The eighth annual Esquimalt Celebration of Lights brings Christmas cheer to the seaside community next Tuesday (Dec. 3).
The parade starts at 6 p.m. from the DND parking lot at Canteen Road and Lyall Street and runs along Lyall, Admirals Road and Esquimalt Road, finishing around 6:30 behind Archie Browning Sports Centre.
Visitors there are invited to enjoy refreshments, visits with Santa and entertainment until 8 p.m. Esquimalt resident and rec centre fitness co-ordinator Lorraine Nygaard and her trio will play light jazz and Christmas music. Also performing are the Esquimalt Concert Choir and Esquimalt High rhythm and blues band.
Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Rainbow Kitchen.
There are still spots open for entries into the parade. Interested parties can call Murray Boyce at 250-383-8171.
The township is also hosting its annual community holiday lighting contest. The deadline to enter your house, business, apartment building or balcony is Dec. 15. Ballots are available at the rec centre, Archie Browning Sports Centre, Pharmasave, Esquimalt Dry Cleaners and Victoria Harbour Tours, or online.
For other information, visit celebrationoflights.ca.