The kids are officially out of school, and if you're anything like us, you're scrambling for ways to keep them busy (preferably out of the house and far away from your most breakable holiday decor). Don’t worry, the GK Team’s got your back! We’ve rounded up 5 fun, festive, family-friendly adventures around Victoria to help you make the most of the holiday break, and maybe even sneak in a little joy (and peace and quiet) for yourself. Because hey, we’re all in this together.
5 Ways to Entertain the Whole Fam This Holiday
Take A Twirl - Skate The Rink at Uptown
The rumours are true! The perfect outdoor skating rink exists at Uptown! Guests can book 40 minutes of ice time with a group of up to 6 people for $5 a pop (+ $2 for skate rentals). Bonus! - 50% of proceeds from The Rink will be donated to 1UP Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre, supporting their Christmas Hamper Program. Spread the love. Book your ice time here. (Yes, @elladjbalde was here. Yes, he was incredible!) While you're at Uptown, pop into The Green Kiss and say hello! We’ve been known to stream a little Disney in-store (GK Kids call the shots, really), so you can enjoy a blissful, uninterrupted seven minutes of browsing. Consider it our gift to you.
Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle
The holidays are a magical time at the Castle! You can experience a unique glimpse into authentic Victorian traditions as part of your self-guided tour. Is this castle haunted? We think so. So get yourself into one of those long dark hallways and hide around the corner to give your kids a friendly festive fright. Nothing screams Christmas like the Ghost of Christmas Past, amiright?? Also! - as their website boasts - there are 87 stairs to the tower and no ramps or elevators. Sounds like a great way to get the zoomies out! Book your self-guided tour here.
Drop-In Selfie Booth at Paws On Cook
It's no secret our entire GK Team is certified bananas for dogs. (Don't even try to walk by our shop with your pup). For that reason, we had to include a pet-lovers activity! Paws on Cook has created the most adorable selfie booth, packed with dog-friendly holiday accessories, like antlers, Santa hats, bow ties; all the things your dog has been begging to wear! Here is GK Staffer, Klaus the St. Bernard, at the photo booth last week. He just couldn't be more thrilled with these reindeer antlers, (they look slightly bigger on others). The booth is by donation and sessions are on a drop-in basis during shop hours until December 31.
Victoria's Gingerbread House-Crawl!
Just like a pub crawl! But ... not. Take the family out on this walking tour through the heart of our magical little city for Habitat for Humanity Victoria's 13th Annual Gingerbread Showcase. Wondrous gingerbread creations are displayed at The Parkside Hotel & Spa, The Chateau Victoria, The Marriott Inner Harbour and The Doubletree. We’re certain the fine folks at these hotels will love to see your little cherubs racing through their halls; it won't in any way remind them of a scene from The Shining.
On the way home, get those kiddos jacked on hot chocolate, then set lofty expectations that they will have a chill night at home. We love Merchie's and think their hot cocoa is just the yummiest.
The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Take a trip up-island (well, 20 minutes up-island, let's not get too carried away) to the beautiful Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, located in charming Sidney by the Sea. Octo-claus has returned, so keep your eyes peeled to spot her. This cozy gem is a not-for-profit aquarium and cultural learning centre that focuses on the ecosystem of the Salish Sea. When a day of gifts galore is around the corner, it's nice to remind kiddos of our little place on earth and the larger impact we all have on our ecosystem. So maybe after presents and pancakes this year, you take them down the shoreline and help clean up plastics left behind or washed ashore. Or not. Maybe you stay in your jammies all day, play The Grinch on a loop, and join us in profound gratitude for our community and our extraordinary little island in the Pacific.
Our Takeaway: Holiday Fun in Victoria - Cozy, Local & Full of Magic
If this blog has taught us anything, it's that holiday magic is alive and well across Victoria, whether you're gliding across Uptown’s ice rink, sneaking through shadowy castle corridors, or laughing at your dog in reindeer antlers. There are so many ways to enjoy meaningful moments with your family during the winter break, without hopping on a plane or even leaving town. From sweet traditions like the Gingerbread Showcase to heartwarming reminders of our place in the natural world at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Victoria offers something for every kind of holiday mood: playful, peaceful, or perfectly chaotic.
Happy Holidays, Victoria!
Love,
Meg
All copy found on The Green Kiss website is written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice
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