Something for Everyone – Naughty or Nice
Christmas is sneaking up fast, but luckily, the Oceanside area handles Christmas the same way we handle everything – with markets, fairs, and a lot of artistic flair. Beginning this month, winter artisan markets and events are in full swing, beginning with the Winterfest Craft Fair from November 23rd to 25th at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. Enjoy live entertainment while browsing high quality artisan goods created by local islanders. From home decor, fashion, gourmet goods, and more, shoppers are guaranteed to cross a few names off their Christmas list. For famished fair-goers, the event offers a dining area, and proceeds from the admission fees are donated directly to three different hand-selected community groups.
On November 25th, take advantage of the Qualicum Beach double feature by heading over to A Very Merry Christmas Market hosted by Sea Thrift Artisan Boutique at the Qualicum Beach Community Hall. Admission is by donation with all proceeds going directly to the Oceanside Hospice Society.
Market-lovers should fuel up with coffee on November 25th, because the Coombs Fall Market is one day only and that day is the 25th. The Coombs Rodeo Grounds transforms into a Christmas cornucopia to host a range of local artisans. Famished patrons can also refuel with both sweet and savoury treats from The Pie Factory. Proceeds from the market go to support the Workability Program in Oceanside.
Fairs and markets are a fantastic way to cross names off your Christmas list, but in the season of giving it’s difficult to forget those who have long lists but lack the means to cross anything off. Food drives are aplenty, but all children deserve a present under the tree with their name on it. To help fill empty space beneath these trees, Tigh-na-Mara invites the public to their 10th Annual Toy Drive on Wednesday, November 28th from 6:30 to 10am. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and enjoy a complimentary breakfast courtesy of Tigh-na-Mara. For those who can’t make breakfast but still want to help, a toy drop off and drive through breakfast will be available from 7:30am to 10am. Of course toys don’t fill empty tummies, so donations of non-perishable food items will also be collected during the drive.
Welcome December with the annual light up at VIU’s Milner Gardens Christmas Magic. Ring in the season with an enchanted walk through over half a kilometre of lit, decorated trails, and make a day of it with a visit to Santa and a visit to Teddy Bear Cottage. Enjoy live entertainment, refreshments, and story-telling. Milner Magic begins November 30th and runs every weekend until Christmas for those who want to enjoy a second walk through their winter wonderland.
With Christmas shopping in the rearview mirror and Santa’s annual visit a few weeks away, keep the Christmas spirit alive with a visit to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre for their 4th Annual Magical Nights of Light. One visit is never enough, which is why the centre hosts the event every Friday and Saturday in December!
Not a local? Why not skip the traditional white Christmas this year and spend some quality time with the family – instead of quality time with the snow-blower? Enjoy a magical Christmas at Sunrise Ridge where there’s nothing to shovel (and even if there is, we’ll shovel it for you!) and celebrate the holidays snuggled up with your loved ones by the fire. Many of our suites include a fully equipped, gourmet kitchen – perfect for cooking Christmas dinner – without the stress of house guests, a carpet full of pine needles, and the inevitable holiday cleanup!
If you reserve by November 15th, you can receive 25% OFF a stay 3 nights or more between December 18th and 28th, see our specials page for more details. PLUS to make it even easier, call in or email us your grocery list and we’ll do the shopping for you. Happy Holidays!
