It’s going to be another busy weekend for Victoria!
The sun is expected to be shining, there’s plenty of music, entertainment, and holiday activities, and we’re leaving work behind—what more could you ask for?
Check out a few of the many holiday craft markets taking place, attend the famous Santa Claus Parade, dive into the creative genius of six talented tattoo artists in Victoria, and much more.
No excuses for boredom this weekend!
Without further delay, here’s 16 things to do this weekend—November 25th and 26th:
Out of Hand Modern Market
The 34th annual Out of Hand Modern Market is upon us!
Every year they offer a highly curated selection of beautiful goods made by hand by over 120 of Western Canada’s most accomplished and talented artists and makers.
This year, it kicked off on Friday, November 24th and will run until Sunday, November 26th at the Crystal Gardens in downtown Victoria.
General admission is $10 for anyone 13 or older and you can use it at any point during the three day event—however, it’s only good for one entry, but you can upgrade to a weekend pass for an extra charge as you depart the event.
VIP ticket packages are also being offered, which gives you front-of-the-line entrance during the event.
- Where: Crystal Gardens, 713 Douglas Street
- When: Kicked off on Friday, November 24th and runs until Sunday, November 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tender Touch: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) is proud to present their newest exhibition Tender Touch, which presents an examination of tattooing as an art practice.
The opening day event is on Saturday, November 25th at 10 a.m. and will give audiences the chance to watch two of the six featured tattoo artists practice their work within the gallery space.
Not only that, but each art piece featured within the exhibition is exclusively created, designed, and displayed for this specific occasion and is meant to challenge tattoo stigma and explore what it means to create a safe tattooing space.
The two of the six chosen artists that will be tattooing within the gallery on opening day are Simran Dhaliwal with their tattooing pen and Mina Malahah Raposo, who will be tattooing using the hand poking technique.
They will be tattooing pre-selected individuals starting at 11 a.m. and running until 4 p.m.
- Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
- When:
- Opening Day: Saturday, November 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tattoo artists onsite from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tender Touch runs from November 25th to May 4th
- Opening Day: Saturday, November 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Cecilia’s Day Christmas Market
Presented by the Christ Church Cathedral and the Greater Victoria Festival Society, St. Cecilia’s Day Christmas Market will feature a mix of performances and local vendors and will take place between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 25th.
The prepared musical entertainment will beautifully echo throughout the church while you shop for unique gifts—from the thundering pipe organ to soulful vocal stylings to a roomful of accordions, there will be something for everyone.
Plus, indulge in the food trucks that will be available onsite as well, offering a mix of favourite foods and treats.
You may even see St. Nicholas himself wandering around!
- Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
41st Annual Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade
This year marks the 41st annual Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade—so, slap on your toque and mitts and get downtown to witness the glory of all of the lights and decorations featured on over 60 floats!
The route begins at Belleville and Government Street and the parade is scheduled to start at 5:20 p.m.
Get there early to grab a seat, eat at one of their on-site food trucks, or pop into one of the many incredible local restaurants in the area while you wait!
The floats will move north along Government, east on Humboldt, and then north on Douglas, where it will end at Fisgard.
- Where:
- Parade: Starts at Belleville and Government Street and ends at Fisgard
- Santa and Mrs. Claus photos: Hudson Holiday Plaza (Victoria Public Market), 1701 Douglas Street #6
- When:
- Parade: Saturday, November 25th at 5:20 p.m.
- Santa and Mrs. Claus photos: following the parade until 8 p.m.
299 Queen Street West Documentary Victoria Premiere
Join the Royal Theatre for the Victoria Premiere of documentary 299 Queen Street West!
With unprecedented access to the MuchMusic archives, 299 Queen Street West tells the story of a scrappy television upstart from the perspective of the VJ’s.
As described, the hosts had had no prior TV hosting experience, were given no scripts, no direction and went live to air across the country.
The show will be followed by an Intimate & Interactive with iconic MuchMusic VJ’s.
Tickets start at $34.75 and you can purchase them here.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When: Saturday, November 25th at 7:30 p.m.
Winter Market in Vic West
The perfect holiday stop for you and your family!
The Winter Market is hosted by the Victoria West Community Association and will feature goods from local artisans and offers the perfect opportunity for you to pick out Christmas gifts for your loved ones!
There is no admission fee to come into the market.
- Where: 521 Craigflower Road
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Vintage Fair
Shop all things vintage at the Holiday Vintage Fair at The Retro Lounge!
Vendors will include Carlys Collectables, Brightside Vintage, Cuffburn Customs, Little Copper Wolf, Lady Stardust Handbags, and a lot more.
General admission is $2 and kids under 12 are free.
- Where: View Royal Community Hall, 279 Island Highway
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Solid Gold: Tight Hair Afterparty
Looking for a night of letting loose and dancing away?
Hermann’s Upstairs is hosting an afterparty for the sold out Tight Hair event—so, if you already have a ticket to that, you don’t have to pay the entrance fee!
If you don’t have a ticket to Tight Hair, the DJ infused, bass bumping afterparty is only $5 at the door and will run until 2 a.m.
Partygoers can expect an extended three hour set of Disco, House, Breaks, Electro, Techno and UK Garage/Bassline House!
- Where: Hermann’s Upstairs, 753 View Street 2nd Floor
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
VIDEA’s Winter Fair
Support the incredibly talented Indigenous community and join fellow VIDEA Winter Fair fans at the Fernwood Community Centre for a look at all of the unique creations!
Fantastic finds include Fair Trade and Indigenous goods, food from The International Women’s Catering Co-op, tea and coffee, crafts, and more.
Admission is by donation and you can RSVP here to let them know you’re coming!
- Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Handmade Village Craft Market
Hosted at the North Douglas Church, this market will feature 50 stellar local vendors!
Included amongst the goodies will be art, clothing, baked goods, jewelry, candles, bath and body skincare, upcycled items, wood art, kids and baby apparel, and much more.
There will be a food truck and a coffee truck on site!
Admission is free but they will be accepting either cash donations or canned food items for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
- Where: North Douglas Church, 675 Jolly Place
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday Market and Silent Auction
The Cook Street Village Activity Centre is putting together a special holiday market and silent auction on Saturday, November 5th for your enjoyment!
Over 30 different vendors in three different rooms and plenty of amazing auction items for you to get your hands on.
Winners of the items will be announced the Monday following the event.
To reserve your table, call 250-384-6542.
- Where: Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 380 Cook Street
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oaklands West Coast Winter Market
The Oaklands West Coast Winter Market is beloved by the community and is back for another incredible year of craft goods.
As always, you will wander the exceptionally curated vendors with fresh produce, prepared foods, art, crafts, services and more!
Bring the family and your friends for some great food, music, and good vibes.
Entry is by donation with a minimum donation requirement of $5 for adults.
- Where: Oaklands Community Centre, #1-2827 Belmont Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Family Fun Day
The Braefoot Community Association and School District 61 has rescheduled their highly anticipated Family Fun Day for this Sunday!
This year marks the 13th event and will feature a multitude of activities and games—including a bouncy castle, face painting, and more.
RSVP here and be entered in a draw for the chance to win a free week at summer camp!
- Where: Braefoot Elementary School, 1440 Harrop Road
- When: Sunday, November 25th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
EFM Annual Holiday Market
The Esquimalt Farmers Market is legendary and so is their annual holiday market!
Bring your family and friends and browse their collection of local gifts and stocking stuffers that will be sure to make any recipient smile.
There will also be some of your favourite food trucks and live music throughout the day!
- Where: 527 Fraser Street, Esquimalt
- When: Sunday, November 26th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Don Leppard Big Band
Come to Hermann’s Jazz Club for a night of swinging tunes and good vibes!
Victoria’s 17-piece Don Leppard Big Band plays everything from Count Basie and Duke Ellington classics to contemporary jazz arrangements.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in person or online.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Sunday, November 26th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Oak Bay Light Up
Join the Oak Bay Village for an afternoon of family fun, including a variety of crafts, a letter-sending station to Santa Claus, street hockey, and plenty of food for everyone’s preferences!
Food trucks in attendance include Greek on the Street, Tamales by Don Carlos, Kattia’s Kitchen, and Wilkie Wonka Candy Factory.
Oak Bay Village restaurants will also be open for dining and take out.
Live music will begin at 3 p.m. and the official light up is at 5 p.m.!
- Where: Oak Bay Avenue, 2201 Oak Bay Avenue
- When: Sunday, November 26th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
