Horse and carriage rides and candle lantern workshops are just two of the exciting new additions to the second annual Old Tyme Christmas and Candlelight Walk, taking place this Friday (Dec. 6) in downtown Ladysmith.
One week after Light Up, the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association’s Old Tyme Christmas continues to spread the warmth and festive ambience of the Festival of Lights by offering a chance to get into the holiday spirit while strolling downtown with family and friends from 5-8 p.m.
Hundreds of people came out for the first Old Tyme Christmas last year and enjoyed the carolers and the candlelight walk. The scent of chestnuts roasting and the sounds of holiday voices filled the air.
This year, the event is growing, with the introduction of horse and carriage rides and candle lantern workshops.
If you collect six “Old Tyme Tickets” from local shops, you can take a horse and carriage ride courtesy of Chemainus Tours. The tickets don’t cost anything, and collecting six means you can head down to the library parking lot and jump on the horse and carriage for a quick ride under the lights absolutely free thanks to sponsorship by Ladysmith and District Credit Union (LDCU).
Duck in and out of a few doors to see what Christmas goodies hide in Ladysmith stores. You can collect tickets at participating locations found on the Old Tyme Map.
The candlelight walk was a beautiful part of Old Tyme Christmas last year, and this year, you can make your own lanterns to carry with you as you spread Christmas cheer.
Join the staff at In The Beantime and at Antique Addict for candle lantern workshops from 4-6 p.m. and then head to the parking lot at LDCU to join up with the candlelight walk. Pre-registration for the workshops is recommended. Call the Beantime at 250-245-2305 or Antique Addict at 250-668-6353 to book your spot, or just head down to make your lantern before the walk at six o’clock.
Capture the moment by getting your photo taken with Santa Claus, with help from the friendly folks at BMO, or take advantage of the chance to have a professional Christmas family portrait taken, courtesy of Coast Realty and Edward McCrea Photography.
Once again this year, you’ll find beautiful felt ornaments made by Carol Van Acker.
So many new and exciting events will be happening to bring everyone out for an evening of local Christmas shopping. Mom and Dad can enjoy a walk and search for a secret present or two while their children have fun in the child craft centre with child minding brought to you by the Printingdun Beanery and Oceanview Community Church.