Photo provided by Sidney BIA

Santa’s not the only one who has been busy these last few months. The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society (Sidney BIA) in collaboration with Sidney BIA members, community organizations and the Town of Sidney has worked hard to make Christmas in Sidney an extraordinary time for residents and visitors.

With the theme of “A Seaside Christmas,” the Sidney BIA has organized festive events designed to attract people from across the Peninsula and beyond to enjoy the warmth and charm of a small-town Christmas. From carriage tours, fantastic local shopping, to a Tour of Lights to the Festival of Trees and more, the Sidney BIA has encouraged people throughout the community to contribute ideas, time, and energy to make the month-long festivities indeed a celebration of the spirit.

Your Guide to Christmas in Sidney

Sidney Merchants’ Open House: November 23 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The Sidney Merchants’ Open House launches the holiday season with festive activities, shopping, eats, treats, and more! Join in the fun with free carriage rides (Open House Night only), visits with Santa, free photo booth, and the best customer service you could imagine. New this year is a Winter Wonderland experience in Garden Court featuring the Farmer’s Daughter, photo booths, Brass Band Ensemble, and amazing Instagram installations! More information at SidneyBIA.ca

Tour of Lights Contest: November 23 to December 23

Tour Downtown Sidney and vote for your favourite holiday window display! Grab a cup of hot chocolate and take in the holiday magic. Cast your vote at SidneyBIA.ca

12 Days of Giveaways: November 23 to December 23

Shop local and enter to win over $2500 worth of prizes! Fill out a ballot in-store and winners will be drawn on December 22. Contest ballots availability is limited. Must be 19 years of age or older to participate. More information at SidneyBIA.ca

Horse & Carriage Tours: November 23 to December 22 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Every Saturday & Sunday until Christmas enjoy a traditional carriage ride for just $40 through downtown Sidney. Up to 6 people per carriage, reservations are recommended to secure your spot! Call 250-880-0456 today! More information at SidneyBIA.ca

Carol Singers on the Avenue: November 30 to December 22 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Every Saturday & Sunday until Christmas enjoy wandering holiday carollers as they spread holiday joy throughout the town. More information at SidneyBIA.ca

Breakfast with Santa presented by Peninsula Celebrations Society: November 30 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Save the date for the Peninsula Celebrations Society’s annual Breakfast with Santa! The fun begins at 8:30 am Saturday, November 30 at the Mary Winspear Centre with Santa arriving at 9:00 am. A delicious Pancake Breakfast will be served by the Sidney Lion’s Club at the cost of $7 per adult and $5 for children under 12, at the door. There will also be photos with Santa (by donation)! Visit peninsulacelebrations.ca for more information.

Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade & Sail Past presented by Peninsula Celebrations Society: December 1 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

The Parade route begins along Resthaven Drive and turns onto Beacon Avenue. It continues to run the length of Beacon Avenue, turning right onto Second Street and ending at Ocean Avenue. Once the parade completes its route, people are encouraged to move to Beacon and Bevan wharves and the Sidney waterfront around Beacon Park. From there, they will be able to view the Lighted Boat Parade, which starts at least 15-minutes after the Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade. Visit peninsulacelebrations.ca for more information.

Winspear Festival of Trees presented by the Mary Winspear Centre: November 26 to January 5

Take in the display of creatively decorated trees at the Mary Winspear Centre opening November 26. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Peninsula Santa’s Helpers toy drive or an item for the Sidney Lions Food Bank and give back to the local community this holiday season. Be sure to vote for your favourite tree. Open daily throughout the season until January 5. Visit marywinspear.ca for more information

Sidney Museum’s Toys ‘N’ Teddies Exhibit: December 1 to 31 at the Sidney Museum

With a focus on toys from the 1970s to 1990s the Exhibit should prove a “walk down memory lane’ for adults, and a visual time machine for children to enter their parents’ “world of toys’. As a special treat for the kids among us and in us, there will be Teddy Bears at play throughout the Museum displays! Visit sidneymuseum.ca for more information