Although there’s nothing wrong with booking a lazy-indoor-snuggle-by-the-fire type vacation (indeed we encourage this), don’t overlook the fun community events that pop up like Christmas lights this time of year.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Show your loved ones you care by shopping local. Bowen is the fourth-artsiest community in Canada, so there’s no excuse not to peruse the arts, crafts, and baking at these events.
Here early? Head to Collins Hall for the United Church Christmas Craft Sale on November 26 & 27, 12-4pm. This is a sweet market with knits, jewelry, and baking, and worth it just for a chance to check out the old church and adorable hall.
The following Sunday boasts our biggest craft-stravaganza, the Community School Association’s Annual Craft Fair on December 4, 10am-3pm @ the BICS (elementary school) gym (for adult vendors) and upstairs (for younger vendors). Plan to spend at least an hour here, as there is a ton to look at. You could complete all your holiday gift shopping at this one event.
But if you’ve missed these to craft fairs, no problem, head to the BIAC Gallery at Artisan Square for their “It’s a Wrap” show, November 24 - Dec 31, open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. This annual open-call show features many artists displaying 2D & 3D works for sale, as well as jewelry. While you’re up there, cruise over to Arts Pacific Gallery for more quality works from Bowen artisans.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
If you’re in the mood for some heart-warming choral singing, the annual Ladies Madrigal Singers" Christmas Concert on December 2 and the Bowen Island Community Choir Winter Concert on December 10 are two shows locals love, and you will too.
Light Up Bowen on December 3 is a magical family event that begins in Artisan Square and ends in the lower cove, with lanterns, costumes, music, and many stops for warm drinks provided by local businesses. It ends with Santa disembarking the water taxi to greet the children.
For a more adult affair, purchase tickets for Martinis with Santa (A Retro Christmas Cocktail Party) at Doc Morgan’s Pub on December 10th, a benefit for the Community School’s Parent Advisory Council.
Holiday Event Listing:
November 24 - December 31 It’s a Wrap (Bowen Island Arts Council Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm) http://www.biac.ca/gallery_upcoming.php
December 2 7:30 "Ladies Madrigal Singers" Christmas Concert @ Cates Hill Chapel
December 2 Jazz and Prime Rib night, Bowen Island Pub
December 3 6pm, Light Up Bowen @ Village Square
December 3 7pm Live Nativity @ Cates Hill Chapel
December 3 Bruce Coughland @ Doc Morgan’s Pub
December 3 The Whiskey Dix perform @ Bowen Island Pub
December 4 The Community School Association's big, annual, Craft Fair in the Bowen Island Community School gym and Youth Craft Fair upstairs. (always on the first Sunday of December). 10-3pm gym/undercover area. 10-12:30. Youth Craft Fair and photos with Santa upstairs. https://www.facebook.com/events/319408261774632/
December 4 4-6pm Book launch: The Last Truth by Brian Thomas-Peter @ Bowen Island Arts Council Art Gallery
December 4 6pm The Christmas Violin, a family-friendly musical @ Cates Hill Chapel
December 7 10am-12pm Tumbling with Santa @ Bowen Island Community School Gym
December 10 2pm and 7:30pm Bowen Island Community Choir BICC winter (Christmas) concert
December 10 Martinis with Santa (A Retro Christmas Cocktail Party) at Doc Morgan’s Pub
December 11 12-3:30pm Knick Knack Nook Kids-only Shopping Day
December 13 5:30-7:30 Evening of tastings @ Ruddy Potato
December 14 7pm “Carols by Candlelight” Bowen Island United Church Choir @ Little Red Church
December 16 Customer Appreciation Night with The Lawn Dogs @ BI Pub
December 17 12-5pm Holiday Fair in Artisan Square: Churros and hot dogs @ Artisan Eats; Kids craft table @ Artisan Office; Photos with Biker Santa; Roaming musicians
December 17 Community Christmas Party featuring Adam Woodall @ Bowen Island Pub
December 18 10:30am Pageant Sunday @ Little Red Church
December 31 New Year’s Eve Party with Ginger 66 @ Bowen Island Pub
December 31 New Year’s Eve Party @ Doc Morgan’s
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