With our annual holiday closure upon us, we’ll be taking some time away to be with family and friends as we reflect on yet another incredible Season at Bard on the Beach.

Before we closed our offices for the year, we chatted with some of our administrative team to learn about their holiday plans. Plus, be sure to read until the end for a very Vancouver version of “The Night Before Christmas,” reimagined by our very own Christopher Gaze!

“During the holidays I’m going to snuggle my cat, Miffy, and catch up on my Letterboxd watchlist!” —Rilee, Development Communications Coordinator

“I am making my annual trip to Penticton to slow down and spend some quality time with my family and friends. We eat far too much, watch many movies, read as many books as possible, craft, and enjoy each other’s special holiday traditions. The best part is spending time with the many kiddos who make me so proud to be their auntie. Their big hugs, wonderful sense of humour, and dance performances over the holidays always make everything more joyful!” —Stacey, Business and Employee Relations Manager

“Being from Switzerland, it’s just not Christmas without skiing! My kids and I will keep the tradition of carving up the slopes at Mt. Washington, eating mountains of cheese fondue, and washing it all down with some toe-warming glühwein.” —Jessica, Production Manager

“Leading up to Christmas, I always look forward to flour-dusted days spent baking. My husband and I also work our way through the classic Christmas canon: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s our annual reminder that no matter how chaotic life gets, it will never be Clark Griswold chaotic. After spending time with family, I’ll be ringing in the New Year with friends in Parksville. It’s my first holiday season with Bard on the Beach, and the year has felt truly special.” —Kim, Director of Marketing and Communications

“I am currently still two books behind schedule on my 2025 reading challenge (which I’ve already changed from 52 to 32), so between all the usual festivities, I’ll be spending my holiday break frantically reading to try and catch up. In the new year, I’m heading to Pender Island for a couple of days to sit by a fireplace, stare at some water, and (hopefully) get a better head start on my 2026 reading challenge.” —Jiejun, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

“This year will be a quiet holiday at home with the cats. I’ll be visiting friends, catching up on some sewing, and playing board games such as The Shakespeare Game, Terraforming Mars, and The Isle of Cats.” —Veronica, Sales and Analytics Specialist

“I’m in Spain visiting with my family for the holidays! Between catching up on sleep and working on my reading list, we’re currently planning a short trip through the south of Spain, exploring both new places and family favourites. Feliz año nuevo!” —Taylor, Marketing and Communications Manager 

“During the break, I’m heading to Vegas with my sisters to celebrate my birthday by seeing the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere! I might also be holding some crochet classes for a bunch of ten-year-olds.” —Tamara, Controller

“I’ll be getting an early start spending the holidays with children, my many sisters, and their families in western New York State. There’ll be lovely hikes, playing with children and dogs, and general hanging out together. Here I am with the advance team of two sisters.” —Mary, Director of Education

“My holidays are all about the kids and continuing family traditions. My nieces come to town and my son always has the best time with his cousins. We make our annual visit to see Santa, bake and decorate Christmas cookies, see the lights at Van Dusen Gardens, and my sister and I cook up Christmas dinner for our family. My officemate, Stacey, made sure the holiday spirit arrived early and surprised me by decorating my desk with its very own fireplace and a crackling fire.” —Susan, Artistic Company Manager

“My holiday traditions have shifted throughout my life, but one constant has been gathering with people, wherever I end up. This year, that included a wee visit to the Okanagan to see my brother and his family and to spend an evening at the Caravan Farm Theatre for their annual seasonal offering, A Midwinter Night’s Tale. It was wonderful to see old friends and familiar faces, both aboard the horse-drawn carriage and on the beautifully designed stages nestled within the rustic setting. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me. The next portion of the holidays will be spent on the island—time in Qualicum with old pals, then up to Courtenay and Comox to be with my sisters and their families. There’s been a recent addition to the clan with the arrival of little Grace, a new grandchild for my elder sister, which adds an extra layer of excitement and gratitude as we gather to celebrate life and the spirit of the season. While there, I’ll also take the opportunity to visit friends who migrated to the island after long careers in Vancouver. All in all, it feels like a good chance to reflect on 2025 and to think ahead to the possibilities of 2026. I want to express my gratitude for the continued support of all those who love the theatre and who come out to celebrate what we create at Bard. Thank you.” —Dean Paul Gibson, Associate Artistic Director

“We are looking forward to staying close to home this holiday season. Our daughter is fully immersed in the holiday spirit—diligently opening her advent calendar every day (sugar rush at 7am), putting loads of thought into what Santa and Rudolph may like to snack on during their Christmas Eve visit (current plan, muffins and carrots), and endlessly practicing her school’s winter concert performance of “One Snowman, Two.” We are looking forward to spending time with family and friends, and wish the entire Bard family of staff, artists, volunteers, patrons, and supporters a happy and healthy holiday season!” —Claire Sakaki, Executive Director

“Jennifer and I have a very busy Christmas day with lots (20!) of our family and friends coming for dinner. It’ll be fantastic! We shall head away to Tofino for the new year where we shall read, relax, walk on Chesterman Beach with Mason, and quietly recognize that we are greatly blessed as we enjoy our wonderful lives together.” —Christopher Gaze, Founder and Artistic Director

Christopher also sat down with us recently to share his rendition of “The Night Before Christmas.” Click the video below to hear his version of this beloved classic—with a twist.

On behalf of all of us at Bard on the Beach, thank you for all you do to make the magic happen. We’re so grateful to have you with us, and no matter how or where you’re celebrating, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a very happy new year.

Note: We’ll be taking a winter break December 24–January 4 and will reopen on January 5, 2026.