Christmas holiday

Jack Frost and his cast of Christmas characters. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Jack Frost making his mark on Chemainus, no really, Jack Frost

It’s his real name and has always made life interesting

 

Ronnie Lee, left, holds three turkey platters ready to be delivered to West Coast homes. (Nora O’Malley photo)

Tofino restaurant serves over 1,300 free takeway turkey dinners in one night

Lil Ronnie’s Beachside BBQ keeps community Christmas tradition alive

 

Morgan Watson, owner of Bartholomew’s Public House, behind a bar decked out with Christmas lights. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

Local pubs share pleasure, purpose of Christmas serving tradition

Two local pubs share their reasons for keeping the doors open on Dec. 25

 

With more people planning to visit this holiday season, BC Hydro advises being mindful about energy consumption. Pictured here, Christmas lights on Fraser Highway in Langley City. (Black Press file)

With more people planning Christmas gatherings, mind energy use, says BC Hydro

COVID-19 health order saw a drop in energy usage Christmas evening in 2020, Hydro says

With more people planning to visit this holiday season, BC Hydro advises being mindful about energy consumption. Pictured here, Christmas lights on Fraser Highway in Langley City. (Black Press file)
The Patch owner Christopher Shurety (right) and colleague Morgan (left) display some of their favourites of this year’s “ugly” Christmas sweater collection. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

Victoria shop sources answers to the ugly holiday sweater dilemma

Despite pandemic challenges, The Patch on Yates continues its annual tradition

The Patch owner Christopher Shurety (right) and colleague Morgan (left) display some of their favourites of this year’s “ugly” Christmas sweater collection. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
According to a Research Co. survey, 36 per cent of B.C. residents are willing to fly to another province, or territory, this holiday season. (Black Press file)

Are you planning to travel this holiday season? 56% of British Columbians say no

800 B.C. adults surveyed in Research Co. survey

According to a Research Co. survey, 36 per cent of B.C. residents are willing to fly to another province, or territory, this holiday season. (Black Press file)
The 2021 Gingerbread Showcase will be on display from Nov. 20 to Jan. 2. (Black Press Media file photo)

Victoria’s 2021 Gingerbread Showcase set to launch

‘The Future of Home’ creations to be on display Nov. 20 to Jan. 2

The 2021 Gingerbread Showcase will be on display from Nov. 20 to Jan. 2. (Black Press Media file photo)
Sooke’s annual Santa Parade returns on Dec. 5, but with pandemic protocols in place. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Traditional Sooke Santa Parade to return, for now, with COVID precautions

Holiday event planned for Dec. 5

Sooke’s annual Santa Parade returns on Dec. 5, but with pandemic protocols in place. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
The Lights of Wonder display at Centennial Square in 2019. The 2021 show will run from Dec. 16 to the 31. (Black Press Media file photo)

Lights of Wonder returns for a second year in Victoria

The holiday light show hosts free performances thanks to title sponsor Starlight Investments

The Lights of Wonder display at Centennial Square in 2019. The 2021 show will run from Dec. 16 to the 31. (Black Press Media file photo)
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes, 2020 (Photo courtesy Fred Haynes)

Saanich mayor advises celebrating at home this year

Look ahead to positive opportunities of 2021

Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes, 2020 (Photo courtesy Fred Haynes)
Sparke the Christmas Light’s mysterious backstory has been revealed after the creator Donald Shupe reached out to The News.

Do you remember Sparkle the Christmas Light?

Creator of popular 80s/90s light discusses item’s origin, wants to see it revived

Sparke the Christmas Light’s mysterious backstory has been revealed after the creator Donald Shupe reached out to The News.
Helgesen Road

PHOTOS: Where to see Christmas lights in Sooke

You’re going to find plenty of lights out there

Helgesen Road
Christmas light display, no date. Stock photo

British Columbians urged to prevent fires involving holiday decorations

Office of the Fire Commissioner has reported 113 Christmas-related fires in B.C. in the past decade

Christmas light display, no date. Stock photo
The Victoria Police Department is warning people not to leave presents in their cars this holiday season. (Victoria Police Department/Screenshot)

Grinches are prowling for presents this year, Victoria police warn

VicPD reminds people to remove valuables and lock car doors

The Victoria Police Department is warning people not to leave presents in their cars this holiday season. (Victoria Police Department/Screenshot)
Jackie Kightly’s Sooke home is in the spirit. Located at 7020 West Coast Road, Kightly’s display includes a garage door snowman, hanging “icicles” and candy light-filled shrubs. (Courtesy of Jackie Kightly)

PHOTOS: Greater Victoria homes illuminated with holiday cheer

Residents send in pictures of Christmas light displays

Jackie Kightly’s Sooke home is in the spirit. Located at 7020 West Coast Road, Kightly’s display includes a garage door snowman, hanging “icicles” and candy light-filled shrubs. (Courtesy of Jackie Kightly)
A giant star hoisted onto the back of a Colwood home can be seen from West Shore communities below. (Facebook/Leah Moreau)

Colwood family’s giant star shines down from Triangle Mountain

Roughly nine-metre star can be seen far and wide

A giant star hoisted onto the back of a Colwood home can be seen from West Shore communities below. (Facebook/Leah Moreau)
A holiday lights and music display on Walter Avenue in Saanich aims to lift spirits amid the pandemic. (Photo courtesy Katie Bone)

VIDEO: Huge Christmas display in Saanich neighbourhood aims to raise spirits amid pandemic

Cheer-seekers invited to stop by 326 Walter Avenue for lights, music and Santa Claus

A holiday lights and music display on Walter Avenue in Saanich aims to lift spirits amid the pandemic. (Photo courtesy Katie Bone)
Sipili Molia, regional kettle manager, shows off the Salvation Army’s new contactless donation system for the 2020 Christmas Kettle Campaign outside municipal hall on Dec. 1. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

VIDEO: Tech offers hope as Salvation Army sees need skyrocket across B.C.

Charity is equipping hundreds of kettles across B.C. with ‘touchless giving technology’

Sipili Molia, regional kettle manager, shows off the Salvation Army’s new contactless donation system for the 2020 Christmas Kettle Campaign outside municipal hall on Dec. 1. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes is encouraging residents to follow pandemic safety protocols and cook up some healthy treats this holiday season. (Needpix.com)

Saanich mayor shares plant-based dessert recipe ahead of holiday season

Residents encouraged to spend holidays at home amid pandemic

Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes is encouraging residents to follow pandemic safety protocols and cook up some healthy treats this holiday season. (Needpix.com)
Leah Davis, store manager at Oscar & Libby’s in downtown Victoria, sets out stock at their Fort Street location. The pandemic has changed the way this retailer and others do business, says owner Teri Hustins. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Pandemic alters holiday business strategies for Victoria merchants

Many independent merchants count on holiday shopping to get them through quiet periods

Leah Davis, store manager at Oscar & Libby’s in downtown Victoria, sets out stock at their Fort Street location. The pandemic has changed the way this retailer and others do business, says owner Teri Hustins. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)