Times Colonist

Dream a Little Dream

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN SIDNEY

- BY SUSAN PRESIDENT, SIDNEY BUSINESS IMPROVEMEN­T AREA SOCIETY

Holidays are just around the corner. Why not give yourself a head start and toss in a bit of holiday sparkle – enjoy the warm, welcoming Merchants Open House, put on by Sidney businesses on Saturday, Dec. 2 between 5 and 8:30 p.m.

During this annual event, merchants welcome shoppers, not only with a wide selection of beautiful goods and great service, but also with special holiday treats, tasty drinks, and a chance to chat with friends and neighbours. It’s a great way to start to the holiday season.

Sidney looks spectacula­r at this time of year. Check out the beautiful shop windows – bright and sparkling. Merchants pull out all the stops so you can enjoy the holiday magic as you stroll around town with a warm drink along with your friends and family.

Take delight in the traditiona­l carolers who stroll the streets of Sidney during the Merchants Open House, capturing the warmth of a small-town Christmas – singing seasonal favourites. Feel free to sing along! Carolers will also perform on Saturdays and Sundays, from Dec. 2 to 23, between 1 and 4 p.m.

Between 5 and 8:30 p.m., also during the Merchants Open House, you can take a free carriage tour through downtown Sidney. Offered by Victoria Carriage Tours on a first come-first served basis, this is a charming way to begin the holiday season. Carriage Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays, too, between Dec. 3 and 23, from noon

to 4 p.m. at a minimal cost of $30 per carriage. Each carriage seats up to six. Tours fill up quickly, so book as soon as you can: 250-883-3651 (reservatio­ns highly recommende­d).

Santa has ordered up several family-friendly events for kids of all ages, too. Look for the gingerbrea­d

houses hidden in shops throughout Town. Find all 12 and enter to win one of the three great prizes. Entry forms can be found in the December printed events calendar.

At the Mary Winspear Centre (MWC), you can view the Festival

of Trees, a beautiful collection of trees decorated by local organizati­ons and businesses. Vote for your favourite and drop off a new unwrapped gift for Peninsula Santa’s Helpers ,or make a donation to the Sidney Lions Food Bank. Be sure to visit the Sidney

Museum, too, which celebrates Christmas with a unique display of

holiday teddy bears. This exhibit runs from Nov. 16 to Dec. 31, every day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., except Christmas and Boxing Day. Admission is by donation.

Adding to the holiday spirit, you can win a little magic just by making a purchase at a participat­ing Sidney merchant between Dec. 2 and 23. The Sidney BIA is pleased to announce a special scratch and win promotion with outstandin­g prizes that include a night at the Pier Hotel, spa treatments, restaurant and cafe vouchers and many more. Yet another good reason to enjoy the holiday season in Sidney!

So dream a little dream in Sidney, where there is truly something for everyone.

Check out distinctly­sidney.ca for additional details.

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