Lower Mainland residents are invited on a sweeping shopping adventure, courtesy of Tourism Abbotsford and an assortment of local businesses.
Until Dec. 24, people looking for the perfect holiday treasure or a memorable winter outing can embark on the Passport to Christmas tour, visiting up to 13 destinations around Abbotsford that specialize in everything from the unique to the unusual.
An initial stop at the Abbotsford Visitor Centre lands you a copy of the tour brochure and your first of six stamps (required to enter the Dec. 23 prize draw). From there, you have the choice of heading to high tea, award-winning wine, an elaborate ‘Tree House’ and more.
Yvonne Hayden, director of visitor services for Tourism Abbotsford, explains that the novelty of the businesses is what makes the tour so popular, nearly a decade after it started.
“It’s not your average shopping experience. Glenda’s Christmas Cottage, for example, is only open for November and December. There is a building on her acreage that is specifically set up just for this.
“It creates a mini-tourist season for Abbotsford.”
All vendors, chosen via an application process for their diversity and local character, are family friendly. Take your children to Clayburn Village Store & Tea Shop to marvel at imported candies and delicacies from around the world, or Tanglebank Gardens to participate in creative workshops with one of the founding Passport program businesses.
The complete list of participating shops and this year’s prizes can be found online at passporttochristmas.ca.