Want a great way to launch the holiday season, help out local charities and spend time with family and friends outside?
Preparations for the fifth annual have transformed Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community in Courtenay into a magical Christmas wonderland 鈥� inside and out. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22, find a colourful collection of Christmas trees, visit with Santa, play games, enjoy holiday goodies and experience a lighting display like no other.
鈥淲hen you spend an evening here you can鈥檛 help but be in a festive mood,鈥� says Kristy Pedersen, marketing manager with Crown Isle.
Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 in store at Crown Isle:
- How much does it cost? 鈥� Admission is by donation or non-perishable food items; find donation boxes throughout the event. 鈥淲e have happily brought many truckloads of non-perishables to the food bank, and in the past four years we鈥檝e raised more than $40,000,鈥� Pedersen says. 鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 do it without the community鈥檚 help.鈥�
- Hit the not-so-dusty trail 鈥� Local businesses donate $100 for the right to decorate and display their trees along the Christmas Tree Trail. This wonderful winter walk is accessible for all ages and abilities.
- Who benefits? 鈥� Proceeds are split between the , , the and the .
- Baking up a storm 鈥� A charitable and sweet element of Christmas at Crown Isle is the , housed in the clubhouse lobby. The public and businesses craft gingerbread houses or make teddy bear gift baskets, all of which are up for silent auction until Dec. 18.
- Say hi to Santa 鈥� Giving Santa your Christmas wish list is a longstanding tradition for young children in this part of the world. He鈥檒l be in the gazebo each night, ready to listen and pose for pictures 鈥� maybe even a selfie!
- Play, listen, munch and watch 鈥� As part of the scenic tour, why not play a round of mini golf, listen to Christmas music, watch a holiday movie or make a gooey snack at the s鈥檓ores station. There鈥檚 propane heaters and burning barrels to take the chill off and soup and hot chocolate available to warm you up.
- Find that perfect gift 鈥� New this year is a , on Dec. 15 from 2-8 p.m. Local vendors will have plenty of unique gift ideas for your holiday shopping.
Crown Isle also hosts two special events that require reservations. happens Dec. 15 starting at 9 a.m., and the has sittings at 4:30 and 7 p.m. 鈥� call 250-703-5000 or email frontdesk@crownisle.com to reserve for either. These events fill up fast, so don鈥檛 wait!
You can also stay on top of happenings at Crown Isle on their .
