This large Christmas tree will be illuminated during Winterfest festivities on Thursday, Dec 5 at 5 p.m. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

Winter cheer

Winterfest aims to give downtown Nanaimo a boost

Dec 4, 2024 | 2:09 PM

NANAIMO — Added vibrancy and festive cheer in Nanaimo’s downtown and Old City Quarter are anticipated for the next three Thursday nights.

Winterfest, staged by the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association, features late night shopping, food trucks and live entertainment between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec 5, 12, and 19.

Association executive director Roberta Bowman hopes people support area merchants during the ongoing Commercial St. Construction work.

“We have activities in Diana Krall Plaza, there’s music, food trucks — it’s to create the ambiance and a safe place for people to come downtown,” Bowman told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Winterfest runs for a fourth consecutive year in Nanaimo. (Downtown Nanaimo Business Association)

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On Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. a large Christmas tree positioned at Diana Krall Plaza will be lit up, while musical entertainment courtesy of John Barsby Secondary School students will be provided.

Participating merchants are showcasing holiday-themed window displays as part of a contest, while non-perishable food items are also accepted.

She said eased parking restrictions should entice more people to the downtown area.

“While the parking has been challenging, mayor and council have been working tirelessly to get us free parking downtown.”

Free second and third level parking at the Bastion St. Parkade took effect on weekdays from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Free two-hour on-street parking remains in place on Commercial, Church and Bastion streets, as well as Anchor Way and Cameron Rd.

Daytime weekday parking is currently free on the second and third levels of the Bastion St. Parkade. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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