Santa is set to reign his reindeer through Victoria’s light fest once again.
After a year hiatus due to the pandemic, organizers of the 39th annual Peninsula Co-op Santa’s Light Parade announced the yearly tradition is returning!
Presented by the Greater Victoria Festival Society, the parade will start around 5:30 p.m. at Government and Belleville Streets on Saturday, November 27th.
The event will go forward with careful planning involving both the Vancouver Island Health authority and Greater Victoria Festival Society.
“When we were given the go ahead, I think I had tears in my eyes,” said Kelly Kurta, Greater Victoria Festival Society’s executive director.
“It has been an incredibly tough two years. The partnership with Peninsula Co-op has been nothing short of incredible. Their team is truly inspiring. The return of the much loved holiday events offer a platform for outstanding entertainment, showcase diverse cultures, and provide a safe, inclusive opportunity for everyone to participate. It is the heart of our organization.”
In past years, over 50,000 people made their way downtown to watch one of Victoria’s most beloved Christmas traditions.
The display starts at Belleville Street and ends in Centennial Square — dubbed “Christmas Square” for the evening and will feature food trucks, bouncy castles, crafts and music from 4 p.m. onwards.
This year, the Jolly man himself will have a new ride, subbing the Island Farms float for a Peninsula Co-Op one.
In addition to accepting collections and fun events along the parade route, drop off events in the ‘core’ municipalities of Greater Victoria will be able to accept non-perishable food, new toys and cash donations.
Additionally, The Greater Victoria Festival Society is bringing back the “Light Up The City” campaign from November 15th through December 31st.
Greater Victoria residents are encouraged to glow-up their homes with festive Christmas lights.
Sponsors will also be hosting “Pictures with Santa” on selective dates, so stay tuned for those.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks and make sure to kick off the 2021 holiday season with one of Victoria’s most beloved Christmas traditions!
