There was a time when the town square was the meeting place for the residents of a community. It was where folks would meet one another to share the news of the day, discuss the weather, or simply pass the time of day and offer simple greetings.
Now, it’s been said that the internet has become the new village square, but the simple truth is that the true sense of community that the town square engendered can’t begin to be captured by that technology.
Perhaps that’s why people have, for many years, flocked to Uptown Shopping Centre to watch the lighting of the giant, 54-foot Christmas tree, and take part in a slew of holiday activities.
This year, it’s expected, will be no exception as the hard-working staff at Uptown have once again put together a slate of Christmas activities.
The magic will start on Saturday, Nov. 23 when the Annual Holiday Show and Tree Lighting will take place between 5 and 8 p.m.
In addition to the light up of the enormous tree, the event will include performances by Protege Dance, Prelude Children’s Choir, and appearances by Ana and Elsa featuring a singalong. For those who love the close harmonies of a barbershop-style chorus, the South Island Chorus will be on hand as well.
At 7 p.m. the Midnights Rhythm & Blues All-Star Showcase Revue will perform to round out the evening.
In addition, the Boulevard will be lined with booths including cookie decorating, with makers bringing their wreaths and candles available for purchase. Representatives of the Victoria Royals hockey club will be on hand, and you’ll be able to have fun in a fabulous bouncy castle, have your face painted, and, well, let’s just say there’ll be something there for the whole family.
This year, the District of Saanich will also present five cultural groups with information, crafts for children and delicious tasters.
But the holiday spirit at Uptown isn’t limited to the Nov. 23 event.
Throughout the holiday season (and throughout the winter) Uptown Boulevard will be lined with cozy winter globes where you and a friend can grab a beverage and just enjoy the holiday spirit.
And in case you need information about Uptown when you get there, guest services will be open during the holiday season to provide directions, retailer information, and sell Uptown gift cards.
Of course, children are a big part of Christmas and Uptown is joining with CFAX Santas Anonymous to host Toy Mountain at Uptown. You can drop off a new toy, gift card or cash donation to help ensure that no child is forgotten this Christmas. Toy Mountain will be located between Cascadia Liquor and A Step Ahead, and you can drop by to contribute and watch the mountain grow.
Finally, a new display will be happening just opposite the Walmart store in the space that used to feature the wonderful waterfall at the mall. That waterfall was closed a few years back but, according to general manager Kristy Lowes, will be undergoing repairs in the coming year.
In the interim, staff is hard at work constructing an elaborate wooden structure in the waterfall’s location, although Lowes declined to give away the Christmas surprise as to the specifics of that display.
For information on holiday events as well as other news and events at the mall, visit shopuptown.ca/events/.
