Christmas

Puzzle lab offers a series of locally designed and crafted, high-quality puzzles. (Courtesy of Robazzo design studio)

Victoria design studio launches line of picturesque puzzles

Puzzle Lab jigsaws locally designed and crafted

Puzzle lab offers a series of locally designed and crafted, high-quality puzzles. (Courtesy of Robazzo design studio)
The O’Meara family – (left to right) Mari, Max, Adam and Rei – spent Saturday afternoon picking out the perfect tree. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Santa’s Forest tree sale in Saanich implements one-way perusing, curbside pick up

Christmas tree, wreath sales in Braefoot Park through Dec. 24

The O’Meara family – (left to right) Mari, Max, Adam and Rei – spent Saturday afternoon picking out the perfect tree. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Goldstream Food Bank volunteers at work. Light Up the City will be offering various options for the public to drop off non-perishable food items to support this food bank and others in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)

Greater Victoria residents can show their charity through Light Up the City

Drive-thru food bank and toy donation dropoff sites open up this Saturday around region

Goldstream Food Bank volunteers at work. Light Up the City will be offering various options for the public to drop off non-perishable food items to support this food bank and others in Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)
Mike Thomas (right) and Ben Molesky, co-chairs of Sooke Christmas Bureau say they’ve already received 140 applications for holiday hampers and expect to hand out up to 90 more this year compared to 2019. (Black Press Media file photo)

Sooke Christmas Bureau to hand out up to 90 extra hampers this year

Application deadline ends on Dec. 1

Mike Thomas (right) and Ben Molesky, co-chairs of Sooke Christmas Bureau say they’ve already received 140 applications for holiday hampers and expect to hand out up to 90 more this year compared to 2019. (Black Press Media file photo)
People wear face masks as they pose next to a Christmas display in Montreal, Sunday, November 22, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

How to tell family their Christmas gathering is too risky and you’re not going

Dr. Hurst says it’s best to frame the conversation from a place of care, stressing safety precautions.

People wear face masks as they pose next to a Christmas display in Montreal, Sunday, November 22, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The Vancouver Island Crisis Society has seen a five per cent rise in call volumes compared to this time last year. (Black Press Media file photo)

Winter blues a concern for Vancouver Islanders during COVID-19 Christmas season

Statistics show British Columbians anticipate worsening mental health

The Vancouver Island Crisis Society has seen a five per cent rise in call volumes compared to this time last year. (Black Press Media file photo)
The Grinch was spotted on a tractor in Metchosin Monday morning, an early welcome for the holiday season. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)

PHOTO: Grinch arrives early for the holidays in Metchosin

Send your favourite Christmas decorations to Black Press Media

The Grinch was spotted on a tractor in Metchosin Monday morning, an early welcome for the holiday season. (Aaron Guillen/News Staff)
Product Care offers more than <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=pDYyTceU0YgTDdsd92GohdQJsmSiPFEkcB4MdMM0Qkoqb1aJA-2By5aWklKJXV6QRdyTteNjr2FccUOVLUe4t5Zw-3D-3D1ds-_KVyBcpjXADXifSWVpM8nQcAzSm9-2B6fEFnjVrTsOcu31irDHDxi5k0QTOIWCqMXUxaNbrf0yRzXSSpROCkfx3NkUtbr65Dkcw1J0by-2F-2BDdDiJGbcfhtjHWYSs66NwakeCCLYkj20e9ICIZsLcedqNZKBhsN0sGgBsInpdzsddYikUZkmQvFdxLJhakpgAA6aAJ5ScUoWR6vO9sM819vRB-2F6x7dsdfIaWa4ZgHxR4G7hauxgSJCsNI2bP5J62EFfM0aiDqRPwUPUjt7i5-2FMqpdJxrEBewnLky-2B3lE0JAmi5UsJBkJejuLOjsndZz4b7dNgbvt6KyewKuF0sxU2rpYgkAO9YAKc9STuFJd28Qn7jE0-2FqlB8HKOvpW150NHS-2BOMBcK5rkZ8YAuPqJy11k-2BgndiKB-2FWl2icAfbWtRGJPb8fM-3D" target="_blank">150 free drop-off locations</a> in B.C. (Pixabay.com)

Recycling broken or burnt string lights can reduce holiday landfill waste

In 2019, Product Care Recycling diverted more than 11.6 million light bulbs from landfills

Product Care offers more than <a href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=pDYyTceU0YgTDdsd92GohdQJsmSiPFEkcB4MdMM0Qkoqb1aJA-2By5aWklKJXV6QRdyTteNjr2FccUOVLUe4t5Zw-3D-3D1ds-_KVyBcpjXADXifSWVpM8nQcAzSm9-2B6fEFnjVrTsOcu31irDHDxi5k0QTOIWCqMXUxaNbrf0yRzXSSpROCkfx3NkUtbr65Dkcw1J0by-2F-2BDdDiJGbcfhtjHWYSs66NwakeCCLYkj20e9ICIZsLcedqNZKBhsN0sGgBsInpdzsddYikUZkmQvFdxLJhakpgAA6aAJ5ScUoWR6vO9sM819vRB-2F6x7dsdfIaWa4ZgHxR4G7hauxgSJCsNI2bP5J62EFfM0aiDqRPwUPUjt7i5-2FMqpdJxrEBewnLky-2B3lE0JAmi5UsJBkJejuLOjsndZz4b7dNgbvt6KyewKuF0sxU2rpYgkAO9YAKc9STuFJd28Qn7jE0-2FqlB8HKOvpW150NHS-2BOMBcK5rkZ8YAuPqJy11k-2BgndiKB-2FWl2icAfbWtRGJPb8fM-3D" target="_blank">150 free drop-off locations</a> in B.C. (Pixabay.com)
Merchants along Fort Street are hosting the Winter Wander holiday shopping event Dec. 5. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)

Wander along Fort Street for holiday shopping experience

Merchants featuring discounts, special offerings

Merchants along Fort Street are hosting the Winter Wander holiday shopping event Dec. 5. (Don Descoteau/News Staff)
The theme of this year’s Gingerbread Showcase is Coastal Living. Creations will be on display Nov. 21 to Jan. 3. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Gingerbread Showcase the perfect COVID-safe activity

People can view the edible creations from outside Nov. 21 to Jan. 3

The theme of this year’s Gingerbread Showcase is Coastal Living. Creations will be on display Nov. 21 to Jan. 3. (Jane Skrypnek/News Staff)
Families are encouraged to take part in Santa’s Drive-Thru Lunch, a fundraiser for Help Fill a Dream being staged Dec. 5 by Country Grocer in the parking lot of Esquimalt Archie Browning Recretation Centre. (Image courtesy Help Fill a Dream)

Santa’s Drive-Thru Lunch replaces breakfast event in Esquimalt

Santa, superheroes and more on hand for Dec. 5 event benefiting Help Fill a Dream

Families are encouraged to take part in Santa’s Drive-Thru Lunch, a fundraiser for Help Fill a Dream being staged Dec. 5 by Country Grocer in the parking lot of Esquimalt Archie Browning Recretation Centre. (Image courtesy Help Fill a Dream)
Work is underway to bring a Nordic-themed Christmas display to Uptown Shopping Centre. Attractions include a 40-foot ice rink, a hand-painted road mural and a giant Christmas tree. (Black Press Media file photo)

Outdoor skating rink, road mural among holiday festivities at Saanich mall

Santa dons a clear mask for photos at Uptown this winter

Work is underway to bring a Nordic-themed Christmas display to Uptown Shopping Centre. Attractions include a 40-foot ice rink, a hand-painted road mural and a giant Christmas tree. (Black Press Media file photo)
The Sooke Santa Run will head out into the community with Christmas lights and holiday music on Dec. 12, but organizers are asking for donations online for 2020. (Black Press Media file photo)

Sooke to move forward with Santa Run, decked out with lights and music

Event to take place on Dec. 12 around dusk, online donations accepted

The Sooke Santa Run will head out into the community with Christmas lights and holiday music on Dec. 12, but organizers are asking for donations online for 2020. (Black Press Media file photo)
A rendering of Victoria Wonderland, a drive-thru immersive holiday experience coming to the Breakwater District at Ogden Point. (Courtesy of Transcend Victoria)

Immersive, drive-thru holiday light show coming to Victoria

‘Victoria Wonderland’ runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 31

A rendering of Victoria Wonderland, a drive-thru immersive holiday experience coming to the Breakwater District at Ogden Point. (Courtesy of Transcend Victoria)
Rob Grant and his one-year-old, William, took in the Christmas decorations at Uptown Shopping Centre on Nov. 14 but plan to get their gifts online. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Saanich shoppers plan to holiday shop early, online amid pandemic

COVID-19 pushes many to change their Christmas shopping habits

Rob Grant and his one-year-old, William, took in the Christmas decorations at Uptown Shopping Centre on Nov. 14 but plan to get their gifts online. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)
Used.ca launched its new Handmade Market section on Nov. 12 in hopes of supporting more local people and businesses through the holiday season. (Black Press Media news staff)

Used Victoria launches new section for handmade goods

The company hopes to encourage more local shopping this holiday season

Used.ca launched its new Handmade Market section on Nov. 12 in hopes of supporting more local people and businesses through the holiday season. (Black Press Media news staff)
The Sooke Santa Parade planned for Dec. 6 is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Metro-Creative)

Sooke Santa Parade cancelled due to COVID-19

Organizers say they spent months considering ways of throwing the annual event

The Sooke Santa Parade planned for Dec. 6 is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Metro-Creative)
The winner of last year’s Esquimalt tree decorating contest, Operation Christmas Child. (Courtesy Township of Esquimalt)

Esquimalt tree decorating contest lights up online this holiday season

Businesses, non-profits can submit photos for the People’s Choice award

The winner of last year’s Esquimalt tree decorating contest, Operation Christmas Child. (Courtesy Township of Esquimalt)
The Santa Day parade will be held at Edward Milne Community School on Dec. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. Instead of a normal parade where floats pass by, cars will drive by the floats instead. (Black Press Media file photo)

Drive-by Santa Day parade to be held at Edward Milne

Event takes place on Dec. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Santa Day parade will be held at Edward Milne Community School on Dec. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. Instead of a normal parade where floats pass by, cars will drive by the floats instead. (Black Press Media file photo)
Sooke Winter Market will be held at the Sooke Region Museum grounds, located at 2070 Phillips Rd, over four Saturdays leading into winter. The market takes place on Nov. 14, 21, 28 and Dec. 5 (Black Press Media file photo)

Sooke Winter Market makes return after four years

Market takes place on Nov. 14, 21, 28 & Dec. 5 at Sooke Region Museum

Sooke Winter Market will be held at the Sooke Region Museum grounds, located at 2070 Phillips Rd, over four Saturdays leading into winter. The market takes place on Nov. 14, 21, 28 and Dec. 5 (Black Press Media file photo)
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