Friday Nov 25
28th Annual Out of Hand Artisan Fair
- What: Get your Christmas shopping done at Victoria’s most prestigious artisan fair. Find some of BC’s most creative artisans, bringing an eclectic mix of food, fashion, home decor and art. There will be Door Prizes from donations by participating artisans, with several drawn each day. Also a pop-up etsy boutique where you can meet your favorite Etsy sellers and discover new ones. The Fairmont Empress will set up a gourmet bistro in the ballroom on the upper level. Grab a tasty snack or a meal while you ponder your gift list!
- When: Friday, Nov 25, 10AM–9PM; Saturday, Nov 26, 10AM-6PM; Sunday, Nov 27, 10AM-4:30PM
- Where: The Crystal Gardens, 713 Douglas St
Tillicum School Christmas Market
- What: Come for some great shopping and Christmas cheer! Shop local and while you have a bite to eat. Highlights include: Stella and Dot, pottery, handmade jewelry, toys, handmade cards, baked goods, a raffle and MORE!
- When: Friday, Nov 25 3PM-7PM; Saturday, Nov 26 10AM-4PM
- Where: Tillicum Elementary School, 3155 Albina St
Annie the Musical
- What: The Sooke Harbour Players’ biggest show ever, as the beloved orphan from New York City arrives in Sooke for Annie the Musical!
- When: Nov 25, 26 & 27 and Dec 2, 3, 4. Fridays 7:30PM; Saturdays 7:30PM and 2PM; Sundays 2PM.
- Where: Edward Milne Community School, 6218 Sooke Rd
- Admission: Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at Sooke and Langford Shoppers Drug Mart, The Stick in the Mud Coffee House, the EMCS program office, and online at victoriaticket.ca.
A Chorus Line
- What: Centered on seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line, the musical is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. “A Chorus Line” provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.
- When: November 25&26 and December 2&3 at 8PM; Nov 27 and Dec4 at 2PM.
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- Admission: Tickets starting at $21.75
Paper Lions
- What: Millions of people have discovered the PEI band through online streaming and radio supporters. Paper Lions has been working on their new album Full Colour for the past two years and the reaction to the first singles Believer and Call Back have been very strong.
- When: November 25, Doors 8PM, 19+
- Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates St.
- Admission: Advance tickets $12 available at Lyle’s Place and Ticketfly.com.
Saturday Nov 26
28th Annual Out of Hand Artisan Fair
- What: Get your Christmas shopping done at Victoria’s most prestigious artisan fair. Find some of BC’s most creative artisans, bringing an eclectic mix of food, fashion, home decor and art. There will be Door Prizes from donations by participating artisans, with several drawn each day. Also a pop-up etsy boutique where you can meet your favorite etsy sellers and discover new ones. The Fairmont Empress will set up a gourmet bistro in the ballroom on the upper level. Grab a tasty snack or a meal while you ponder your gift list!
- When: Friday, Nov 25, 10AM–9PM; Saturday, Nov 26, 10AM-6PM; Sunday, Nov 27, 10AM-4:30PM
- Where: The Crystal Gardens, 713 Douglas St
Tillicum School Christmas Market
- What: Come for some great shopping and Christmas cheer! Shop local and while you have a bite to eat. Highlights include: Stella and Dot, pottery, handmade jewelry, toys, handmade cards, baked goods, a raffle and MORE!
- When: Friday, Nov 25 3PM-7PM; Saturday, Nov 26 10AM-4PM
- Where: Tillicum Elementary School, 3155 Albina St
2nd Annual Magic of Christmas Craft Fair
- What: 100 vendors with everything from crafts, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings, food and more! Kids area, crafts, face painting and Santa will be visiting the craft fair between 11AM-1PM!
- When: Saturday, Nov 26 at 10AM-4PM
- Where: City Centre Park 1089 Langford Parkway
- Admission: A suggested $2 donation. All proceeds going to Santa’s Anonymous.
Oaklands West Coast Winter Market
- What: Over 50 vendors from all over Greater Victoria including farmers, artisans, gourmet food producers, baked goods, potters, knitters, crafters, handmade body products, jewelry, and more! The Market also features live music, an afternoon beer garden, food trucks, a locally sourced concession, as well as activities for kids.
- When: Saturday, Nov 26 at 10AM-4PM
- Where: Oaklands Community Centre and Oaklands Elementary Gym, 1-2827 Belmont Avenue
St. George’s Annual Christmas Fair
- What: Find a unique Christmas gift, bags of holly&Christmas wreaths, have lunch with friends, hear Christmas music and more! Don’t miss the home baking and preserves area, where you’ll find delicious concoctions such as rose water panettone, fresh apple pies made by the church congregation from local apple trees, and spreads&jams both savory and sweet. There will also be a silent auction with lots of goodies.
- When: Saturday, Nov 26 at 10AM-2PM
- Where: St. George’s Church, 3909 St. George’s Lane
13th Annual SPCA Christmas Bake Sale and Fundraiser
- What: Join in the annual SPCA Christmas Bake Sale and Fundraiser to support shelter animals! Find delicious baking, good condition pet supplies as well as SPCA merchandise and clothing for sale. Santa will be on hand to take photos with your furry friends and there will be raffle baskets up for grabs! Wild ARC will also have a booth with information about the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals.
- When: Saturday, Nov 26 and Sunday, Nov 27 at 10AM-3PM
- Where: BC SPCA Victoria Branch, 3150 Napier Lane
- Admission: FREE
Marina Light Up
- What: Don’t miss the many colourful boats in the Inner Harbour lit in a vibrant display of Christmas lights! Festive lights and decor will also adorn the Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf Marinas. Lights will be lit through the end of December.
- When: Saturday, Nov 26, 2016 to Saturday, Dec 31, 2016, dusk-11:30PM
- Where: Inner Harbour, Wharf Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf Marinas.
Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade
- What: Begin your Christmas Season in Victoria with the magical Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade! Floats and bands, entertainment and lots of fun for the entire family. Head to Centennial Square to see the Christmas Tree Light-Up and witness SANTA OFFICIALLY DECLARE CHRISTMAS IN VICTORIA OPEN! Can’t make the pare parade? Victoria Buzz will be livestreaming on our Facebook page. Dana Hutching and Nicole Bentham will host the show.
- When: Saturday, Nov 26, 2016 parade begins at 5:45PM in front of Legislature, heads along Government St to Chatham St.
- Where: Government Street, Downtown Victoria
9th Annual Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up
- What: Join the DVBA, City of Victoria and the Greater Victoria Festival Society to kick-off the holiday season in Centennial Square. Enjoy musical performances, eat at a food truck or two, enjoy the Centennial Inn, ride the Ferris Wheel, and watch as thousands of lights are switched on at 7:30PM to create a Winter Wonderland. For the first time, Santa will also be joining for the Light-Up – so come after the Island Farms Santa Light Parade, and meet him before he goes back to work at the North Pole.
- When: Saturday, Nov 26, 2016 – 6PM-9:30PM. Tree light-up at 7:30PM.
- Where: Centennial Square, Downtown Victoria
DVBA Ferris Wheel in Centennial Square
- What: The Ferris Wheel is back this holiday season! Witness the lights of Centennial Square and Downtown Victoria from 20 metres up. Grab a snack from local food vendors, enjoy holiday entertainment, try out the audio-reactive tree, meet Santa, and snap a picture with the Polar Bear and the Ferris Wheel photo backdrop.
- When: Saturday, Nov 26 – Friday, Dec 23, 2016. Check the DVBA website for exact times and dates. Ferris Wheel will not operate in inclement weather.
- Where: Centennial Square, Downtown Victoria
- Admission: Rides are $3 or $2/5. New this year, spend $10 or more at a participating downtown business and receive a voucher to ride the Ferris Wheel for $1 (while supplies last). Height restrictions may apply.
Annie the Musical
- What: The Sooke Harbour Players’ biggest show ever, as the beloved orphan from New York City arrives in Sooke for Annie the Musical!
- When: Nov 25, 26 & 27 and Dec 2, 3, 4. Fridays 7:30PM; Saturdays 7:30PM and 2PM; Sundays 2PM.
- Where: Edward Milne Community School, 6218 Sooke Rd
- Admission: Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at Sooke and Langford Shoppers Drug Mart, The Stick in the Mud Coffee House, the EMCS program office, and online at victoriaticket.ca.
A Chorus Line
- What: Centered on seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line, the musical is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. “A Chorus Line” provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.
- When: November 25&26 and December 2&3 at 8PM; Nov 27 and Dec4 at 2PM.
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- Admission: Tickets starting at $21.75
The Bear Mountain Skating Rink
- What: Decorated for the holidays and located in the resort’s backyard, the Bear Mountain skating rink is perfect place to build memories with your friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Come skate outdoors and take in the best views in Victoria! (Weather dependent)
- When: Saturday, Nov 26, 2016 – Sunday, Jan 8, 2017. Open until 9:00 pm. This year, a special addition – the Fire Lounge and Adults only skate times! Saturday nights in December from 8PM to 10PM, the music is turned up and the bar is open – it’s a perfect spot for a date!
- Where: Bear Mountain Resort, 1999 Country Club Way
- Admission: $5 per person, which includes skate rental if needed. (limited skates available)
Sunday Nov 27
28th Annual Out of Hand Artisan Fair
- What: Get your Christmas shopping done at Victoria’s most prestigious artisan fair. Find some of BC’s most creative artisans, bringing an eclectic mix of food, fashion, home decor and art. There will be Door Prizes from donations by participating artisans, with several drawn each day. Also a pop-up etsy boutique where you can meet your favorite etsy sellers and discover new ones. The Fairmont Empress will set up a gourmet bistro in the ballroom on the upper level. Grab a tasty snack or a meal while you ponder your gift list!
- When: Friday, Nov 25, 10AM–9PM; Saturday, Nov 26, 10AM-6PM; Sunday, Nov 27, 10AM-4:30PM
- Where: The Crystal Gardens, 713 Douglas St
The Oak Bay Christmas Festival Light Up
- What: Musical entertainment, street food, roasted chestnuts, bouncy castle, street hockey, crafts and games and and thousands of lights will be turned on throughout the Village. Santa Claus will also arrive on an Oak Bay Fire Truck.
- When: Sunday, Nov 27, 2016 from 2PM, onstage entertainment begins at 3PM, lights come on at 5PM. The light-up concludes on Saturday, Dec 3, 2016.
- Where: Oak Bay Village
Fernwood Lights
- What: Enjoy tastes, sips, performances and musical delights! Warm up with hot apple cider in The Belfry or enjoy the lights outside with Silk Road Tea. Peruse local artisans at the vendor Market and Silent Auction inside the Fernwood Yoga Den. All the funds raised go towards supporting the work of Fernwood NRG including programs at the Fernwood Community Centre, affordable family housing, urban sustainability projects, neighbourhood development, and food access programs.
- When: Sunday, Nov 27th, 2016 from 4-6:30PM
- Where: Fernwood Village, this is a partially outdoor event – rain or shine
- Admission: $60 general admission, all profits going to Fernwood NRG. Limited tickets available (19+).
Free Horse-Drawn Trolley Tours
- What: Enjoy a classic downtown tradition with your family this holiday season for FREE! Every weekend, horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown making it an enjoyable experience for you as you take in the festive sights and sounds of the holidays. The trolleys are a unique way to tour the downtown or take a scenic break while you rest your weary feet.
- When: Nov 27 – Dec 24, 2016; Saturdays & Sundays 11AM-3PM
- Where: Pre-set trolley routes throughout the downtown with 4 stops at:
A: Store St. at Chatham St. – In front of Capital Iron
B: Johnson St. near Wharf St. – In front of Willie’s Bakery
C: Langley St. at Bastion Sq. – Across from Re-Bar
D: Government St. at Fisgard St. – In front of CRD Plaza
25th Annual Festival of Trees
- What: For the past 24 years the Festival of Trees has created a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise much-needed funds for BC Children’s Hospital. The festival knits together the incredibly generous community of Victoria in what has become, over the last two decades, a cherished holiday tradition and the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in the city. Victoria Buzz are proud media sponsors of this event.
- When: Friday, Nov 16, 2016 – January 5, 2016
- Where: The Bay Centre and The Fairmont Empress
7th Annual Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase
- What: More than just a house, these are “sweet” masterpieces! This event brings together professionals and amateur chefs from across Canada, dazzling visitors with their skills. Vote for your favourite and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. This year’s theme is “Around the World” and bakers are encouraged to let their creativity lead the way, whether it is finding inspiration in travel, traditions and cultures, or adventures with friends. Victoria Buzz are proud to be one of this year’s official judges.
- When: Nov. 19, 2016 and runs until Jan. 2, 2017, with viewing from 9AM to 9PM daily.
- Where: Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St
Annie the Musical
- What: The Sooke Harbour Players’ biggest show ever, as the beloved orphan from New York City arrives in Sooke for Annie the Musical!
- When: Nov 25, 26 & 27 and Dec 2, 3, 4. Fridays 7:30PM; Saturdays 7:30PM and 2PM; Sundays 2PM.
- Where: Edward Milne Community School, 6218 Sooke Rd
- Admission: Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at Sooke and Langford Shoppers Drug Mart, The Stick in the Mud Coffee House, the EMCS program office, and online at victoriaticket.ca.
Merry & Bright Holiday Auction
- What: Join in a live and silent auction, a complimentary tasting hour, and delicious cocktail catering at the Intrepid Theatre’s signature holiday fundraiser in one of the city’s most beautiful downtown venues, The Atrium. Complete with a tasting hour, live entertainment and exquisite cocktail catering. All proceeds support Intrepid Theatre.Theatre tickets, gift packages, and unique one of-a-kind experiences will be up for auction and make the perfect gift for anyone on your Christmas List.
- When: Sunday, Nov 27, 2016, 6:30PM to 9:30PM
- Where: The Atrium, 800 Yates Street
- Admission: Advance tickets $40 can be purchased over the phone at (250) 590-6291. $45 at the door.
