Christmas is all about community at Nanaimo North Town Centre.
From helping those less fortunate to supporting a school band, program, customers at North Town can get in the giving mood this holiday season.
The mall is a drop-off location for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive until Dec. 16 and hosts two Salvation Army fundraising kettles near London Drugs and Fairway Market.
A Christmas market runs Dec. 7-9 with vendors offering jewelry, jams, gifts and more.
And for those who need a gift decorated with a little extra pizzazz, the Wellington Secondary School band program hosts a gift wrap table from Dec. 7-24 near the lotto booth.
North Town will be alive with holiday music including: Shine, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 at noon, at centre court; Van Isle Fiddlers (roaming entertainment), Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m.; Merville Mennonite Choir, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. across from PollyAnna’s; and Van Isle Fiddlers (ensemble) 1 p.m. at centre court.
Of course Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa Claus and the jolly old elf is at centre court ready to meet, greet and pose for some photos with shoppers and pets.
Late night shopping hours begin Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
The mall is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve and 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Boxing Day.