The first weekend of December marks the final month of the year and the official start of Christmas season.

Here are 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend

Christmas Craft Beer Show

• What: The Christmas Craft Beer Show provides a taste of the province’s finest winter ales and seasonal brews, and offers some beer appreciation before rum and egg nog takes over the season. Over 40 vendors will be on sites, offering a stupendous selection of local craft beer.
• Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Center, 1925 Blanshard St.
• When: Friday, 5-9pm. Saturday, 1-5pm.
• Cost: $40 for tickets.

Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre

• What: Over 80 local businesses and organizations have rooted their decorated Christmas trees throughout the mall, in a jaw dropping show of holiday spirit. Each one of these trees hopes to win the coveted “People’s Choice” Award, and this is where you step in! All you have to do is cast your vote for your favourite tree with a donation to the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
• Where: The Bay Centre
• When: Nov 16 – Jan 2 – during shopping centre hours
• Cost: Free. Vote by donation!

Touch of Salt Spring

• What: The beginning of December is filled with holiday traditions across Victoria and Vancouver Island, but none quite encapsulates the seasonal Islander spirit quite like the Touch of Saltspring Christmas Craft Show. Full of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and amazing gift ideas for friends and family, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
• Where: Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Drive (North Saanich)
• When: 
  • Friday, December 1st – 10am – 8pm
  • Saturday, December 2nd – 10am – 5pm
  • Sunday, December 3rd – 10am – 5pm
• Cost: $5 for a 3-day pass.

14th Annual SPCA Christmas Bake Sale and Fundraiser

• What: Join us for a fun and friendly bake sale to support shelter animals! This pet and kid friendly event will feature Santa photos by donation, baking pets and people, face painting, superb raffle baskets, a silent auction, and pet supplies for sale. All money raised supports shelter animals in Victoria!
• Where: BC SPCA Victoria, 3150 Napier Lane.
• When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 3pm.
• Cost: Free

What a Piece of Work: The last 50 years

• What: Join us for a very special exhibition celebrating 50 years of art-making at Xchanges! “What a Piece of Work: The Last 50 Years” considers the events of the last half century (1967-2017) that have shaped our present day world. The theme becomes a play on words — interpretation is left up to the artist and the viewer as we highlight our own artworks and the world that has shaped us and our art. The Friday night opening brings together the entire Xchanges creative community, and many artists will be in attendance.
• Where: Xchanges Gallery and Studio, 2333 Government suite 6E.
• When: 
  • Show opening: Friday, 7pm – 9pm.
  • Studio open house: Saturday, 12pm – 4pm.
  • Exhibition continues: Sunday, 12pm – 4pm.
• Cost: Free

Cortez Island Artists visit Victoria!

• What: Here’s your chance to take in high quality Cortez Island art all in one room! Along with snack, refreshments, and a cozy atmosphere, visitors can take in cedar creations, paintings and prints, felted gifts, ceramics, jewelry, and soaps.
• Where: Haultain Corners, 1508 Haultain St.
• When: 
  • Opening Night Party: Friday, 7:30pm – 9:30pm.
  • Exhibit continues: Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 4pm.
• Cost: Free

Peninsula Panthers vs Saanich Braves

• What: Check out the youngsters playing in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. The South Division is an incredibly tight race, with positions 2nd-5th being separated by just 5 points. A crucial two points will be on the line as the Panthers (23 points) take on the Braves (21 points).
• Where: Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Rd.
• When: Puck drop is 6:30pm
• Cost: $9.00

19th Annual Truck parade

• What: Don’t miss out on this display of brightly lit trucks planned by the Island Equipment Owners Association, as they carry your food donations to local food banks. This annual event has become a holiday staple for many Victorians, and will feature 80 decorated trucks traversing a 35 kilometre route for all to see. Can’t make it? Victoria Buzz will be live streaming the convoy on our Facebook page.
• Where: The trucks will weave their way around Greater Victoria. Click here for map.
  
• When: 5:45 – 8:30pm
• Cost: Free

Ogden Point Christmas Light Up

• What: Join the community at Ogden Point for the Christmas Light Up! Santa will arrive by tugboat, live music will tickle the ear drums, and The Kraken Food truck will be serving warm food as well as beer and wine. At 5:45, the Truck Parade will begin its 35km journey.
• Where: Ogden Point
• When: 3pm – 5:30pm.
• Cost: Free

Oaklands West Coast Winter Market

• What: Have a friend or family member that appreciates unique local arts and crafts? With over 50 vendors, delicious food trucks, and the sweet serenade of local live music, you won’t want to miss this. Centrally located at the Oakland Community Centre and Oaklands Elementary Gym, it’s easy to support the quality products our local artisans have to offer.
• Where: Oaklands Community Centre and Oaklands Elementary School gym
• When: 10am – 2pm.
• Cost: By donation, $3 minimum.

Saanichton Village Christmas

• What: Join the Saanichton community with a pancake breakfast/pictures with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, decorating gingerbread cookies, live music, and a winter market all in support of a great community and the Sidney Lions Food Bank! Bring a food or cash donation to the Sidney Lions Food Bank and walk around the Saanichton Village with your new and improved “Find the Tally-Ho Horses” Christmas tree map and take in the spirit of the season!
• Where: Saanichton Village (Fresh Cup Coffee, St. Mary’s Church)
• When: 9am – 1pm.
• Cost: Free!

Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade

• What: Missed last weekend’s Santa’s Light Parade? No worries, you’ve got another chance to get Christmassy this weekend in Sidney! Once the parade completes its route, people are encouraged to move to Beacon and Bevan wharves and the Sidney waterfront around Beacon Park. From there, they will be able to witness the Lighted Boat Parade, which starts at least 15 minutes after the Santa Claus parade.
• Where: Beacon Avenue in Sidney.
• When: 5pm march!
• Cost: Free