s a classic holiday outing for those of us who live here (and let’s be fair, most of us either make it an annual tradition, or we haven’t been for years). If you have guests visiting this holiday season, you should likely put this at the top of your list of places to take them. The extraordinary light displays in the gardens, the skating rink, the carousel, and the unique depiction of the twelve days of Christmas is sure to delight all ages this season.
O Christmas Tea
December 13 and 14
This two-man show is visiting Vancouver Island again for 2018, and if you missed it last time, I’m here to suggest that if you’re in for a giggle, then make a point of seeing this show. James and Jamesy are endearing and lovely; this quirky duo with their British humour, will bring your imagination to life and is fit for all ages. If you miss the shows at the Royal Theatre in Victoria, it’s also performing in Campbell River on December 15 and Nanaimo December 16 (the link above will take you to the list of all shows).
Kayak Light Parade
December 15 3:30pm to 6:30pm
It’s fun to find activities that are a little out of the ordinary, and how many places in the world can you take part in a kayak parade in December! For $30 (register in advance), you can join Pacifica Paddle Sports for a fun and relaxed paddle around Brentwood Bay. The paddle board and kayaks will be decked out in holiday lights which will make for quite the spectacle around the bay when everyone sets out at sunset. A potluck meal follows.
This list is barely a handful of festive things going on in and around Greater Victoria this holiday season, there are far too many to list them all here! A few additional downtown activities you might want to look up include Father Christmas visiting Old Town at the Royal BC Museum, showtimes for the Polar Express at the IMAX theatre, the Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre, Pancakes in Pajamas at the Hotel Grand Pacific and Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle.
No matter what you are doing this holiday season, we hope you are able to spend time with the people who matter to you most. We love living in this amazing city, and if you ever are thinking of buying a home here, we hope you’ll give us a call. We know Victoria real estate well.
