Editor's note: This story was originally published Nov. 12.
A new holiday festival has been announced for the end of this month, coinciding with the annual festive Holiday Parade.
The Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (BIA) is launching the festival—to be held on Nov. 30—and will include a holiday market and a visit from Santa himself.
The festival will run from 3 to 8 p.m. at Squamish Plaza, located beside the motel on the August Jack Motor Inn property on Cleveland Avenue.
Visitors will be able to wander through the market filled with gifts, seasonal treats and food trucks.
Opposite the plaza at O’Siyam Pavilion, visitors will discover Santa’s Grotto. Elves will greet everyone at the entrance, and at around 6.30 p.m., Santa himself will make a special appearance. The Grotto will take a brief intermission during the holiday parade.
“We warmly invite all community members to join in the festivities!” BIA executive director Kerry Neil said in a press release.
“Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Yule, Kwanzaa, or simply embracing the joy of the season, we encourage you to be part of this lively, inclusive, and joyful celebration in downtown Squamish.”
The parade will commence from the Log Sort at 39540 Galbraith Ave (end of Loggers Lane near the Yacht Club), proceeding along Vancouver Street, making a right onto Cleveland Avenue (passing Howe Sound Brew Pub), and continuing north on Cleveland to Pemberton Avenue.
This year, Neil says floats will circle back to O’Siyam Pavilion and park along the Main to Victoria block of Cleveland Avenue for a “special float showcase.”
“We’re also encouraging all downtown businesses to stay open until 8 p.m., offering late-night shopping to enhance the vibrant festivities of the evening,” Neil said.
“Expect special promotions, giveaways, and plenty of festive cheer!”
Community members who wish to participate in the event have until Nov. 22 to sign up for a float.
For more information about the Holiday Festival, visit the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association website.
