This year is looking bright for local venues as they prepare for their busiest holiday season since 2019.
Over the past few years, holiday celebrations have been halted due to the pandemic, but after all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in B.C., places like Salty’s Beach House Restaurants in Penticton are able to host large parties again.
“We’re absolutely seeing that this year and you know, a lot of inquiries here at Salty’s about booking for Pearls to be able to co-mingle with the people you love and celebrate the holidays and a —enjoy each other’s company,” said Salty’s Beach House restaurant manager Emily Hart.
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With winter being Penticton’s off-season, Hart says the increase in bookings supports not only the business but its employees as well.
“We are able to keep a lot more staff during the winter season and so they are able to get those hours in and really enjoy this time as well,” Hart said.
Meanwhile, between the ballroom, banquet hall and restaurant Penticton Lakeside ResortBookings are filling up fast.
“The floodgates have opened and we’ve seen, there’s a tremendous influx of people just looking to get out again,” said Brannigan Moses, assistant general manager of the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
“We have a wide range of group gatherings, from five to the typical 250 people, but all the way up to 500. Everyone is just excited to be out again and celebrate together.”
In addition to corporate parties and private events, Penticton Lakeside Resort is once again able to offer community events.
Events include: Luncheon with Santa, The Biggest Little Office Party, and Christmas Day Dinner and the resort’s ice rink is open for the season.
“There was a time when we were unable to host anything, and we tried to get creative,” Moss said.
“We went from a very calm, that eagerness, that anticipation of people really wanting to be face to face again, be able to connect in real time and so it really is night and day between a few years and What are we looking for this year.
the same is true for Barley Mill Brew PubWhose marketing and events manager, Corey Ayston, says many groups are expected throughout December.
“We are excited that Christmas parties are finally back,” Ayston said.
“We’ve had over 30 Christmas parties, but this year, some small, some big. It’s really nice to have the building warm again”
Ayston further said that anyone who wants to support a local can book without a major event.
“Gift cards are a great idea. It’s a great way to support your local businesses as well as give the gift of excitement if you don’t want to do anything in-house,” Ayston said.
and late Theo’s Restaurant While bookings have also seen an increase, they have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“We’re not where we were, but I’m grateful for what we have from last year,” said Gregory Condon, owner of Theo’s restaurant.
“I would say we are at about 65 to 70 percent of pre-pandemic Christmas party levels. We should have sold out months ago and we weren’t as popular on Friday and Saturday this year, but we’ll get there little by little, we’ll get there.
Condon further added that Theos is “a part of the tradition” for many people, and they are excited to fully open their doors again for the holiday season.
“This is a legacy restaurant – birthdays, special events, even wakes. People have attached a lot of memories to our restaurant.’
“Serving three generations of customers now. So, it means a lot to me, and it is a great honor to be able to be a part of this to create memories for people.”
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