It’s not just beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Northern British Columbia — it’s starting to feel like the magic has already arrived.
To get you even more in the spirit, the museums, galleries and cultural attractions of Northern Routes Cultural Experience have been busily making their facilities festive and bright. Here are some of the must-do/must-Instagram events for your holiday list.
Shamrock Tube Run
Barkerville Historic Town and Park
December 14 and 15; 21 and 22; 26 to 31; Saturdays and Sundays until March 29; and special openings on statutory holidays and school breaks
Free for children two to six; $14 for youth six to 18; $16 for adults; and $60 for a family pass
Don’t worry about the climb up the hill — all you have to do is enjoy the snow-sliding thrill of coming down the two runs. Included in your conveyor lift pass is a bonfire, snow tubes and helmet rentals.
Old-Fashioned Victorian Christmas
Barkerville Historic Town and Park
December 14 to 16
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission by donation or bring a non-perishable food bank item
Activities include sleigh rides with Barnard’s Express, caroling, walking tours and Chinatown tours, crafting and baking in the Wendle House, cookie decorating with the Goldfield Bakery, blacksmithing and printing demonstrations, holiday portraits and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas.
You can catch a ride on a special Victorian Christmas charter bus from Prince George, Quesnel, or Williams Lake on Saturday and Sunday. More info and tickets available click here.
Celebration of Lights
Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum
December 18 to 30 (closed Christmas and Boxing Day)
$5 for children three to 12; $5 for adults; $7 for seniors and students with ID; and $26 for families
Enter into a magical Winter Wonderland with more than 100,000 Christmas lights.
A very special guest in a red suit visits from December 18 to 23. The live entertainment schedule is on the museum’s Facebook page.
Admission is free December 18 if you bring a non-perishable food item donation.
Members Only Christmas Party
The Exploration Place, Prince George
December 21
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Members can enjoy science demo shows at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., make and take a holiday ornament, meet some animal ambassadors and enjoy a small treat (while quantities last).
Click here for details about all the Christmas adventures that await.
