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What’s open and what to do Christmas Day

Rick Stiebel
14756463_web1_Recreation

Rick Stiebel

News staff

Looking to go out for a coffee Christmas morning? Scratch all Tim Horton’s locations off your list. Also note the location of that chain of choice has reduced hours of operation on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. The Starbucks at Hull’s Field on Jacklyn Road is open Dec. 25, but the Goldstream Avenue location is shuttered. Best to check individual locations if you can’t go a day without your Seattle-inspired latte.

If you like to put off shopping until the last possible minute, all Shoppers Drug Mart locations are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. so it is possible to show up for dinner with a gift after all, Virginia. All London Drugs stores throughout the region are closed Dec. 25.

Speaking of dinner, Brown’s Social House and Original Joe’s are definitely absolutely a no go, to the chagrin of some and cheers from the staff. Not to despair, however, as most McDonald’s restaurants are open for dining inside from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with drive throughs running regular hours of operation. The burger family and Chubby Chicken will be unwrapping gifts at home, as all A&Ws are closed. Subways are closed as well.

Butchart Gardens offers fresh air, beautiful blooms, dazzling lights and a chance to get the out of towners out of the house from 1 to 9 p.m.

All of the attractions at City Centre Park, including Langford Lanes, are closed on Christmas Day to enable staff to spend time with their families.

If you’re looking for a swim or want to hit the gym, the Esquimalt Recreation Centre is open from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and Oak Bay Recreation Centre is open from 1 to 4 p.m. All other recreation centres are closed. YM/YWCAs are closed as well, reopening at 7:30 a.m. on Boxing Day, a great way to exercise way that second helping of turkey away.

Theatres throughout the Capital Region will be dimming with those who can’t wait another day for that blockbuster release, so check out viewing information for that cinematic tour de force featured at your favourite theatre.

Ebeneezer Scrooge suggests the best way to avoid wasting your time on Christmas Day is to put that shiny new newfangled high-tech device all you youngsters swear by to use before venturing out to ensure whatever you’re looking for will be open when you get there. All the best and Merry Christmas to all.

And to the first responders, BC Transit workers, cab drivers, hospital staff and anyone else who works on Christmas Day, a heartfelt thank you and holiday greetings from everyone who relies on the valuable services you provide. For those of you working in restaurants and retail, may your day be brightened by double time and a half, at the very least.

rick.stiebel@goldstreamgazette.com