Holidays

A volunteer with the Salvation Army drops donated toys into a bin during a recent fundraiser event at the Saanich Victoria Citadel. Donations of toys, cash and other goods are being accepted until Dec. 24 as part of the organization’s holiday appeal. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Salvation Army Victoria Citadel hosting annual holiday toy drive in Saanich

Families in need across the region to benefit from community donations

A volunteer with the Salvation Army drops donated toys into a bin during a recent fundraiser event at the Saanich Victoria Citadel. Donations of toys, cash and other goods are being accepted until Dec. 24 as part of the organization’s holiday appeal. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
A Harbour Ferry Taxi cruises through the inner Harbour in this file photo. Victoria Harbour Ferry is launching a pair of holiday offerings this month. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria Harbour Ferry offering pair of holiday specials

The annual Santa Ballet is set to return along with a new Sleigh Boat Ride

A Harbour Ferry Taxi cruises through the inner Harbour in this file photo. Victoria Harbour Ferry is launching a pair of holiday offerings this month. (Black Press Media file photo)
The City of Colwood is hosting a free holiday concert Friday evening (Dec. 10) at Meadow Park, featuring choirs from Sangster Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of the City of Colwood)

Colwood hosting free holiday concert Friday night

Sangster Elementary choirs featured; hot chocolate, light tunnels 6-7 p.m. Dec. 10 in Meadow Park

The City of Colwood is hosting a free holiday concert Friday evening (Dec. 10) at Meadow Park, featuring choirs from Sangster Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of the City of Colwood)
The Sooke School District 62 is advising families to be aware of and follow all government COVID-19 restrictions upon returning from holiday travel this season. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

Sooke School District reminds holidaying families of requirements for unvaccinated children

Parents should work with schools, teachers if children will be missing school while in quarantine

The Sooke School District 62 is advising families to be aware of and follow all government COVID-19 restrictions upon returning from holiday travel this season. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Virginia MacLeod reads to children during storytime at the Sidney/North Saanich Regional Library. The library is hosting multiple holiday themed events this month. (Black Press Media file photo)

Sidney’s library lines up family holiday activities

Scavenger hunt, story walk planned throughout the month

Virginia MacLeod reads to children during storytime at the Sidney/North Saanich Regional Library. The library is hosting multiple holiday themed events this month. (Black Press Media file photo)
More than 80 trucks covered in holiday decorations rolled through Greater Victoria’s street Saturday night, during the 23rd IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

PHOTOS: IEOA Truck Light Convoy shines throughout Greater Victoria

More than 80 trucks participated in this year’s parade and food drive

More than 80 trucks covered in holiday decorations rolled through Greater Victoria’s street Saturday night, during the 23rd IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy is set to perform this holiday season in support of the Salvation Army Toy Drive. (Photo courtesy of Patricia Mamic)

Naden Band annual holiday performances supports Greater Victoria Salvation Army toy drive

Concerts are set to take place at the Royal Theatre Dec. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m.

The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy is set to perform this holiday season in support of the Salvation Army Toy Drive. (Photo courtesy of Patricia Mamic)
Seattle novelty company Archie McPhee is selling mac and cheese candy canes this year. (Archie McPhee)

Candy canes re-imagined: Twist on holiday treat may not delight all tastebuds

Flavour profiles expanded to include sardine, kale and hot dog

Seattle novelty company Archie McPhee is selling mac and cheese candy canes this year. (Archie McPhee)
A yuletide showing of eight maids-a-milking at a past Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas display. American-based PNC Christmas Price Index explores the cost of the items in the popular song, The 12 Days of Christmas, with eight maids-a-milking coming in with a price tag of $58. (Black Press Media file photo)

12 Days of Christmas comes with hefty price tag as inflation drives up costs

8 maids-a-milking the lowest-priced item on the list at $58

A yuletide showing of eight maids-a-milking at a past Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas display. American-based PNC Christmas Price Index explores the cost of the items in the popular song, The 12 Days of Christmas, with eight maids-a-milking coming in with a price tag of $58. (Black Press Media file photo)
Children’s Health Foundation donors Adrian D’Silva and Tracey D’Silva have volunteered to decorate the home every year since 2012. (Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island/Facebook)

Volunteers light up View Royal ‘home away from home’ for the holidays

Jeneece Place covered in donated lights to brighten spirits

Children’s Health Foundation donors Adrian D’Silva and Tracey D’Silva have volunteered to decorate the home every year since 2012. (Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island/Facebook)
At more than nine metres wide, the enlarged Colwood Star can be seen from afar, now that it is remounted on the back of Dwayne Gordon and Leah Moreau’s Triangle Mountain home. (Photo Courtesy of Chris Gordon)

Scaled-up Colwood star shines down on city for second year

After receiving plenty of positive feedback last year, homeowners make it bigger and brighter

At more than nine metres wide, the enlarged Colwood Star can be seen from afar, now that it is remounted on the back of Dwayne Gordon and Leah Moreau’s Triangle Mountain home. (Photo Courtesy of Chris Gordon)
Greater Victoria residents are encouraged to light up their properties with holiday decorations this month, and to enter into the Light up the City contest though vicnews.com/contests, with the top-voted displays earning prizes from Helijet International, Peninsula Co-op, and other local sponsors. Pictured is a display from the 2020 contest. (Photo Courtesy of Greater Victoria Festival Society)

Light Up The City holiday decoration contest returns to Greater Victoria

Enter and vote for your favourites at vicnews.com/contests until Dec. 17

Greater Victoria residents are encouraged to light up their properties with holiday decorations this month, and to enter into the Light up the City contest though vicnews.com/contests, with the top-voted displays earning prizes from Helijet International, Peninsula Co-op, and other local sponsors. Pictured is a display from the 2020 contest. (Photo Courtesy of Greater Victoria Festival Society)
The Esquimalt Celebration of Lights parade rings in the Christmas spirit Dec. 5 starting with the parade at 5 p.m. along Esquimalt Road from Canteen Road to Esquimalt Plaza. (Black Press Media file photo)

Esquimalt gearing up for seasonal celebration

From lightup parade to holiday entertainment, Celebration of Lights brightens spirits Dec. 5

The Esquimalt Celebration of Lights parade rings in the Christmas spirit Dec. 5 starting with the parade at 5 p.m. along Esquimalt Road from Canteen Road to Esquimalt Plaza. (Black Press Media file photo)
Art pieces, tasteful Christmas decorations and stylings can be found this month at Coast Collective’s Gifts and Wishes holiday showcase of art and fine craft. (Courtesy of Coast Collective)

Holiday shopping transforms Pendray House in Colwood

Coast Collective’s annual Gifts and Wishes show runs Nov. 27 and 28

Art pieces, tasteful Christmas decorations and stylings can be found this month at Coast Collective’s Gifts and Wishes holiday showcase of art and fine craft. (Courtesy of Coast Collective)
FILE - Lights illuminate the Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany, Nov. 22, 2021. Despite the pandemic inconveniences, stall owners selling ornaments, roasted chestnuts and other holiday-themed items in Frankfurt and other European cities are relieved to be open at all for their first Christmas market in two years, especially with new restrictions taking effect in Germany, Austria and other countries as COVID-19 infections hit record highs. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)

Europe’s Christmas markets warily open as COVID cases rise

Despite inconveniences, stall owners relieved for their first Christmas market in two years

FILE - Lights illuminate the Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany, Nov. 22, 2021. Despite the pandemic inconveniences, stall owners selling ornaments, roasted chestnuts and other holiday-themed items in Frankfurt and other European cities are relieved to be open at all for their first Christmas market in two years, especially with new restrictions taking effect in Germany, Austria and other countries as COVID-19 infections hit record highs. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)
Goldstream Food Bank Society volunteer Petra Benbow, left, president Gayle Ireland and volunteer Cynthia Fizzard show off a fully loaded shopping cart similar to the Christmas hampers the organization will soon be giving out. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)

‘It means a great deal:’ Goldstream food bank busy preparing Christmas hampers

The holiday meal-themed hampers will also include gift cards to buy a turkey and toys for the kids

Goldstream Food Bank Society volunteer Petra Benbow, left, president Gayle Ireland and volunteer Cynthia Fizzard show off a fully loaded shopping cart similar to the Christmas hampers the organization will soon be giving out. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
The West Shore RCMP is encouraging residents to be safe this holiday season, and avoid falling victim to scams or theft. (Black Press Media file photo)

West Shore RCMP warns residents to be cautious of holiday scams, theft

Online shopping, mail, and unattended vehicles are all targets during the holiday season

The West Shore RCMP is encouraging residents to be safe this holiday season, and avoid falling victim to scams or theft. (Black Press Media file photo)
Canada Post continues its tradition of releasing new holiday-themed stamps in 2021. (Photo by Canada Post)

‘Tis the Season: Canada Post unveils latest holiday-themed stamps

The holiday stamps feature three recognizable characters — Santa, a reindeer and an elf

Canada Post continues its tradition of releasing new holiday-themed stamps in 2021. (Photo by Canada Post)
Christmas light parades and a variety of holiday events will resume this year in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)

Holiday celebrations return to Greater Victoria, lighting up the community

Annual lights festivals and parades are a marker of holiday tradition

Christmas light parades and a variety of holiday events will resume this year in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)
Christiane Coopman, a 73-year-old blood cancer patient in Chilliwack, B.C., and her husband Murry who suffers from melanoma, both received booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks ago. HO-Cristiane Coopman / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Third-dose Thanksgiving: immunocompromised guests still wary of gatherings

Many immunocompromised Canadians deciding to forego or modify their traditional Thanksgiving plans

Christiane Coopman, a 73-year-old blood cancer patient in Chilliwack, B.C., and her husband Murry who suffers from melanoma, both received booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine two weeks ago. HO-Cristiane Coopman / THE CANADIAN PRESS