The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to experience a quintessential Victorian Christmas than with a trip to Craigdarroch Castle!
“Every December, we enliven the Castle with traditional decorations, as well as special holiday events, such as live music, special Victorian-Christmas school programs and stage productions of festive classics,” says John Hughes, Craigdarroch Castle’s executive director.
“The Castle comes alive with a special magic at Christmas.”
Here are five limited time holiday experiences waiting for you:
1 – A Reading from Antoinette Foxworthy
Foxworthy, a writer who now lives in San Francisco, is returning to Victoria to give a reading from her new book, No More, in what used to be the library of her house, which has been transformed into the newly opened Craigdarroch Visitor Centre.
When: 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7
Tickets: The reading is free to attend but seating is limited so reservations are required and can be made by calling 250.592.5323
2 – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Actor Jason Stevens returns with his hit one-man rendition of this classic tale of ghosts, regret, love, and Christmas redemption.
Jason channels the Dickensian spirit within the historic walls of Craigdarroch Castle and brings the world of Victorian England to life.
When: Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:00 p.m., Dec. 19 to 23 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18 for Members, $20 for non-members. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Visit thecastle.ca or call 250-592-5323 to book. *Members must call in order to receive their discount.
3 – A live radio play: Radio, Mistletoe and My Man Godfrey
This fresh and festive flip of the 1936 screwball comedy My Man Godfrey concerns a sprightly socialite who, during an unscrupulous Christmas scavenger hunt, finds herself a hobo whom she hires as the family butler only to fall in love with him… much to his dismay!
Launch Pad Theatre produces the whole show in the style of a live, old-time radio play, with costumes, microphones, snappy dialogue, humour, and foley sound effects, with the heart of the season at its centre.
It’s a fun-for-the-whole-family adaptation of a comedy classic, wrapped in a Christmas cracker!
When: Dec. 27-31 at 6:30 pm
Tickets: $13 for children 18 and under, $20 for adults. Visit thecastle.ca or call 250-592-5323 to book. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
4 – Enjoy Festive Holiday Music
Musicians ranging from jazz artists to medieval folk groups to classical cellists will perform between December 9 and 31, with both morning and afternoon performances.
A full schedule is available at thecastle.ca. The performances are free with Castle admission.
5 – School Programs
From December 4 to 20, Craigdarroch is offering a school program that recalls a classic Christmas and helps answer those top-of-mind seasonal questions: When and why did Christmas trees become popular? What sort of toys did children play with 100 years ago? Who were the Dunsmuirs and why did their dad build Craigdarroch Castle?
A costumed guide will lead students through the Castle and encourage them to discover the wonder of BC’s history and the excitement of a Victorian Christmas. Each 75-minute tour ends with a Victorian craft and a candy cane.
The program is recommended for preschool through Grade 5, and content is adjusted to accommodate varying age groups. Cost is $5.25 per student and includes one free adult per five students. Teachers can call 250-592-5323 or email info@thecastle.ca to book.
Note: the Castle is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
