Rick Stiebel
B次元官网网址 Staff
Finding something open other than a gift on Christmas Day can be hit or miss, so hereB次元官网网址檚 a a quick look at some of the options available.
All Tim Hortons are closed throughout the Capital Region, but there are several Starbucks open, including the one at HullB次元官网网址檚 Field, for those in need of a boost from the caffeine bean. If you canB次元官网网址檛 go without lapping up a latte, SantaB次元官网网址檚 little helper suggests checking on your favourite locationB次元官网网址檚 holiday schedule in advance because Jacklin RoadB次元官网网址檚 a long drive from Sidney or Oak Bay to Langford.
The ShopperB次元官网网址檚 Drug Mart at Uptown maintains its 24 hours of operation on Dec. 25. Most other locations are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., which means you can grab still grab that last-minute gift after you find out Christmas morning that Mister and Miss Givings have to decided to join the family for dinner after all.
Many SDM locations carry dairy and other food items as well, so thereB次元官网网址檚 no excuse for running out of eggnog. You can also avoid having your guestsB次元官网网址� moods turn fowl because the turkeyB次元官网网址檚 running a lot later than planned by grabbing something to snack on
While most fast food chains including A &W and Subway are closed, McDonaldB次元官网网址檚 restaurants in the Capitol Region have their dining areas open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 24-hour drive-thru service where available.
DennyB次元官网网址檚 Restaurant on the West Shore and in Victoria are open 24 hours on Dec. 25, but that craving for a Big O burger at any White Spot will have to wait until Boxing Day.
For those looking for some fresh air and a look at whatB次元官网网址檚 in bloom this time of the year, Butchart Gardens is open from 1 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day. ItB次元官网网址檚 also a great way to dodge or entertain the in-laws, or walk off that second helping of turkey, stuffing and spuds. RickyB次元官网网址檚 All Day Grill is open as well from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If youB次元官网网址檙e part of the growing number of people who like to check out the latest Hollywood big-screen release after you open your gifts, most theatres are open on Christmas Day. Since taking in a movie on the big day is increasing in popularity each year, itB次元官网网址檚 probably a good idea to book your tickets online in advance.
Although most recreation centres in the Capital Region are closed, including all branches of the YM/YWCA, Esquimalt Recreation CentreB次元官网网址檚 pool and fitness room are open from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Oak Bay Recreation Centre offers free admission to the pool and skating rink from 1 to 3:30 p.m., with those attending encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank. The fitness centre is open from 1 to 3:45 p.m. as well.
City Centre Park, including Langford Lanes, is closed on Christmas Day, so youB次元官网网址檒l have to wait an extra day to try out that shiny new Brunswick Santa left under the tree.
ItB次元官网网址檚 best to make a quick call or check online to ensure that wherever youB次元官网网址檙e headed, the doors will be open upon arrival because some businesses have been known to have a last-minute change of heart at this time of the year so staff can spend the day with family and friends.
The good news is if youB次元官网网址檙e alone or donB次元官网网址檛 take part in the seasonB次元官网网址檚 festivities, you can still find a coffee shop or restaurant happy to see you walk through their door. And maybe while youB次元官网网址檙e out and about, give a little love to the first responders, hospital staff, transit workers, cab drivers, servers and anyone else hard at work when the rest of us are enjoying some time away from the daily grind.
rick.stiebel@goldstreamgazette.com
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