The best part of the holidays is giving gifts to all the special people in your life. Unfortunately, to do that you have to go through the worst part of the holidays – Christmas shopping.
Malls and stores can be crazy during the holiday season, but they don’t have to be! The key is to make it a fun and pleasureable excursion, rather than trying to squeeze in a stressful trip to the mall on your lunchbreak. Take your time, treat yourself to fabulous cuisine that can be found at the food fairs, and have fun while picking out great gifts for everyone on your list! Victoria is the perfect “shopping town” to get all your holiday chores done before time runs out!Â
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRS
Victoria attracts some of the most talented and skilled artisans and craftspeople in the world, and there are plenty of opportunities to find unique, one-of-a-kind handmade gifts this December! Not only that, these community-organized arts and crafts events always feature live music and offer delicious treats like hot cocoa and cinnamon buns to sweeten and enhance a great shopping experience! Here are some great upcoming Christmas fairs:
The Moss Street Community Market will take place on December 14 and 15 at the Fairfield Community Centre, and features some truly spectacular pieces of local art!
Also, check out the “Last Chance” Christmas Craft Fair at the Mary Winspear Centre on December 14-15 to find pottery, metallic art works, sculptures, wood crafts, skincare products, jewelry, weaving, glass, yarn works, and so much more. There are hourly give-aways and you can win a $200 shopping spree!Â
DOWNTOWN VICTORIA
Victoria’s downtown core has a number of beautiful locally owned shops with wonderful merchandise! You could potentially spend an entire day browsing, finding delightful items showcased in small and quaint stores, public markets, Victorian-era shop fronts, heritage brick and beam buildings and more. Check out Migration, a boutique featuring locally produced and designed jewellry, accessories, clothing, bath products, stationery, housewares and more gifts that everyone on your list will love. Don’t forget to explore Chinatown and the historic Fan Tan Alley to discover some truly wonderful and unique items! In addition, downtown Victoria has some wonderful cafés – be sure to take a break and savour a delightful cup of cappuccino or latte!
MALLS
Victoria has more than its fair share of world-class shopping centres. There’s Mayfair Shopping Centre and Uptown Shopping Centre, as well as Tillicum and Hillside Shopping Malls. Each houses dozens upon dozens of stores showcasing the hottest brands and a vast array of merchandise – it’s a sure bet you’ll find fabulous holiday deals throughout the month and beyond. You’ll also find truly unique gifts that can only come from Victoria, BC. For instance, check out St. Jean’s Cannery in Mayfair Shopping Centre for authentic Vancouver Island smoked salmon and other regional seafood delicacies! There’s so much more to discover!
If you’re visiting Victoria to experience first class destination shopping this December, book a room at the Days Inn by Wyndham, Victoria on the Harbour to recover from a hard day’s work. Sleep off your day of marathon shopping in well-appointed accommodations with thoughtful and convenient in-room amenities. Located near Victoria’s scenic harbourfront and downtown, we offer exceptional value and comfort. Stay with us for the ultimate holiday shopping vacation!
Photo by Negative Space
