Gibsons Landing comes alive in the Christmas spirit with a number of events over the next few weekends.
The annual Lights in the Landing initiative is all about promoting the idea of shopping locally during December. Volunteers and sponsors from The Landing business community have organized a number of events to encourage everyone to shop, sip and be merry in Gibsons Landing.
This weekend, Dec. 6 and 7, is the Fill the Vans food drive for St. Bart’s Church coordinated by Zocalo and The Landing Clothing Company. Bring a donation and fill the vans.
The inaugural European Christ-mas Market will take place this weekend, Dec. 6 and 7 from 1 to 7 p.m. both days at the Gibsons Public Market.
Sunshine Coast artists are invited to share their high-quality art and pieces made of natural materials to fill the air with delicious seasonal fragrances like nutmeg, wax, cinnamon, ginger, holly, hay, cedar, etc.
Popular chef Carmen Daigle will offer lunch and dinner at the market’s gourmet restaurant featuring different types of seasonal, hearty soups, hot cider, coffee and tea. Patrons can choose from a great variety of quality, locally made food and Christmas gifts.
Visitors can enjoy a hot beverage from a massive, wood-fired copper pot while lounging on straw bales. Kids can make fresh bread sticks above a small fire, enjoy live music and take part in some beautiful holly wreath making. Christmas trees, European ornaments, candles and firewood will be available to create your own traditional atmosphere at home. The air will be filled with Christmas spices, the steam of fresh waffles and other delicious goodies made on site.
Then next Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m., Santa will arrive by boat at the Gibsons Harbour, followed by a flotilla of carol ships.
There will be free photos and hot chocolate with Santa from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at More Café & Bakeshop, followed by live music from 2 to 4 p.m.
Merry-making carollers will also roam the Landing singing seasonal tunes and handing out Christmas goodie bags.
In the evening, the inaugural Santa ‘Cause’ Christmas Dance starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Gibsons Public Market. Dance to DJ tunes, enjoy snacks, and a cash bar will be available with all proceeds going to the Elves Club and Gibsons Wildlife Rehab Centre. The Alliance of Gibsons Businesses presents the event. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Get advance tickets from Hair We Are, Gibsons Recycling Depot or The Village Store.
Also Saturday night Dec. 13, the carol ships will sail in the harbour.
