Remember when holiday shopping brought a smile to your face and a bounce to your step? If so, check out Sidney as your “go-to” holiday hub. On November 21, the Sidney Kick Off to Christmas launches the holiday season with multiple activities and treats designed to tickle the fancy of even the most Grinch-like family member. Between 4:00 and 8:00 pm. Michael Forbes of Ocean 98.5 will be on-hand to give away prizes from Sidney shops and services from the prize tornado. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, traditional story-book Christmas carolers, beautiful shop windows, and just about the best customer service you could imagine. Without doubt, it will be a fun and festive evening to remember!
The Christmas Grotto will light up the faces of kids from 1 to 100. Sponsored by the Sidney Business Improvement Area (Sidney BIA), the Grotto is the place to visit Santa, get your Christmas wrapping done for a small donation, meet with friends and neighbors, and make a donation to the Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Nestled between Miss Bliss and Alexander’s Coffee Shop at 2385 Beacon Avenue, the Grotto will be open until December 21. As a special treat, Victoria Carriage Tours will offer horse drawn carriage tours on Thursdays between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and on Sundays between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. from November 27th to December 21st. Enjoy a festive ride through downtown Sidney and take in the charming, holiday ambiance. Be sure to pick up a hot beverage and something to eat from one of Sidney’s lively coffee shops or restaurants before you depart.
The much-loved Sidney Sparkles Santa Parade takes place at 5:00 p.m. on November 29th followed by the always charming Lighted Boat Parade along the Sidney waterfront. Add to the holiday magic by attending one of the many holiday concerts or the Peninsula Players traditional pantomime, A Christmas Carol. Plan to visit one or more of several Christmas craft shows, the popular Teddy Bear exhibit at the Sidney Historical Museum, and Christmas in the Village at Heritage Acres where children can take in train rides and visit with Santa. The Mary Winspear Centre offers an incredible line-up of holiday entertainment for all ages and tastes.
On November 22, kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa and from November 21, also at the Centre, you can vote for your favourite decorated tree and gingerbread house at the Festival of Trees. The Community Arts Council features the Artisans Gift Gallery at Tulista Park on Fifth Street, a perfect place to select a beautiful hand-made gift for that special person on your holiday gift list.
Pick up a copy of the Sidney Christmas Wish Book, which details all the activities and events taking place in Sidney and on the Peninsula from November 21st to the New Year. There you will find a sample of offerings from Sidney retailers featuring unique products and gift ideas to make your holiday shopping even easier. There is also a Wish List for you to give to Santa when you visit the Grotto so he knows what your heart desires!
Visit the NEW on-line community events calendar for a complete listing of all of the above-mentioned events and many, many more at www.DistinctlySidney.ca.
