Do you want to eat, shop or access services on Christmas Day?
On Canada’s most public federal holidays, most businesses and other public places will be closed, but some have limited hours for those in need.
These are some of the locations open for services on December 25.
Grab and go
Coffee lovers can grab their morning drink at two Starbucks locations: 320 Cook St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 2972 Jacklin Rd. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – while the rest of the chain’s stores are closed. Loyal Tim Hortons customers will not be able to refuel as it appears the chain’s Greater Victoria locations will be closed all day on December 25.
If you prefer to eat Christmas dinner at a restaurant rather than do it yourself, your options are slim. Most businesses will take a well-earned break on Christmas Day, but some plan to keep their dining rooms open.
Fast food chains like A&W and Subway will be closed. White Spot will also be closed, but is currently accepting orders for its annual “Heat & Serve” Turkey Dinner if you don’t mind picking it up the day before.
Restaurants
West Shore residents have a couple of dining options. The Westin Bear Mountain Masters Lounge on Country Club Way will be open from 8 am to 9 pm, while House of Boateng at 2854 Peatt Rd. Is still taking reservations for its December 25 dinner service.
In Victoria, the Fairmont Empress’ restaurant Q is also open, though it cautions patrons that Dec. 25 reservations are nearly full. Nearby, Steamship Grill & Bar at 470 Belleville St. is open from 11 am to 8 pm, and Sushi Jiro at 240 Cook St. will be open for lunch and dinner service.
In Sydney, Royal Aroma will be open from 11am to 6pm. M. A 9 p. M., While at the Malahat, meals will be served at the Alpina Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort from 8am to 6pm. M. At 8 p. M.
Don’t see your favorite restaurant on the list? Don’t be shy, give them a quick call to check their vacation schedules.
stories
Last-minute shoppers should cross off their Christmas lists by December 24 because the region’s malls, including Uptown, Bay Center, Hillside Mall and Westshore Town Center, will be closed on Christmas Day.
The Shopper’s Drug Mart and London Drugs locations in Greater Victoria will also be closed.
Whole Foods at 3587 Blanshard St. will be closed, as will all Thrifty Foods and Save-On-Foods locations.
Recreation
Recreation centers in Greater Victoria, as well as the YMCA / YWCA facilities and City Center Park in Langford, will be closed on Christmas Day, with some centers offering limited hours on December 26.
Fortunately, Greater Victoria is home to a wonderful network of walking trails, beaches, and hiking if you’re looking to stay active and outdoors on December 25th.
If you’d rather grab a bag of popcorn and watch a new release, two movie theaters in Victoria will be open. Capitol 6 screens The Matrix Resurrections at 12:30, 3:40, 7 and 10:20 pm Cineplex Odeon Victoria cinemas will screen Sing 2 (4:45, 7:30 and 10:20 pm), as well as Spider. -Man: No Way Home (3, 3:30, 6:30, 7, 10 and 10:30 pm). The Cineplex Odeon Westshore theaters will also be open, but their hours are not yet available.
Butchart Gardens will be closed on December 25, as will the Royal BC Museum and the Maritime Museum of BC. If you are downtown, the City of Victoria’s Lights of Wonder exhibit runs in Centennial Square through December 31.
A short drive north is the Malahat Skywalk, which is open all year, including Christmas Day.
Public services
BC Transit will operate buses on a Sunday schedule, which means there will be regular but slightly reduced service throughout Victoria’s regional transit system.
Service BC located at 403-771 Vernon Ave. will be closed on December 25, as will all Greater Victoria ICBC locations.
The emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) will be operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as they do every day.
Do you have a history tip? Email: tegwyn.hughes@blackpress.ca.
Follow us Twitter and Instagram, and I like it on Facebook.
Local business