The 18th Annual Winterfest in Prince Rupert, BC is just around the corner – and what a grand festival it will be! This two day celebration of all the best bits of winter takes place the first weekend of every December and heralds the approaching winter holidays.
Starting out the night of Friday, 6 December, the lights on the Christmas trees at the courthouse will be officially switched on while local, musician-backed choirs provide a stirring, musical backdrop for the scene. Free cookies, candy canes, apple cider, and hot chocolate will be provided by local sponsors – Yum!
Then, Saturday morning really gets things going with a pancake breakfast for the kiddies and Santa at the Masonic Hall, followed by a Santa Claus parade through downtown Prince Rupert. The parade winds up at Overwaitea Foods with a chance for the kids to meet Santa. Yes, the jolly old elf is taking a few days off from his hectic schedule up at the North Pole to do a little good will, promotional touring and Prince Rupert is one of his traditional stops, of course.
Thereafter, visitors and residents alike are free to enjoy the Christmas Craft Fair and the kiddies have the opportunity to swim at the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre or skate at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre for free. Yay!
Prince Rupert’s Winterfest winds up with the real highlight of the event – the Sailpast. Find yourself a good seat – near the big bonfire at the Waterfront Rotary Park is a good bet – and watch as both commercial and private pleasure craft, decorated for the holidays, parade up and down the harbor to seasonal music. A panel of local judges will do their best to select the finest among the displays and winners will be announced prior to a closing of the ceremonies by a volley of beautiful fireworks.
18th Annual Winterfest
Friday, December 6 – Saturday, December 7, 2013
Visit Prince Rupert’s website for more details.
Lodging in Northern BC
No matter where you are in northern British Columbia, chances are there’s a warm, friendly Bed and Breakfast nearby that’s just dying to show you some true, homegrown hospitality during this festive season or any time of the year! Stop in and discover the difference!