Rockin’ around, the Christmas season, having a happy holiday!
This is it, Victoria…the last weekend before Christmas is officially upon us, and the anticipation couldn’t be higher.
This weekend will be the perfect opportunity to get any last minute shopping done at our selection of local hotspots, as well as pick up a last minute Christmas tree if you’re still on the hunt!
While you’re out and about, consider attending the famous Teddy Bear Toss Royals Game, attend a Holiday Soul Party at Hermann’s Jazz Club, wander through the Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square, and much more.
Here’s 16 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, December 16th and 17th:
Shop Local
We all have that one person that never provides a list of what they want for Christmas, and instead you’re left aimlessly guessing.
Well, to save you the hassle, we’ve put together a list of some different local gift ideas to give meaning and charm to your gift buying!
The list has been split up into three sections: local stores, local authors, and local restaurants for you to check out!
Anything from gift card musts to specific items are included, and at the very least, you’ll find somewhere to start looking!
Full article: Here’s a list of unique and local gifts you can get your loved ones in and around Victoria
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation: Festival of Trees
Have you been to the Bay Centre recently?
The entire building has been decked out with over 70 beautifully decorated trees for their annual Festival of Trees with the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation!
They’re all lined up and beautifully decorated for the community to vote on and enjoy throughout the holiday season until January 3rd.
While you wander the Festival of Trees, don’t forget to vote for your favourites and leave a donation if you can.
Any donations that you’re able to make will be going towards a child in need!
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street (2nd and 3rd floor)
- When: Anytime this weekend during mall hours!
Drop off a toy at Natural Hair Salon
The Natural Hair Salon has partnered with Santas Anonymous for this holiday season and they’re hoping to get as many people involved as possible!
If you’re planning on visiting the salon anytime between now and December 22nd, bring a toy for kids in need.
Some gift ideas include Play-Doh, magnets, pencils, crayons, and coloring books!
- Where: Two locations, one at 616 View Street, the other at 313 Cook Street #3
- When: Anytime during salon hours until December 22nd
Lights of Wonder
Brightening up Centennial Square for the month of December is the Lights of Wonder, put on by the Downtown Victoria Business Association!
Wander through the impressive light displays, including a 40 foot tree, four interactive light tunnels, and themed light exhibits.
It’s free to attend and is perfect for all ages!
Grab your friends and family and enjoy the spectacular lights and entertainment from performances such as the UVic Vocal Jazz Combo from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where: 1 Centennial Square
- When: Officially lit up on Friday, December 1st and will glow until December 31st
Christmas Tree Sale
The James Bay Athletics Association (JBAA) is hosting their last weekend of Christmas tree sales and they have around 40 trees still up for grabs!
Their priced at $50 and the proceeds go towards continuing athletics programs for community members.
Go early if you can, they’ll go fast!
- Where: JBAA, 205 Simcoe Street
- When: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th at 10 a.m.
Abkhazi Garden Festive Weekend Market
Starting on Saturday, December 2nd and running until December 24th, Abkhazi Gardens will be hosting a festive market on weekends!
They’ll be selling items such as festive planters, decorative table centres, culinary wreaths, bonsai kits, flower presses, and much more.
All of the sales will go towards preserving the garden’s legacy in honour of Peggy and Nicolas Abkhazi’s memory.
- Where: Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road
- When: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a Festive Cocktail at the Fairmont Empress
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas sip, the Fairmont Empress has carefully crafted a holiday cocktail menu!
Pass through their Q Bar and treat yourself to a comforting twist on the classic Polar Bear beverage with toasted marshmallow and peppermint schnaps.
Perhaps you’re feeling a refreshing zip of Christmas with their Naughty and Nice cocktail with a gorgeous cranberry finish and rosemary garnish.
Whatever you choose, you’ll dip right into the holiday season!
- Where: Q Bar at the Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
- When: Anytime this weekend during Q Bar hours
- Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Punk Holiday Market
After a successful first year, the Punk Holiday Market is back for their second year, and they’re expanding!
There will be over 40 different vendors and a rocking band to rattle the floors starting at 8 p.m. Invited back to the stage are the Angry Snowmans with openers SHE, Sandinista, and Adicted.
Come and mingle with your friends before the holidays, rock out, and shop from a fabulous group of makers to round out your holiday gift giving!
General admission is $5 at the door and kids 12 and under get in for free. A portion of market admission will be donated to the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association!
Tickets for the bands have yet to be released, but stay tuned to the event page for full details.
- Where: Da Vinci Event Centre, 195 Bay Street
- When: Saturday, December 16th from 11 a.m. to 11:55 p.m.
Holiday Soul Party
Hermann’s Jazz Club invites you to join them for their Holiday Soul Party with Shanna Dance and Jonnie Bridgman!
They promise a show unlike any other—putting new twists on holiday favourites that will keep you on your toes all night long.
From traditional New Orleans hits to Smooth Retro Soul, Motown, Blues, and much more!
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or in person.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Saturday, December 16th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Victoria Royals vs. Tri-City Americans: Teddy Bear Toss
Not only will this be an exciting night of hockey against the Tri-City Americans, Saturday’s game will also feature the famous annual Teddy Bear Toss event!
The Teddy Bear Toss encourages hockey fans in attendance to bring new or gently used stuffed toys to toss on the ice.
All the plush stuffed animals will be cleaned, dried, and delivered to several local charities working hard to spread Christmas cheer to those in need.
Ticket prices depend on seat selection, and you can select your seats and purchase them here.
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre
- When: Saturday, December 16th at 6:05 p.m.
Langford Station’s Winter Market
Langford Station invites everyone to discover a winter wonderland of unique gifts, artisan treasures, and plenty of treats to go around this Saturday!
Additionally, there will be carolers, ice carving, workshops, and much more waiting for you.
They promise a magical experience and the solution to all of your shopping needs!
- Where: Langford Station, 2835 Aldwynd Road
- When: Saturday, December 16th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Beer For a Good Cause
Spend a weekend afternoon or evening with some friends at Vancouver Island Brewing!
In an ultimate collaboration between Vancouver Island Brewing, the Victoria Royals, and Mount Washington Alpine resort, the trio of companies are thrilled to present a new beer called the “Wild Marmot Dunkel”—a Munich Style Dark Lager.
Proceeds from the sold beer will be directly benefiting the Marmot Recovery Foundation, whose aim is to recover the wild population of Vancouver Island Marmots through a variety of rescue, release, and monitoring objectives.
So, you’ll get an exclusive beer and the money will go towards a great cause—what’s not to love?
- Where: Vancouver Island Brewing, 2330 Government Street
- When: Saturday, December 16th from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Esquimalt Parks and Recreation
Santa is going to be popping into the Recreation Centre in Esquimalt on December 16th for all of your traditional Santa photo needs!
Make sure to bring your own camera or smartphone—you can either take it yourself or ask one of their friendly staff members to take it for you.
Registration and fees are not required, but they are accepting donations to the Rainbow Kitchen.
- Where: Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street, Esquimalt
- When: Saturday, December 16th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Lessons and Carols for Christmas
On Sunday, December 17th from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Christ Church Cathedral is offering a Lessons and Carols for Christmas event, which has become a seasonal staple!
Every year the cathedral is packed full of people ready to sing traditional carols led by the cathedral’s choir and organ.
This year, the service includes a new carol by BC composer Tobin Stokes and, as always, is free for the public to attend.
- Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue
- When: Sunday, December 17th from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Last Minute Market
Phillips Brewing is trying something new this year and invites you to check out their Last Minute Market!
They’ll be hosting over 20 different local vendors in their Showcase Gallery from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
After you’re finished up some shopping, head to their Tasting Room for a peek at some local talent—Ben Lamb-Yorkski performing an acoustic set from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Where: Phillips Brewing & Malting Co., 2000 Government Street
- When: Sunday, December 17th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bastion Square Holiday Market
The annual Bastion Square Holiday Market Series has become a community favourite and is perfect for downtown wandering!
They’ll have a wide variety of handmade gifts from creators and artists for you to check out, as well as some live music to enjoy between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Find something special for a loved one or for yourself!
- Where: Bastion Square, 26 Bastion Square
- When: Sunday, December 17th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
