The lights may not have been on yet, but the festive spirit certainly was.
As the crowd grew, families, children, friends, and loved ones gathered to enjoy this year’s 24th Oak Bay Light Up Festival, marking the start of the final month before Christmas.
Taking place on Oak Bay Avenue, between Wilmot Place and Monterey Avenue, the fun began at 2 p.m. with crafts, activities, street food and entertainment.
The Kiwanis Club of Oak Bay hosted a letter-writing station, where young attendees wrote messages to Santa in a direct-to-the-North-Pole mailbox.
A few steps down the street, sports enthusiasts played street hockey, while other attendees learned the basics of hula-hooping at Planet Janet's Hoop Jam.
Throughout the event, spectators could enjoy live music from various artists and bands including The BC Fiddle Orchestra, Old-Time Dance Band, The Joy of Life Choir and The Whoville Children’s Chorus among others.
As night fell, Oak Bay Avenue came to life and illuminated a parade led by Santa and Mrs. Claus atop an Oak Bay fire truck.
As the festivities kick off the final month before the holidays, Oak Bay Avenue will remain illuminated at night until Jan. 6.
- With files from Oak Bay News staff
