Christmas in Victoria, BC
 

I know it seems a little early to be planning this....but we're hoping to spend at least a week in Victoria, BC at Christmas (06) and are wondering if anyone has tips, ideas, etc. of some interesting and maybe even unique things that go on there at that time that we could plan for...special dinners, dances, shows, craft shows etc. We will be staying with relatives....but they are elderly and do not really keep up with what's going on in town...but want to take them out to some special seasonal things to get us all in the spirit. Thanks for any help!

You must go out to Butchart Gardens one evening to see their Christmas light display. The best one I've ever seen, I go every year. Here's a tip, go around 4:30 - 5:00 as it can get quite crowded later in the evening.

There is a web site for Christmas 2005 activities.
http://www.vicstart.com/christmas/ This should give you an idea what will happen for Christmas 2006. I agree with previous poster about going to Butchart Gardens between 430 and 500 to see their Christmas light display.

The info you both gave looks like exactly what I need....and thanks for the personal recommendations for Butchart Gardens in winter...would never have guessed having only been there during the summer. Its a beautiful city and I'm sure at Christmas it will be beautiful. Thanks again.

Just to add fuel to the fire...Butchart Gardens has completed its Twelve Days of Christmas displays, from the partridge in a pear tree to the twelve lords a-leaping (the last is the least successful of the twelve). I love the calling birds, but I won't spoil the surprise by telling you how they are displayed.

Bob Gardner

Thanks Bob for the info on the 12 days of Christmas. BTW, do you know if the Empress puts on any kind of Christmas dinner? Many years ago when I lived in Toronto (I now live in US - for many yrs) - the hotel there put on a special dinner that included waiters bringing in large displays of platers held over their heads...to the sounds of trumpets - like you imagine royality in the middle ages used to be served their dinner. Anyway - it was pretty impressive. Any other restaurant suggestions you or anyone else can make would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.