Christmas on Salt Spring Island: Where Locals Weave Holiday Magic!

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Saturday, December 6th, 2014

Salt Spring is home to some of the best craft fairs in BC, and a place you won’t find big box stores; instead, it’s all about thoughtful Christmas giving. If the craft fairs don’t meet all your needs, discover a wealth of curated boutique shopping, winery tours, spas, art galleries, outdoor adventures, and festive, foodie experiences. Considered one of Canada’s best-kept secret holiday destinations, there are a lot of ways to explore the island’s holiday magic.

Get your glow on… November 29^th with the annual Light Up and Chilli Cook-off at 3:00-5:00pm. Celebrity Chef David Robertson, from the Dirty Apron in Vancouver, will act as guest judge for local home cooks entering their best chilli recipes. Enjoy local carollers, musicians and street performers providing entertainment and merry fun. On December 4, it’s Open Late, Shop and Social, where holiday shoppers get a taste of thoughtfully curated gifting options in Salt Spring’s many boutiques. Mixologists will compete that night in the 4^th Annual Glowtini contest to create the island’s signature holiday cocktail starting at 8:00pm with guest judge Rebecca Bollwitt aka Miss 604.

Other highlights include, Santa arriving by floatplane on November 29 and an opportunity to experience the tradition of the Christmas Craft Fairs at Beaver Point Hall and Fulford Hall on December 5-7^th. On November 28 WinterCraft launches at Mahon Hall. Top it off with a wide array of tasty and cozy dining options, and a plethora of accommodations ranging from camping, to B&B’s to a stay at the Harbour House Hotel Restaurant & Organic Farm, and Salt Spring has you covered this holiday season. 

The festivities kick off on November 28th with a host of things to do and enjoy and run till Monday, December 22^nd with ‘Merry Monday’ featuring Christmas carolling between ferries in quaint Fulford Village. This South Salt Spring tradition features music and sing-a-long lead by Canada’s iconic folk legend and famous Salt Springer, Valdy!  For the kids, there are several opportunities to visit Santa at his workshop, also known as the Mouat's Garden Shed, on December 6, 13, and 20th in Ganges Village.

To help you “Get Your Glow ON!” here’s our Top 10 list of things to do:

1) See Santa (Salt Spring Air) floatplane dock, if you’ve been good – Nov 29

2) Bring home a treasured artisan gift at WinterCraft from Nov 28 to Dec 22

3) Get your inner glow on at the Light Up & Chilli Cook-Off – Nov 29

4) Get your outer glow on during the Glowtini Contest – Dec 4

5)Stroll through Ganges Village during Open Late Shop & Social – Dec 4

6) Meet the real locals at Beaver Point Christmas Craft Fair – Dec 5-7

7) Find that one of a kind gift at the Fulford Christmas Craft Fair – Dec 5-7

8) Drop by the famed market, the Seasonal Saturday Market runs Dec 13 & 20

9) It’s Merry Monday in Fulford, need we say more, okay Valdy! – Dec 22

10) Screen the fantastic video sensation: Santa Gets His Salt Spring Glow On! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLpcaFiwNWY

About the Salt Spring Christmas Committee:

The Salt Spring Christmas Committee is comprised of the Island’s accommodation providers, retailers, restaurant owners, specialty stores, local media, the island’s arts community and the members of the Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the Christmas Committee is to encourage visitors to explore a holiday destination that rekindles the magic of the holidays, provides a warm community welcome and offers a sophisticated food, beverage, shopping and world renowned art scene. The title sponors of this year's events are Country Grocer and Seafirst Insurance.

For a complete list of Christmas on Salt Spring events and how to: Get Your Glow On! Please visit: www.christmasonsaltspring.com.  

For accommodations that will tuck you in, please visit: www.saltspringtourism.com.

Our social media video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLpcaFiwNWY

Or follow the conversation on twitter by using the hashtag: #glow