CHRISTMAS EVENTS
There may have been a time when Santa worked only one day of the year. Not anymore. These days, he's hosting pancake breakfasts and brunches when he isn't listening to children sitting on his lap.
Here are a number of events where you may find Santa this weekend:
? Visit with a traditional Father Christmas at the Royal B.C. Museum every Friday to Sunday until Dec. 23. Father Christmas will be dressed in old-style robes in the museum's Old Town, from 11 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m.
Friday to Sunday. A visit with him is part of regular admission to the museum. There is an extra fee for photos. The museum is at 675 Belleville St.
? Along with Father Christmas, the Royal B.C. Museum's Old Town will be full of the sights and sounds of Christmases past. The wood-cobbled streets will be decked out in their season finery, including a 4.5-metre Christmas tree. The decorated Old Town is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until Jan. 7. Regular museum admission applies. For more information, go to royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
? Enjoy a free concert Saturday as the Greater Victoria Concert Band presents Music in Market Square, a free outdoor Christmas concert performed by both the Intermediate Band, directed by David Martti-nen, and the Senior Band, directed by Michael Keddy. The concert runs 1 to 3 p.m. at Market Square, 560 Johnson St. Donations will benefit Our Place Society. For information, go to gvcb.ca.
? Sing along with the young, but very talented, singers of the Victoria Children's Choir as the Victoria Symphony presents A Sentimental Christmas this weekend. Music Director Tania Miller leads this year's annual Christmas Pops concert. Tickets start at $35. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St. For information, go to rmts.bc.ca.
? St. Nick will be on hand
to eat, meet and have pictures taken with children on Sunday at the Inn at Laurel Point. Along with a complimentary photo with Santa, children can enjoy a special buffet, plus an area to watch their favourite Christmas movies. Admission is $39 for adults, $30 for seniors, $19.50 for children six to 10 and free for children under six.
One dollar from each adult brunch goes to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. The event runs 10 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m. Sunday at the Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St. Reservations recommended: Call 250-4146739 or email reservations@ laurelpoint.com.
? Enjoy a contemporary interpretation of the Christmas story in words and music Sunday as Christ Church Cathedral presents Christmas in the City: Inauspicious Events. Admission is by donation. The performance is from 4: 30 to 6 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave. For more information, go to christchurchcathedral. bc.ca.
? Share your festive spirit at the Family Christmas Concert at the Church of St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra St. The Victoria Children's Choir's apprentice choir welcomes special guests the Open Door Choir at Our Place.
This upbeat performance of traditional carols and novelty seasonal songs is directed by Louise Rose, well-known local pianist, vocalist, choral conductor and recording artist.
Also on hand will be Gizmo, Santa's special elfin friend. Attendees can hear his exciting stories from the North Pole.
Admission is by donation of socks, scarves, toques and monetary offerings to support Our Place Society. The concert starts at 3 p.m. For more information, go to victoriachildrenschoir.ca.
