Skip to content

Oak Bay kicks off Christmas with 18th annual light up

The lights come on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. after an audience rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas
14455009_web1_171126-OBN-M-IMG_8825
Christine White, of Pedal Box Gallery shows Maximus Juta, 4, the final look during Light Up festivities in Oak Bay last year. (Christine van Reeuwyk/Oak Bay News)

Family festivities amp up the lead in to light up this weekend in Oak Bay.

The 18th annual Oak Bay Light Up kicks off with Christmas crafts, family activities, street games and more in the village Sunday afternoon.

The Oak Bay Christmas Festival, hosted annually by Oak Bay village businesses through the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association, kicks off at 2 p.m. with a variety of crafts, activities, street food and entertainment. The Kiwanis Club of Oak Bay is hosting a Letters to Santa letter writing and decorating station. Letters may be dropped in the special direct to the North Pole mailbox at the station.

ALSO READ: West Shore youth looking to give back this Christmas

Kids can make a mini door swag at Oak Bay Flower Shop or craft at stations by Oak Bay United Church and Oak Bay Recreation. Theatre SKAM’s Pop Up Theatre features short, family-friendly shows in the seasonal spirit. A Disco Dome bouncy castle, courtesy of Telus Purefibre, get the youngest attendees dancing.

Planet Janet’s hoop jam gives attendees an opportunity to try hula hooping, learning the basics or trying new tricks while Paul Kilshaw performs magic and balloon twisting in the spirit of the season.

Live music runs 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Swingin’ Shepherds are back with special guest Maureen Washington for a Jazzy Yuletide Celebration on the Avenue. They will perform many favourite tunes as well as some swingy twists on the traditional carols that celebrate the season.

Food trucks on hand include Indecent Risotto, Greek on the Street and Mr. Tube Steak and Ottavio Italian Bakery comes out again with its traditional roasted chestnuts – a sign Christmas is on its way.

The lights come on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. after master of ceremonies Bill Murphy-Dyson counts down with audience participation singing The Twelve Days of Christmas. Following that, Santa arrives on an Oak Bay fire truck to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Photos with Santa follow in the RE/MAX Camosun office.

For more information on the Oak Bay Christmas Festival and other events visit www.visitoakbayvillage.ca or the FaceBook page facebook.com/oakbaybia.



c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

14455009_web1_171126-OBN-M-IMG_8876
Oak Bay village fills up ahead of the 2017 Light Up. (Christine van Reeuwyk/Oak Bay News)