Thursday, March 28, 2024

14 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, January 4th – 5th

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This weekend’s “Things to Do” is about travelling — whether it’s musicians from afar, a benefit for refugees, or the story of a man raising money by walking from one end of the country to the other, it’s the season of keeping moving.

Why not keep yourself moving and check out one of these 14 exciting things happening this weekend in Victoria?

CFAX Santa’s Anonymous

On Saturday January 4th, CFAX Santas Anonymous will be at Centennial Square giving away glow sticks while supplies last and collecting new and gently used coats! 

Help support this beloved charity that has been at the forefront of helping people in Victoria for over 40 years. 

  • When: Saturday, January 4th
  • Where: Centennial Square, 1 Centennial Square

Heart Strings – Refugees for Refugees Benefit Concert

Start 2020 on a high note with an afternoon of philanthropy and music. The featured artists — Sari Alesh and his band, plus another guitar trio — are Syrian refugees recently settled in Victoria B.C. 

They will offer an afternoon of music to support newly sponsored single mom family of six. The proceeds from the concert will support both the family and the musicians.

  • When: Sunday, January 5th, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, MacLaurin Building, UVic, 3400 Finnerty Road

The Great Walk About — The Finish Line

After leaving from Shubie Park in Nova Scotia on March 1st, Jeff Laybolt has hiked over 9000 km across Canada to raise money for Diabetes research. Now it’s finally time to cross the finish line on January 4th at the end of Clover Point Park! 

Having raised over his initial goal of $10,000, Jeff is now aiming for $15,000 by the time he reaches Clover Point Park. He’ll also be hosting a meet and greet at The Parkside Hotel & Spa in the James Bay room. Come celebrate this incredible feat, all done for a good cause.

  • When: 
    • Finish Line: Saturday January 4th, 9:30 a.m.
    • Meet and Greet: Saturday, January 4th, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Where: 
    • Finish Line: Clover Point Park, 1250 Dallas Road
    • Meet and Greet: The Parkside Hotel & Spa, James Bay room, 810 Humboldt Street

All Together Now — John Mann Tribute Night

Ever wanted to join a choir but couldn’t find the time for a long-term commitment? This is the event for you. 

All Together Now is a drop-in choir night with Marc Jenkins, director of Victoria’s The Choir and The Chorus. NO experience necessary, NO music reading required, and all are welcome – the venue is fully accessible and all-ages.

On January 5th, attendees will learn Home For A Rest, a Spirit of the West song, in memory of John Mann, who recently passed away after a battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. All proceeds from the evening go to Victoria’s Voices In Motion Choirs, multigenerational choirs for adults with memory loss, their caregivers, friends, and students.

  • When: Sunday, January 5th, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Baumann Centre, 925 Balmoral Road

Graham Van Pelt, Outback, Crying High

VILA’s first concert of 2020 is a stunning show featuring Toronto’s Graham Van Pelt, and Victoria’s Outback and Crying High. Van Pelt is releasing his first record in four years, and the album is a tangle of friendships and feelings, occupying a space of elegant melancholy.

  • When: Saturday, January 4th, doors at 10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Copper Owl, 1900 Douglas Street

The oneTree 2019 exhibit will feature the work of almost 80 artisans that have all created their work from a single, salvaged Maple tree.

The artwork includes boxes, chairs, tables, and sculptures, all made from the wood of a single tree. 

  • When: December 17th, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., running until February 29th, 2020, 
  • Where: Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature, 470 Belleville Street

Queen’s House Show

Join three of Canada’s finest up-and-coming singer-songwriters for an intimate home show in the heart of Victoria. Cara Bateman (Victoria, BC), Looelle (Victoria, BC), and Belle Tower (Montreal, QC) are queens of their craft, with heart-breaking melodies and musicianship to comfort you in this winter season.

Lights of Wonder 

From December 20 through January 4, Centennial Square will become a visual, playful lightscape. Lights of Wonder is a magical urban oasis where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together and celebrate the season. 

Admission is free, though donations are accepted, so residents and tourists alike can enjoy Lights of Wonder as many times as they like.

  • When: December 20th through January 4th. 
  • Where: Centennial Square, 1 Centennial Square

Lazy Ghost at Logan’s Pub

After their last SOLD OUT show in Victoria a few months back, this Vancouver-based, fan-favourite psychedelic band is jumping on that ferry again and driving it straight onto the stage of Logan’s Pub. 

  • When: Saturday, January 4th, 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
  • Where: Logan’s Pub, 1821 Cook Street

The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens

Some Christmas lights are beginning to come down, but the Butchard Gardens is still sparkling. 

Bundle up and stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display, sing along to the sounds of the season with Traditional Carollers or listen to the Festive Brass, then stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire. The display runs until January 6th, so now’s the time to check it out! 

  • When: Until Monday, January 6th, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Where: The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue

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. 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

Chloé Kim at Christ Church Cathedral

A star is born! Victoria native Chloé Kim, a student at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, is already an emerging star in the firmament of early music. She returns home with a programme of masterpieces by J.S. Bach and his mentor Dieterich Buxtehude.

  • When: Saturday, January 4th, 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Chapel of the New Jerusalem, Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett 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: On now until Sunday, January 5th, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m
  • Where: Atrium of the Parkside Hotel, 810 Humboldt Street

A Taste of Victoria Food Tour

This 2-hour tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes stops at The Gates of Harmonious Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government St., and the Inner Harbour Causeway. Depending on the day, there are between 6-8 tastings along the route, as we discuss the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria, B.C.  

Tastings can include bread, pierogis, meatballs, craft beer, macarons, chocolate, and much more!

  • When: January 2nd, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Where: Starts at the Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street #6

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