It’s going to be another busy weekend for Victoria!
Despite the forecast’s call for rain, there’s plenty of music, entertainment, and holiday activities to keep you jolly and entertained.
Plus we’ve concluded another work week—what more could you ask for?
Check out a few of the many holiday craft markets taking place, check out the Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre, listen to 100 tubas play together, and much more!
No excuses for boredom this weekend!
Without further delay, here’s 16 things to do this weekend—December 9th and 10th:
ReLove Market
Who doesn’t love a good vintage shop?
The ReLove Market is an empowering fashion & lifestyle community dedicated to personal expression and environmental sustainability!
Join them for a weekend of shopping from the finest selection of vintage and secondhand clothing and find your new look.
- Where: 1205 Blanshard Street
- When: Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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!
Small Works Art Show
Join the Emily Carr House in celebrating Carr’s 152nd birthday with a Small Works Art Show!
Wander the house and marvel at the life Carr must have lived and immerse yourself in her creative mind as you view the variety of pieces.
There will be refreshments available as well—help yourself!
- Where: Carr House National Historic Site, 207 Government Street
- When: Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair
The second installment in the JLee Creations’ Christmas Craft Fair at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney and it runs for three days!
Between Friday, December 8th and Sunday, December 10th, you and your fellow attendees will get a final look at what’s being offered this year—including loads of stunning jewelry, art, cards, candles, and so much more.
All of the artisans present have put their heart and soul into each piece, so it’s a guaranteed special gift for your special someone!
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
- When:
- Saturday, December 9th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.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 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
45th Annual Tuba Christmas
No one can deny the power and beauty behind the mighty tuba instrument—now imagine what experiencing 100 playing at once must be like!
Market Square is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved 45th annual Tuba Christmas event taking place this Saturday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., conducted by Scott MacInnes.
Audiences can expect to witness the harmonious and charming thunder of over 100 tuba and euphonium players from across the region playing favourite holiday classics and winter songs.
Donations will be accepted for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, a charity that assists the people most in need in the Greater-Victoria community.
- Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Rockslide Gallery Holiday Market
Join Rockslide Studio & Gallery for their annual holiday market this Saturday!
There will be over 60 booths set up—shop around for loved ones while also supporting local artisans and creators.
Entrance fee is by donation, their suggested amount is $5.
- Where: Rockslide Gallery, 764 Fairfield Road
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Centre of the Universe Pancake Breakfast
The Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (FDAO) is a excited to host a holiday themed pancake breakfast in support of their Annual Appeal on Saturday!
The FDAO is a volunteer-led organization with a mission to promote scientific literary and this pancake breakfast serves as a fundraiser for educational outreach in the community.
Tickets are $15 and it will include a buffet-style pancake breakfast, including waffles along with pancakes, all of the toppings you may need, fruit, and refreshments such as coffee, tea, and juice.
Santa may also make an appearance!
- Where: 5071 West Saanich Road
- When: Saturday, December 9th at 9 a.m. (last meal served at 11:30 a.m.)
Noël Franco Market
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in French at the Noël Franco holiday market!
Explore 16 different charming kiosks run by local and French-speaking traders with unique treasures—there’s plenty of perfect little gifts and trinkets for you to place under the tree!
Don’t forget to indulge in a delicious sweet breakfast and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by checking out Santa’s workshop, where kids leave with a little surprise and a memorable photo with Santa.
There will also be a musical performance by French-speaking choir, “Les Décibels.”
Entry is free!
- Where: 637 Head Street
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Drag Brunch at The Hallway
Join iconic host Peaches N Screams for this epic and dangerously sexy drag brunch at The Hallway this Saturday!
Sharing the stage with Peaches will be Badshah and Boy Gorgeous—both here to make your darkest desires come true.
Who thought brunch could be this enticing?—we’re in!
Entrance is $15 or on a sliding scale at the door.
- Where: The Hallway, 1724 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 12:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sips & Sounds Winter Edition
The Saanich Fairgrounds will be absolutely packed with local beer, cider, wine, and spirit booths for your tasting!
There will also be plenty of live music, Santa photo opportunities, and more.
Tickets are just over $30 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road
- When: Saturday, December 9th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Greater Victoria Concert Band
Head over to the Tillicum Centre for another year of favourite holiday hits presented by the Greater Victoria Concert Band!
The concert will be located in the upper level in the old jean warehouse location.
This event is family friendly and free to attend!
- Where: Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Road
- When: Sunday, December 10th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is offering exclusive breakfasts with Santa throughout December!
Catch the next one on Sunday, December 10th—it includes a delicious buffet-style brunch, cookie decorating, a visit from Santa, as well as photo opportunities with Santa too.
Tickets for adults are $99 per guest, children ages 4 to 12 are $59, and kids 3 and under are free.
They require two to six guests per table in order to make a reservation, and the reservations are pre-paid and booked online, here.
- Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Drive
- When: Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Holiday Market at The Hub
Up for a quick holiday road trip?
The Hub at Cowichan Station in Duncan is hosting a holiday market!
There will be loads of vendors, food, and perhaps a visit from one very jolly individual.
- Where: The Hub at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan
- When: Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Crew Holiday Craft Fair
Get ready for some wicked finds for a good cause!
It’s great to shop, but it’s even better when it’s going towards something that will help others.
Admission is $2 and all proceeds go towards youth initiative CREW pre-Employment and Lifeskills Program!
- Where: Quadra Village Community Centre, 901 Kings Road
- When: Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Big Band’s annual Christmas Charity Fundraiser
Victoria’s longest running Jazz Orchestra is excited to present the Island Big Band’s annual Christmas Charity Fundraiser for the Salvation Army and The Mustard Seed Foodbank—they’ll be playing all your Christmas favourites.
This show sells out every year and 100% of the ticket proceeds go towards the organizations listed above!
Tickets are $20 and you can purchase them online or at the door as long as tickets remain.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Sunday, December 10th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
