We’re neck-deep in the holiday season, which means a smorgasbord of Christmas-related events are all around the city!
So here are 12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend.
Victoria Royals vs. Kootenay Ice – Teddy Bear Toss Night!
- What: The Victoria Royals goes head-to-head with the Kootenay Ice while raising money for the BC Children’s Hospital! As soon as the Royals score their first goal, throw your new or gently-used stuffed animals onto the ice, in a wondrous teddybear shower! All stuffed animals will be donated to a variety of charities and causes!
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St.
- When: Friday, December 8th – doors open at 6 PM – puck drop at 7:05 PM
- Cost: Tickets start at $15.50 for adults and $13.00 for youth
7th Annual Ho HO Ho Show
- What: A festive night of laughter hosted by comedienne Kirsten Van Ritzen, starring her fall comedy students. Cheer on as extraordinary folks make their standup comedy debuts. This special event has sold out over the past 6 years so arrive early!
- Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street.
- When: Friday, December 8th, 6:30 PM – 9 PM
- Cost: $8 in advance here. $10 at the door.
Peninsula Panthers vs. Oceanside Generals
- What: The Peninsula Panthers is a Junior “B” hockey team that plays in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League! Watch them battle it out with the Oceanside Generals from the north division in an exciting fast paced game that will keep you on the edge of your seats!
- Where: Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Drive.
- When: Friday, December 8th starting at 7:30 PM
- Cost: Adults, $9. Kids, $5.
Tuba Christmas
- What: Tuba Christmas originated in New York in 1974, and now tuba players all over the province are gathering in Market square to play some of the most beloved Christmas classics! It’ll be music to your ears!
- Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson St.
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 1pm to 3pm
- Cost: Free!
Cookie Decorating
- What: Good tidings they bring, to you and your kin! Have your kids decorate and eat a free gingerbread man courtesy of Victoria Public Market! Donations will also be collected for CFAX Santa Anonymous!
- Where: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street.
- When: Saturday December 9th from 12pm – 3pm
- Cost: Free!
Holiday “Pop Up” Market
- What: A quaint Bastion Square market with many of the artisans on site. Browse through some of Victoria’s best handmade products and potential gifts!
- Where: Bastion Square, 575 Yates St.
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 12pm-4:30
- Cost: Free to attend
Horse Drawn Carriages in Downtown Victoria
- What: Ride in a horse drawn trolley while you take in the holiday sights within our beautiful city! Two carriages will circulate in a preset route downtown and you can get on and get off at one of the 4 stops!
- Where: Downtown Victoria
- When: Saturday December 9th from 12pm – 2:30pm
Sunday December 10th from 12pm – 2:30pm - Cost: Free!
Felted Ornament Making Workshop
- What: Needle-felting is a meditative technique used to create small sculptures with un-spun wool and a felting needle. Join Renee Sala for a hands-on introduction to needle felting while creating a beautiful bird ornament to celebrate the season. No experience necessary; supplies provided.
- Where: Greater Victoria Public Library, 735 Broughton St.
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 2pm – 4pm.
- Cost: Free! Registration required.
Canada 150 Free Skate
- What: Help end Canada’s 150th year by participating in one of Canada’s greatest winter sport, skating! From coast to coast, Skate Canada has planned for a free family skate for hundreds of communities across the country!
- Where: Oak Bay recreation centre, 1975 Bee St.
- When: Sunday December 10th from 12pm to 2:30pm
- Cost: Free!
Pyjama Prance
- What: It’s the 3rd annual Pyjama Prance fun walk/run! A pancake breakfast, live music, a silent auction are just a few of the exciting things to enjoy before and after the race! There’s two distances to choose from, the Pyjama Prance 5km or the Santa Stroll 2km!
- Where: The Rainbow Kitchen on Lyall St
- When: Sunday December 10th starting at 9am
- Cost: Registration fee is a minimum 5 food items or a minimum $10 donation.
All donations go to The Rainbow Kitchen
Home Alone screening
- What: If you’re over 19 years old, you can enjoy a Christmas classic with your favourite drinks! Paparazzi night club is getting you in the holiday spirit with a complimentary bag of popcorn and a screening of the first Home Alone!
- Where: Paparazzi Night Club, 642 Johnson St.
- When: Sunday, December 10th. Doors open at 9, movie starts at 9:30.
- Cost: Free admission.
Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre
- What: Over 80 trees light up the second and third floors of The Bay centre to help raise money for the BC Children’s Hospital! You can vote for your favourite and donate at the polling stations around the mall. Victoria Buzz even has a tree down there!
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas St.
- When: Everyday from until January 2nd during mall hours
- Cost: Free to look at – Vote by donation!
