VICTORIA, BC—Find the magic of the holiday season this December at the Royal BC Museum and IMAX® Victoria.
As in past years, Christmas has returned to Old Town, which has been decorated for the festive holiday season. December will be the last month to visit the museum’s third floor galleries as they were originally designed ahead of the scheduled closure end of day on December 31.
While the COVID-19 pandemic precludes in-person visits with Father Christmas—Santa needs to stay healthy so close to December 25—the museum’s Learning team is offering “A Special (Zoom) Visit from Father Christmas” on December 21, so visitors can share their holiday wish lists and take a photo with the man in red.
“The holiday season is very important time for the museum community. It’s a time of togetherness and longstanding tradition,” says Erika Stenson, acting vice president of museum operations. “We’re excited to welcome visitors in-person for a festive visit to the museum’s third floor, and online for the timeless experience of visiting with Father Christmas.”
Visitors to the museum are also encouraged to plan a visit to the museum’s feature exhibition, Orcas: Our Shared Future, and pocket gallery, Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum, before they both close on March 31, 2022.
At IMAX® Victoria, the perennial holiday-favourite film The Polar Express opens for the season on December 4. This inspiring adventure, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Robert Zemekis, is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The film follows a doubting young boy on an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, where he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
The Polar Express, runs through January 31, 2022. Visitors are encouraged to attend in their favourite pajamas and take advantage of the special hot chocolate and holiday treats available at the concession.
Also coming this December is Dune—IMAX® Victoria’s first new Hollywood feature film since 2019. Opening December 10, this mythic and emotionally charged sci-fi adventure tells the story of a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, and who must travel the most-dangerous plant in the universe to ensure the survival of his family and his people.
The Royal BC Museum is closed December 25 and January 1.
For film schedules, tickets or more information about COVID-19 health and safety information, please visit the IMAX® Victoria website.
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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum explores the province’s human history and natural history, advances new knowledge and understanding of BC, and provides a dynamic forum for discussion and a place for reflection. The museum and archives celebrate culture and history, telling the stories of BC in ways that enlighten, stimulate and inspire. Located in Victoria on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations), we are a hub of community connections in BC–onsite, offsite and online–taking pride in our collective histories.
Images available:
Old Town Decorations | https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXc3puU
The Polar Express | https://www.flickr.com/gp/36463010@N05/1u6Mr6
Dune | https://www.flickr.com/gp/36463010@N05/hTo6Ug
Media contacts:
Sam Rich
Corporate Communications Manager
250-208-9148
srich@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Wesley MacInnis
Communications Specialist
250-208-8846
news@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
