2020 has been full of challenges and surprises for all of us.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to this roller coaster of a year and welcome in 2021 with open arms, here’s how you can do so with a few COVID-19 safe celebrations.
1. New Year’s Eve dinner at Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Merridale Farm is committed to embracing the joy and festivities that are still possible this strange holiday season. They are offering an award winning cider and spirit tasting, cocktail flights, sample ciders accompanied by delicious baking and cooking by the Merridale Kitchen. Click here for more information.
- When: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. November 20th, 2020 – January 3rd, 2021
- Where: 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill
- Price: Free Admission, pay per meal
2. New Year’s Eve @ The Collective
The collective Wine Bar and Kitchen is hosting a celebratory four course dinner accompanied by wine pairings and party favors, to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in better days ahead. The tables are spaced out according to COVID-19 guidelines with a maximum of six people per table. Click here for tickets!
- When: December 31st, 2020
- Where: 230 Cook Street #107, Victoria
- Price: $79-$485
3. New Year’s Eve Party To Go
Many of us will be celebrating New Year’s Eve from home this year with a close group of friends and family. The Chefs at the Empress have put together the perfect party to go described as a, “stress-free way to entertain, while offering your guests all the elegant trimmings of a proper NYE party.” Click here for details of what’s included!
- When: December 14th, 2020 – December 31st, 2020
- Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street, Victoria
- Price: $375 – serves 6-8 people
4. NYE three course dinner
Moxie’s restaurant is offering a three-course New Year’s Eve menu available for pick up and limited seating at the restaurant. You have a choice of a starter entrée and dessert, with the price varying based on your entrée. The three-course menu contains many of Moxie‘s favourites like the calamari and mushroom sirloin. Click here to make a reservation or view the pick up options.
- When: December 28, 2020 To December 31, 2020
- Where: 1010 Yates Street Suite 1, Victoria
- Price: $48 – $67
5. New Years Eve at Canoe
Canoe brewpub is hosting a New Years Eve celebration complete with a specially curated 3-course meal designed by the Executive Chef, Sam Harris. Wine pairings are offered and reservations are being taken for groups up to 6. Exclusive reservation tables will be available starting at 5 p.m. For more information click here!
- When: December 31st, 2020
- Where: 450 Swift Street, Victoria
- Price: $65
6. NYE 2021 Bubbles in Your Bubble
This unique event is offering curated bundles of Champagne with designed pairings are delivered to your homes – also including zoom tickets for a special guided tasting experience hosted by Sommelier, Erin Maher, live from the Beloved Botanical Room in Nourish Restaurant. Click here for more information.
- When: December 31st, 2020
- Where: Delivery
- Price: Varies
7. Light the Way
If you’re looking to keep the New Years celebration that’s affordable and COVID-19 safe, enjoy a drive through festive light display, generously put on by the Mount Newton Centre Society. For details, click here.
- When: December 5th, 2020 – December 31st, 2020
- Where: 2158 Mount Newton Cross Road, Saanichton
- Price: Free
8. IllumiNATION
This virtual show takes you on a magical journey all across Canada, that will amaze audiences of all ages. Follow host Gregory Charles as he travels to Ottawa, Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, Moncton, Calgary, Vancouver, Yellowknife and Old Crow, Yukon discovering the most beautiful light displays Canada has to offer! Click here to visit the website.
- When: December 17th, 2020 – January 7th, 2021
- Where: Online
- Price: Free
If you’re opting to stay in this year, there is always the option to stream the classic New York balldrop to ring in the New Year!
Keep in mind that Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced on Wednesday that liquor sales province-wide must cease at 8 p.m. on December 31st.
The ban on alcohol transactions will be lifted at 9 a.m. the following day, on January 1st, 2021.
Bars will also be forced to close at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, while restaurants will be permitted to stay open past this deadline provided they do not serve alcohol.
Despite this, Dr. Henry is still in favour of those who will be dining out on New Year’s, as long as establishments have COVID-19 safety plans in place and are abiding by the rules.
If you know of any other events taking place, feel free to leave a comment below!
With files from Tim Ford.
