We’ve officially arrived at the weekend, Victoria!
If you’ve got some time off and are itching to fill your days with wonder and magic, then we’ve got the perfect list of fun-filled events for you.
Continue immersing yourself in holiday cheer as more and more craft markets are popping up, as well as Hillside’s beloved annual Night of Lights and Uptown’s light up celebration!
Other highlighted activities include karaoke at Friends of Dorothy, Manic Focus at Capital Ballroom, a special Victoria Grizzlies game and much more.
Without further delay, here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—November 23rd and 24th:
Check out a Holiday Market
The festive season is officially in full swing, and the buzz around Christmas markets, craft nights, unique gift ideas, cozy holiday drinks, and more is all over social media. We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to dive into the holiday fun.
If you haven’t already heard, there are tons of amazing markets happening around Victoria, featuring everything from artisanal goods and homemade treats to beautiful local art and much more.
We get it, though—keeping track of them all can be tricky. Which market was where again? How much does it cost to get in?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a handy guide to some of the best holiday markets in and around Victoria.
Full article: 18 holiday markets in and around Victoria for all of your shopping needs
Off the Eaten Track
Get ready to indulge in the spirit of the season with Off The Eaten Track’s popular Cozy Christmas Food Tour, which kicked off November 21st!
This festive 2-hour walking tour promises to be a delightful journey through downtown Victoria, featuring seven delicious stops and an array of holiday-inspired treats.
The Cozy Christmas Food Tour runs from November 21st to December 31st, every Wednesday to Sunday, with two daily time slots: 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tickets must be booked in advance, and are priced at $80 for adults and $70 for youth (18 and under) and seniors (65+), and include all food, beverages, and exclusive discounts at local businesses.
- Where: The tour kicks off at the Off The Eaten Track gift shop in the Steamship Terminal Building
- When: Kicked of November 21st and runs until December 31st, every Wednesday to Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
16th Annual Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase
As of Friday, November 22nd, the 16th annual Gingerbread Showcase is open to the public, promising a delightful blend of family fun, creativity, and community spirit.
Presented by Habitat for Humanity Victoria, in partnership with Peninsula Co-op, and hosted by the Hotel Grand Pacific, this beloved event is back and awaits your curious eyes!
This year’s theme is “Through a Child’s Eyes,” which is bound to bring out the best in our local bakers and give everyone a peek into the minds of the artists.
Admission to the showcase is free, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation when voting for their favorite gingerbread house.
All proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity’s mission of providing affordable housing in the community.
- Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
- When: Kicked off on Friday November 22nd and runs until January 5th, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Les Misérables School Edition
Triple Threat Performing Arts Society, a youth theatre program, are thrilled to present Les Misérables School Edition, showcasing the incredible talents of local young performers.
It kicked off on Thursday, November 21st and runs until Sunday, November 24th at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre.
This adaptation is promised to be a heart-stirring showcase of passion, artistry and energy as the performers put their own power into this iconic musical.
Tickets are just under $24 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, 2121 Cadboro Bay Road
- When: Kicked off on Thursday, November 21st and runs until Sunday, November 24th at 7 p.m.
Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees has been a beloved holiday tradition on Vancouver Island for over 30 years, celebrating community support for BC Children’s Hospital with beautifully decorated trees.
This year’s event will feature up to 100 sponsored trees, and they’ll remain on display from November 15th to January 5th.
The Bay Centre invites the community to enjoy the display, vote for their favorite trees, and help raise vital funds for BC’s children!
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Kicked off on Friday, November 15th and runs until January 5th
Uptown Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Show
Kicking off at 5 p.m. this Saturday, Uptown will host their holiday show and events along the Boulevard such as cookie decorating, balloon twisting, a bouncy castle, market vendors, holiday photo moments, and cultural winter crafts for children.
The much-anticipated event will run from 5 p.m to 8 p.m., with the magical tree light-up countdown to begin at 6:45 p.m, where Santa will light the 54 foot tree for all to see!
Families are welcome to arrive early to get a good spot by the stage, get a warm beverage or a snack, and check out the lineup of talented performers on the main stage.
There’s no admission charge for this event!
- Where: Uptown Shopping Centre, 3440 Saanich Road
- When: Saturday, November 23rd
- Holiday show starts at 5 p.m.
- Christmas tree will be lit at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Victoria Grizzlies vs. West Kelowna Warriors
Don’t miss out on a special game night between the Victoria Grizzlies and West Kelowna Warriors at The Q Centre!
This Saturday is the annual Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night, and the Grizzlies will be repping beautiful custom jerseys for the occasion.
They’ll be auctioned online after the game, and the proceeds will go towards supporting the Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).
Tickets are $18 for a general adult and can be purchased here.
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- Where: The Q Centre, 1767 Island Highway
- When: Saturday, November 23rd at 6 p.m.
Manic Focus at Capital Ballroom
Capital Ballroom is thrilled to present Manic Focus with special guests Mt Doyle and BB Stepz.
Manic Focus is described as an artist of many talents, both in magic and as an electronic artist with vibrant, genre-defying music.
Tickets are $24.50 and can be purchased here.
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- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, November 23rd at 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 9 p.m.)
Hillside Centre’s Night of Lights
Hillside Centre’s beloved Night of Lights returns on Sunday, November 24th, offering an unforgettable evening of shopping, entertainment, and giving back.
The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with tickets available for just $5.
The best part? 100% of ticket proceeds go to local charities.
Tickets purchased at Hillside Guest Services will benefit the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, while 55+ non-profit organizations and community associations are also selling tickets in the community supporting their causes.
Tickets can be purchased from Hillside Centre Guest Services or from the list of non-profits here.
- Where: Hillside Centre, 1644 Hillside Avenue
- When: Sunday, November 24th – 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Karaoke at Friends of Dorothy
Sunday night karaoke at Friends of Dorothy is the perfect opportunity to let out your inner diva and give your vocals the time to shine!
They have plenty of bops to pick from, so you’ll have no troubles finding a favourite you know you can crush.
Gather your pals and get jamming!
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, November 24th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday Blues Services
Formerly at Hermann’s Upstairs, the Deb Rhymer Band’s Sunday Services are now hosted at Wicket Hall!
Join them every Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and bring your instrument if you feel like joining in and playing with the band.
$5 for cover and jammers get in for free.
- Where: Wicket Hall (under the Sticky Wicket), 919 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, November 24th from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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