268 replies to this topic

[AllseeingEye]

Butchart Gardens tonight for us, I'll need to bundle up for this one. We've always lucked out with the weather but I think we're in for a good soaking tonight.

[Nparker]

Butchart Gardens during the holidays is the one time and place where I don't mind a light dusting of snow.

[AllseeingEye]

Oh agree the snow is great....its the drive home with all those other Victorians that is the worry

[Nparker]

The Hudson buildings showing off the spirit of the season.

[Mike K.]

Very nice!

[AllseeingEye]

If you're thinking of heading to Butchart's and haven't yet its certainly well worthwhile; last night was perfection from a weather standpoint, crisp but not 'cold' cold, clear, no precip, big crowds and everyone was in a good mood and well behaved. I didn't see it and was wondering if the skating rink was set up this year. I don't think it was.

 

There are however a few new twists in terms of decorated trees with altogether new lighting patterns which are uber cool and one huge display which is an enormous Christmas tree ornament.

 

I'm always impressed at how well the staff coordinate and work the parking lots, there are never any issues or incidents and as usual last night they were absolutely jam packed full. 

[Nparker]

...There are however a few new twists in terms of decorated trees with altogether new lighting patterns which are uber cool and one huge display which is an enormous Christmas tree ornament...

A friend sent me this pic from his visit to the Gardens last night.

[todd]

Just getting up the pole for tomorrow

[todd]

Just re-posting this:

Person living nearby till he moved would put up red atheist lights every year, you wouldn’t know it but he would walk around the neighbourhood telling everyone


As I’ve said before Christmas and Las Vegas are pretty much the same thing: lights, spending/loss, greed and the good the unhappy and the joyful, overindulgence, food, shows

I find people who get sad at “Christmas” annoying. Don’t be annoying

[todd]

Just getting up the pole for tomorrow

Today is official Festivus!!!

I know every day is Festivus on VV but who wants to air the first grievance!?

[Victoria Watcher]

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 23 November 2024 - 10:40 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Capital Daily has some music events listed:

 

https://www.capitald...r-victoria-2024

[Victoria Watcher]

https://victoriaharb...events/holiday/

 

Harbour Ferries.

 

[Victoria Watcher]

Cap Daily has more here:

 

https://www.capitald...ddadcc142835514

[Victoria Watcher]

This year’s parade saw 85 entries participate, the most ever. Organizers estimated attendance at 60,000.

 

https://www.timescol...rinches-9888845

 

 

Somebody be fibbing abut 60,000.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 December 2024 - 05:54 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

After six years without any steam, the ‘Number 7’ steam locomotive Santa Train is hitting the Port Alberni Railway this holiday season and giving families a historic ride, starting Dec. 7.

 

The steam locomotive No. 7 stopped running in July 2018 due to boiler issues. “Three boiler tubes ruptured during a run,” said Richard Spencer, Manager of the Alberni Pacific Rail Way and Vice President of the Industrial Heritage Society of Western Vancouver Island.

 

https://cheknews.ca/...-years-1226851/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 December 2024 - 06:22 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Those looking for decor and more that resemble a holiday Hallmark movie can find festive fun at Victoria’s Craigdarroch Castle.

The national historic site boasts bountiful Christmas trees and garlands alongside shopping, crafts and the production of A Christmas Carol leading up to the Christian holiday.

Events will last through the month, beginning with Museum Store Sunday on Dec. 1.

A global event, Museum Store Sunday allows shoppers to support museum and cultural institution shops.

The Castle Shop in Craigdarroch's visitor centre at 1050 Joan Cres. will feature 1,200 global retailers and local authors offering book signings that day. Jean Paetkau, author of The Sinking of Souls will appear from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Don Lovell, author and illustrator of The Dunsmuir Ring – Part One will be at hand from 12:30 to 2:30. The day will also include product launches, food and beverage tastings, prize draws and discounts.

“By shopping in the Castle Shop on Museum Store Sunday, and throughout the holiday season, visitors are supporting local artists and our mission to share the stories of Craigdarroch Castle with the community,” executive director John Hughes said in a news release. “December is a special time."


https://www.vicnews....-castle-7663607

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 01 December 2024 - 11:16 AM.

[Bambam]

No holiday season is complete without watching "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". At least sixteen times before December 25. Followed by Home Alone and Home Alone 2, in that order.

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[lanforod]

Home alone is on watch number 6 since mid November here!

[Bambam]

Home alone is on watch number 6 since mid November here!

 

You clearly have good taste. Every generation has its Christmas go-to favorites for sure.

 

"White Christmas" to this day is still among the most-watched Christmas movies and a go-to favorite for millions, and as I recall it was made in the late 1940's. One I just can't get into is Elf: tried three times and just didn't find it amusing which was odd because I like both Newhart and Ferrell a lot. But like a dork I'll watch those others anytime, lol.

 

Probably in part because when she was little we'd watch it with our daughter who would watch Home Alone over and over......and....over. Good memories of your kid when they're little. You'd think I'd be sick of it after 500 viewings but somehow the appeal remains.