A winter wonderland of activities

The holidays are back, and the Comox Valley is ready to sparkle more than it usually does!

With a lineup of festive events that could make even Ebenezer Scrooge smile, there’s no better time to dive into the holiday spirit. From heartwarming concerts to twinkling light displays and handmade treasures at local markets, this season is packed with reasons to celebrate. So grab your scarf, gather your loved ones and let’s jump into the joy-filled fun!

Craft Fairs – Shop Local, Shop Festive

Still searching for the perfect gift? Or maybe you haven’t quite started… There’s no need to panic because plenty of craft fairs and markets are here to help you check off your list. From handmade treasures to local goodies, these spots have everything to make your holiday shopping extra special.

• Touch of Class Christmas Market – Experience the magic of a European-style artisan market at the Little Red Church on Comox Avenue. Happening Friday, December 6 (3 PM–9 PM), and Saturday, December 7 (10 AM–4 PM), this free event offers twinkling lights, fresh greenery and a festive atmosphere. Shop unique, locally handmade treasures and enjoy treats, too!

• The Comox Valley Makers' Market is the perfect place to find handcrafted gifts this holiday season! Featuring over 30 talented local artisans, it runs December 7 and 8 from 10 AM to 4 PM in the Upper Hall of the Comox Legion. Admission is free, with donations to YANA or the local food bank warmly welcomed.

• The Christmas Craft Fair at the K'ómoks First Nation Community Hall is a must-visit event this holiday season. Hosted by the Queneesh Indigenous Community Society, this festive fair takes place on Saturday, December 14, from 10 AM to 5 PM at 3330 Comox Road. Shop handmade crafts, baked goods and more from talented local vendors; enjoy delicious seafood chowder and take part in raffles and 50/50 draws. With free parking and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the perfect way to cross items off your list!

• And the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market runs on Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 1 PM right up to Christmas at the Native Sons Hall. This vibrant market offers a fantastic selection of fresh local produce, handmade goods and unique holiday gifts, making it a great stop for seasonal shopping. With friendly vendors and a festive atmosphere, it's the perfect place to stock up on all you need for the holidays while supporting local artisans and farmers.

Sounds of the Season

Music is the heartbeat of the holidays, bringing warmth and joy to every celebration. Check out these fantastic musical events to make your season merry and bright.

• Join the Just in Time Choirs for their fall concert, "River," at Northgate Church on Burgess Road, Courtenay, on Saturday, December 7, 2024. With performances at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM, this concert showcases the choirs' versatility across genres, from jazz and folk to classic rock and contemporary pop.

• The North Island Choral Society celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special concert featuring some of their greatest hits, including Mozart's Requiem, Charpentier's Midnight Mass, Britten's Ceremony of Carols, Ave Maria and Handel's Messiah. Join them at St. George’s United Church, Courtenay, on Friday, December 6 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 PM for this musical celebration!

• The Strathcona Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 20th Anniversary with Encore!, a concert featuring a diverse mix of audience-chosen music. Join them on Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 PM at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. Enjoy classical works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven, alongside music from James Bond, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and festive Christmas favorites.

• The Celebration Singers will present an eclectic and uplifting Winter Concert you won’t want to miss! The three choirs will perform on Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM and Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM at St. George's United Church. Join them for an inspiring and joyful performance.

• The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular returns for its 16th season at the Sid Williams Theatre with four shows from December 9 to 11. This uplifting performance blends music, dance, lights and touching stories, featuring medleys from Van Morrison, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Grease, James Bond movie hits and Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season!

Holiday Nights and Lights

Looking to get out and about to enjoy some holiday cheer? Round up the kids and take in these spectacular Christmas light displays around the community!

• The Comox Air Force Museum’s Christmas Lights Display is shining bright at the Heritage Air Park, located at 19 Wing Comox. This annual event runs nightly from 5:00 to 8:00 PM until December 30 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Admission is by donation, with non-perishable food items going to the Comox Valley Food Bank or cash donations supporting the museum. Volunteers will also be on hand to share details about the aircraft on display.

• For over 30 years, Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens has delighted visitors with their Santa's Barn & Garden Lights. Running nightly from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, December 1 through January 2, this magical experience is just $5 per person. Check in for details on special events like Santa visits and carol walks. It's a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss!

• Kingfisher’s Serenity Gardens Winter Light Display – Experience the magic of a dazzling light show running from November to February. This enchanting display transforms the resort’s Serenity Gardens into a colorful winter wonderland, with glowing maple trees, shimmering tulips, mystical mushrooms and more. It’s a must-see!

• And if you want the lights to come to you, follow the Comox Valley Christmas Light Trucks Facebook page to see if they’ll be going through your neighbourhood, starting at the end of November into end of December. 

Wherever your holiday adventures take you this season, may they be merry, bright and full of joy.

For more about living in the Comox Valley – or to discuss your real estate needs – visit my website or my Facebook page. And for specific real estate questions, please feel free to get in touch.