While youngsters may be counting the sleeps until Santa arrives, for many the holiday season kicks off with 鈥檚 Christmas celebrations.

This year things will look a little different, with the cancellation of the Holiday Resort Walk. But a 鈥渕ust鈥� for your holiday calendar is the 19th annual Silent Auction from Dec. 1 to 18.

Residents and businesses can put their creativity to the test to craft gingerbread houses and displays, or feature a special teddy bear in your beautifully arranged gift basket! There鈥檚 still time for you to participate in this worthy charity fundraiser 鈥� email christmas@crownisle.ca to sign up to build a creation for the auction.

All designs will be posted for sale in an online silent auction 鈥� watch for the virtual portal on Crown Isle鈥檚 website to bid and track your items. If you can鈥檛 find something perfect for you in the online auction but want to help Crown Isle give back, they鈥檒l also be accepting donations online.

Proceeds from the auction and donations go to local charities, continuing Crown Isle鈥檚 longstanding relationships with the and . Money raised will support their vital work in the Comox Valley community.

While the Resort Walk and Gingerbread Village won鈥檛 be set up as usual, you can still view the festive lights, giant Christmas tree, gingerbread and teddy bear creations on your next visit to the Timber Room restaurant or to pick up takeout.

Crown Isle follows all COVID safety protocols including masks, proper physical distancing and frequent sanitizing when you visit. The restaurant is open daily, including Thursday to Sunday for breakfast, with nightly specials and happy hour.

If you鈥檇 prefer to enjoy your meal at home, let Crown Isle mix up your home cooking with a full take-out menu, plus autumn weekend features like slow-roasted ham on Sunday, Nov. 29, as well as Dec. 18 and 19. Enjoy succulent pot roast on Dec. 4 and 5, and roasted turkey on Dec. 11 and 12.

Pre-order your take-out on the Crown Isle app or call 250-703-5088. View the full list of dining features and specials at .

Depending on provincial health orders, Crown Isle also hopes to still offer Breakfast with Santa with the big guy calling in live from the North Pole on Dec. 13, and a tradition Christmas Buffet on Dec. 25.

Visit them or check out their for more info!