No one knows how to celebrate Christmas like the good people of Prince George. There’s something special about spending Christmas in the northern capital.
In celebration of the season, we decided to list some of the traditions in the city that make Christmas particularly special. Whether it’s the plethora of Christmas events going on in the city every year or the spirit of giving, the holidays are a bright spot in our long, northern winters!
Taking a stroll down Candy Cane Lane
Seasons greetings from Candy Cane Lane. (via Hanna Petersen) One of the most unique things about Prince George is the neighbourhood known as Candy Cane Lane. Everyone comes together, strings lights from the trees, decorates their houses to the nines and creates a free Christmas lights destination for the whole city to enjoy. Visiting Candy Cane Lane is a great memory from a lot of our childhoods, and it’s still an active tradition that new generations are enjoying.
Watching the annual Civic Light up at Canada Games Plaza
The 26th annual Civic Light Up took place at Canada Games Plaza. (via Hanna Petersen)The Civic Light Up at Canada Games Plaza really sets the tone for the Christmas season. Everyone is welcome to come to the heart of the city, watch some Christmas-themed entertainment, meet Santa and enjoy some Christmas fireworks!
Going to the Festival of Trees
Displays at the 2019 Festival of Trees. (via Hanna Petersen)Even if you've never met someone who bid on and won a Festival of Trees tree, you’ve definitely known someone who gets over-the-top excited about this annual event. Going to look at the trees in the Festival of Trees is a family tradition for many people in the city. The best part is deciding which one you’d want the most or which one comes with the best items. The trees are outstanding each year and the festival includes entertainment for over a week!
Visiting the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum’s Festival of Lights
The Celebration of Lights in 2018. (via Hanna Petersen)The railway museum pulls out all the stops for Christmas. It’s a great place to visit any time of the year, but during the holidays, when the displays are lit up and you can ride a mini-train around the grounds to take them all in, it’s even better. There’s also a cosy fire you can warm up at. Every year, the museum hosts one night where you can pay your entrance fee with a donation or non-perishable food item.
Getting our picture taken with Santa at Pine Centre Mall
Santa arriving at Pine Centre Mall. (via Facebook/Pine Centre Mall)It’s a rite of passage. In Prince George, Pine Centre Mall is the place to meet the big guy in red. Those who grew up in the city undoubtedly have stacks of photos with Santa taken at Pine Centre Mall from throughout their childhood.
Going sledding at Carney Hill or skating at a local rink
The city has updated its list of community ice rinks. (via Facebook/City of Prince George)Taking advantage of Prince George’s natural winter activities is even more fun right around Christmas. A great holiday family activity is packing up the sleds and going to one of the best places to toboggan in town: Carney Hill. Spending a wintery afternoon skating at the Oval or a local rink in your neighbourhood and then cosying up by the Christmas tree with a hot chocolate to warm up afterward is also notable.
Taking the family out to a ranch for a sleigh ride
Horses from Tripple D Draft Horses giving a sleigh ride. (via Facebook/Tripple D Draft Horses)We're lucky to be close to a lot of ranches and farms. For years, before it closed, Noah’s Art Adventureland on Cranbrook Hill hosted sleigh rides for families. Now, families can still partake in this special Christmas activities thanks to places like Tripple D Draft Horses on Blackwater Road. They've been busy doing sleigh rides all season!
Going on a road trip to experience Barkerville’s Victorian Christmas extravaganza
(via Hanna Petersen)If Christmas is your favourite holiday, then a trip to enjoy Barkerville’s Victorian Christmas is a must. The entire historic village turns into a Christmas wonderland. There are sleigh rides, Christmas plays, crafts, and so much more. It’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive on winter roads from Prince George but each year becomes more and more popular as it becomes a must-do Christmas tradition for many people in the interior.
Being practically guaranteed a white Christmas!
The weather in December at Hazelton Park. (via Hanna Petersen)Other places in the world (and province) have to cross their fingers and hope they might get some snow for Christmas. It’s an exception for Prince George to have no snow on the ground when Dec. 25 rolls around, not the rule.
Seeing the Tree of Lights on top of the Coast Inn of the North
The Tree of Lights moments after it was fully lit. (via Hanna Petersen)This tradition has just come back to the city and has reminded people of how great it truly is. You can see the Tree of Lights from almost anywhere in the bowl and it’s a great reminder of not only the magic of the season but the importance of giving back. This year, the Tree of Lights was organized by the United Way of Northern BC and raised more than $20,000. The money will support mental health programming in the city.
Giving back to others
The initiative provided for 392 seniors last year. (via Hanna Petersen)Prince George knows how to give, and that's made even more apparent during the holidays. There are so many fundraisers and programs to help those in need. Initiatives like St. Vincent de Paul’s annual Christmas dinner, Salvation Army Christmas Hampers, the Christmas Wish Breakfast and Elves for Elders show how important it is for the community to come together and help others during the holidays.
