"It seems more chaotic this year," Chaucer street resident Jane Waters said to the three friends she was standing beside on Oak Bay Avenue. The foursome was checking out Oak Bay's Christmas light-up on Sunday afternoon.

"It's not raining, it's not cold and it's free," Waters surmised about the impressive number of people - about 8,000 - who gathered on the Avenue. Cars were blocked off in the village between Elgin Road and Monterey Avenue for the annual event.

Organized by the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association, light-up attracted families from across the region.

"We really enjoyed it - the crowd is huge," said Saanich resident Katy Bachynsky. With her husband Ted and three-year-old son Alexander, the family was attending light-up for the first time.

Victoria resident Leanne Philp, her husband Simon and their daughter Sophie were attending the light-up for the sixth year.

"It's become a tradition for us," she said.

A tradition with which Oak Bay businesses are happy. Good Health Vitamins and Tea Bar owner Susanne Gregory said the shop had record sales on the day.

Rogers Chocolates ran out of apple cider in the first hour of the afternoon event and were dishing out chocolate chips cookies by 5:30 p.m.

Blethering Place restaurant was packed at the same time.

In addition to music provided by Daniel Lapp's BC Fiddle Orchestra and the Gettin' Higher Choir, there was kids wreath-arranging at a street side craft table with Rob Jennings of Jennings Florists. A highlight of the event was Galey Farm's 80-foot illuminated and decorated tractor trailer. Featuring moveable life-size moose, bears, and deer, families crowded around the trailer to have photos taken. Two generators pumping out 6,000 watts were needed to power the moveable display, Ray Galey said.

vmoreau@saanichnews.com