From 80’s style parties to Christmas festivities, here are 16 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, November 23rd -24th.
Festival of Trees Victoria
The Festival of Trees is back at the Bay Centre! A community tradition that has become the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in Victoria. Head down to the Bay Centre, grab your favourite holiday beverage, and tour the trees that have been beautifully decorated.
Support BC Children’s Hospital by making a donation and voting for your favourite tree–you. Funds raised through this event help meet the most critical health needs of kids in BC.
- When: Trees are on display until January 6 during opening hours
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
Pre-Près – An 80’s Ski Party
Dig out those rad aviators and rock your mullet or perm, and celebrate the fact that ski season is almost upon us – 80’s style!
Vancouver Island Brewing and Mount Washington Alpine Resort have partnered in hosting the 80’s themed party of a lifetime – and you’re invited!
- When: Saturday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Where: Distrikt Nightclub, 919 Douglas Street
Annual Sidney Merchants Open House
‘Tis the season to get your shop on!
It’s that magical time of the year where the lights are twinkling, the drinks are warm, and grabbing your favourite person to stroll through the shops is one of the holiday’s most famed traditions.
The sweet and charming town of Sidney offers the perfect backdrop to do just that, and to kick-off the season of giving, they’re hosting their annual Merchants Open House – and you’re invited to celebrate!
- When: Saturday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Sidney – along Beacon Avenue
Westshore Sip & Shop
Join Kharma Salons for their Westshore Sip & Shop event this Saturday evening!
They have partnered with The Cridge Centre for families. Bring in a pair of NEW children’s or women’s pyjamas and get an entry into the grand prize beauty gift basket worth $350+.
Sip on a glass of bubbly and enjoy some refreshment while shopping the brands you love at 25% OFF. Sample bags, prizes and services draws throughout the evening.
- When: Saturday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Where: #117 – 777 Goldstream Avenue
11th annual Gingerbread Showcase
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Parkside Hotel! The showcase brings people of all skill levels together to compete against each other in a gingerbread house-making competition.
- When: November 16th – Sunday, January 5th, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m
- Where: Atrium of the Parkside Hotel, 810 Humboldt Street
Big Bad John’s Day IV
Big Bad John’s are doing it again… mark your calendars. No cover charge! Celebrate Victoria’s most storied bar for a full fourteen hours.
“Hillbilly attire” is encouraged, but not required. Door prizes and special surprises coming soon!
- When: Saturday 12 p.m. to 2 am.
- Where: Big Bad John’s, 919 Douglas Street
Willows Beach Cleanup
This month Surfrider is tackling Willows beach. Gloves and buckets will be provided, but bring your own if you have extras! Dress for the weather.
- When: Saturday, 11 am.
- Where: Willows Beach
Santa’s Arrival Parade at Westshore Town Centre
What better way to celebrate our favourite man in red than by announcing his arrival with his very own parade! Happening this Sunday, you’re invited to watch Santa make his grand entrance to Westshore Town Centre – and that’s just the beginning!
There will also be tons of other entertainment and lots of family fun at this popular annual event, including over a dozen local groups helping to cheer on Santa’s arrival – you’ll see singers, dancers, circus performers, gymnasts, professional roller skaters, a few recognizable Disney characters and so many more.
- When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
- Where: Westshore Town Centre, 2945 Jacklin Road
MRG presents Serena Ryder at Royal Theatre
What better way to kick-off the holiday season than a concert by one of Canada’s most famed musicians?
As a part of her ‘Christmas Kisses’ Tour, Canadian performer and six-time Juno award winner Serena Ryder will be taking the stage at Victoria’s own Royal Theatre for a single show this weekend – and it promises to be one to remember!
- When: Sunday, 7 p.m.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
31st annual Out of Hand Modern Market
One of Victoria’s most anticipated markets of the season is back for its 31st year, and we’re here to tell you all about it!
Out of Hand Modern Market is happening at Victoria’s Crystal Garden presenting a carefully curated selection of beautiful goods made by hand by over 100 of BC’s most accomplished and talented artists and makers.
Better than ever with over 100 exhibitors participating, the market not only showcases the works of well-established artists but will also feature products made by new, up-and-coming designers.
- When: Friday, November 22nd, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 23rd, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 24th, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. - Where: Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas Street
- Admission: Tickets: $9 – Adult Day pass, $7 – Senior and Youth Day pass, Kids under 12 admitted free
Bang Bang – a comedy by Kat Sandler
For those who just aren’t that into Halloween, the Belfry Theatre is hosting their opening night of ‘Bang Bang’. Filled with tension and comedy, Kat Sandler’s thought-provoking take on race and culture will have everyone questioning the meaning behind the phrase “based on a true story.” Read our review.
- When:
- Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
- Sunday, 2 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
- Where: Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
VOS Presents: Mamma Mia!
ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her father on the eve of her wedding! A daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island they last visited 20 years ago.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show!
- When:
- Saturday, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
19th Annual Oak Bay Light Up
Join the businesses of Oak Bay Village to kick off the Christmas season at the 19th annual Oak Bay Light Up! Family fun begins at 2 PM with crafts, activities, food and entertainment.
Starting at 5 p.m., thousands of lights will illuminate the streets of Oak Bay Village.
- When: Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Oak Bay Village (Oak Bay Avenue)
Free Skate at Panorama Recreation
Bring your family and friends and enjoy a FREE skate sponsored by Peninsula Co-op. Skate rentals are included.
- When: Sunday, from 1 p.m to 2:20 p.m.
- Where: Panorama Recreation, 1885 Forest Park Drive
Merry & Bright – An Intrepid Theatre Fundraiser
Head to the Atrium for Merry & Bright, featuring an incredible array of silent auction items – from tickets to the best arts events in BC, to one-of-a-kind packages, to incredible experiences – and a live auction hosted by the amazing Alison Ross of Alison Ross Appraisals.
This annual event raises funds for our festivals and programs and is a great way to kick off the holiday season and support Intrepid, plus a tasting hour, canapes, and live entertainment.
- When: Sunday, 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Intrepid Theatre, 1609 Blanshard St # 2
MRG presents Serena Ryder at Royal Theatre
What better way to kick-off the holiday season than a concert by one of Canada’s most famed musicians?
As a part of her ‘Christmas Kisses’ Tour, Canadian performer and six-time Juno award winner Serena Ryder will be taking the stage at Victoria’s own Royal Theatre for a single show – and it promises to be one to remember!
- When: Sunday, November 24th – 7 p.m.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- Tickets: Start at $29.50 and available online