While the awe-inspiring Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs exhibit at the Royal B.C. Museum is in its final month (it closes Dec. 31), there are many other reasons to visit one of Victoria’s most beloved institutions in December.
One popular annual tradition is the decorating for Christmas of the museum’s Old Town exhibit. A stroll through the cobblestoned streets is sure to rekindle your festive spirit, seeing storefronts wreathed in traditional festive finery. The Christmasy Old Town is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Jan. 9, and is included with museum admission or membership.
Also in Old Town, Father Christmas is in the house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for his final appearances, Dec. 14-16. He’ll be accepting those last-minute wish lists and posing for photos with visitors (by donation).
Other holiday related events still upcoming at the RBCM include:
• Wonder Sunday: World Celebrations (final day Dec. 16 from 1-3 p.m.) Learn about winter traditions from around the globe
• Old-Fashioned Christmas at Helmcken House (Dec. 17-31, noon to 4 p.m.) Enjoy decorations and hear music and firsthand accounts of yuletide experiences from over 100 years ago.
• Celebrate in style at the family-friendly New Year’s Eve party, Early Shift: Party Like It’s 1999 (BCE). Join us in the Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs exhibition for a family-oriented celebration fit for the gods featuring music, activities and games for all on Sunday, Dec. 31 from 6-8:30 p.m. Tickets, if still available, are $24 per adult, $16 for youth and free for children under five. Members receive a 10-per-cent discount.
Also keep in mind that the Royal BC Museum and Victoria IMAX theatre are closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
You can find details of all special and regular programs at the museum by visiting royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.