Relax, and Celebrate the Christmas Season
Festive Lights, Events Celebrate the Christmas Season
November 7, 2006: The smell of roasted chestnuts, twinkling Christmas lights,
decorated windows, caroling and seeking special treasures – some of the
best things about the Christmas season can all be found in Canada’s warmest
climate, Oak Bay. Whether it’s a getaway to slow the hectic holiday pace
or activities full of Christmas cheer, Oak Bay is the perfect destination for
celebrating the holidays. Christmas celebrations kick off with a festival of
lights and music and continue through the month of December.
The sixth annual Oak Bay Christmas Festival kicks off November 26 with Light
Up. Thousands of lights have been hung on buildings, trees and lampposts and
are illuminated for the Christmas season. Entertainment begins at 4:00 p.m.
at Hampshire Road and Oak Bay Avenue. Featuring roasted chestnuts, seasonal
treats and Santa coming down the Avenue on a fire truck to help light up Oak
Bay Village.
During the November 25 – 26 weekend peek into an artists life during
Oak Bay’s bi-annual Artists Studio Tour. The tour is a free, self-guided
exploration of working artists’ studios throughout Oak Bay. Over a dozen
artists showcase their paintings, ranging from acrylics to watercolours, as
well as pottery, pen & ink drawings and photography. Many also offer art
cards and prints. Studio tour maps are available at the Oak Bay Library, Municipal
Hall and many Oak Bay businesses or online at www.oakbaytourism.com.
Don’t miss the art galleries along Oak Bay Avenue where seven galleries
are located within walking distance of one another, offering one-of-a-kind treasures.
Adding to the festive atmosphere are the brightly decorated shop windows in
the Oak Bay Village. From November 26 Oak Bay Village merchants compete in a
window decorating contest, vying fiercely for the People’s Choice Award.
Boxes and ballots can be found at participating merchants and voting shoppers
are entered in a draw for a gift from Oak Bay merchants.
On December 2 enjoy one of Victoria’s most popular holiday events, the
Island Equipment Operators Association Parade of Lighted Trucks. Seventy-five
heavy trucks including cement trucks, dump trucks, cranes and specialty equipment
vehicles are brightly lit for this annual parade. To welcome the parade to Oak
Bay festive treats and musical entertainment takes place on the front lawn of
Oak Bay’s Municipal Hall (2167 Oak Bay Avenue) from 4:00 p.m. It’s
a perfect viewpoint for watching the parade.
Enjoy an evening of art, shopping and festive treats on December 7 during the
third annual Art on the Avenue Gallery Walk and Ottavio Christmas Tasting Evening.
Between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. six galleries, featuring art ranging from paintings
to pottery to jewelry, are holding receptions and special exhibits. Merchants
along Oak Bay Avenue are also open for late-night shopping, complemented by
thousands of lights and Christmas caroling. Ottavio Italian Deli holds an annual
open house, offering a taste of the season including Italian candies, seasonal
specialties and hot roasted chestnuts.
Sea of Lights, a parade of 25 lighted boats lead by the HMCS Oriole, will drift
by Willows Beach December 8 between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Viewing is best
at Willows Beach where spectators can also enjoy a bonfire, hot chocolate and
carol singing.
To enjoy a Christmas getaway in Oak Bay, the Oak Bay Guest House offers rooms
and suites starting at $99 per couple per night, including a full breakfast
every morning. The Guest House is located within walking distance from unique
shopping and restaurants. The Oak Bay Guest House offers several packages through
the winter season as well as special long-term winter rates. Call 1-800-575-3812
or see www.oakbayguesthouse.com
for more details.
Just 10 minutes from downtown Victoria, Oak Bay is a vibrant community where
the pace reflects the relaxed attitude of its residents. Visitors can spend
an unhurried day browsing a variety of shops, antique stores and art galleries,
soaking up the street life, or enjoying quiet parks, gardens and beaches. Outdoor
enthusiasts will find endless marine, cycling and gardening adventures. Oak
Bay is Canada’s Palm Tree Capital. For more information and additional
Christmas event information visit www.oakbaytourism.com.
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Travel Media Contact:
Heather Leary
Oak Bay Tourism Media Relations
250-385-2285
hleary@shaw.ca
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