A Christmas Walk Around Downtown Victoria

*START TIME HAS CHANGED TO 3:00 PM*

Join us on a Christmas walk around downtown Victoria. We'll explore a market outside the museum and some showcases that only happen during the winter season. There will be five stops and I expect we'll be at each for 20-30 minutes. It's a 5-10 minute walk between each stop. The forecast says it should be sunny, but dress for the weather and make sure to keep yourself warm! If you plan to stay for the parade, please make sure to bring an extra layer.

Meeting Point - corner of Government and Belleville Streets, on the Empress Hotel side.
We'll meet across the street from the Royal BC Museum. At the corner of Government and Belleville, next to the status of Emily Carr. When everyone has arrived, we'll start.

Stop #1 - WinterFest, at the museum. WinterFest is a small market celebrating arts, culture and community. Food and drinks will be available. This would be a good opportunity to get something warm to drink, for the rest of the walk! Bathrooms are available inside the museum. This stop is indoor and outdoor.
https://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/winterfest

Stop #2 - Gingerbread Showcase at the Parkside Hotel. The showcase displays all sorts of cool gingerbread creations from local bakers, both professional and amateur. The 2024 theme is "Through a Child's Eyes". Bathrooms should be available at this location. This stop is indoors.
https://www.habitatvictoria.com/gingerbread

Stop #3 - Festival of Trees at The Bay Centre. The Festival of Trees invites participating sponsors to decorate trees and the public can vote (via donation) on their favourite(s). Proceeds go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Bathrooms, as well as food and drinks, are available inside the mall.
https://www.thebaycentre.ca/events/festival-of-trees/

Stop #4 - Lights of Wonder at Victoria City Hall. The Lights of Wonder is an annual event bringing Christmas sparkle into downtown. This stop is outdoors.
https://downtownvictoria.ca/lights-of-wonder/

Stop #5 - Santa Claus Parade. If you still have energy, we'll find somewhere to watch the Santa Claus Parade as it moves along Douglas Street. This will also be outdoors.
https://gvfs.ca/event/42nd-peninsula-co-op-santa-claus-parade/

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