13 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—December 21st and 22nd

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It’s the last weekend before Christmas, Victoria!

Who’s counting down with us? Get done any last-minute holiday shopping, kiss under the mistletoe, attend some live events and more.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a December weekend wrap-up without the festive events, so get down to one of the holiday markets, check out Lights of Wonder, ogle the Gingerbread Showcase and more!



Without further ado, here’s 13 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—December 21st and 22nd:

Christmas Lights Map

Welcome to the 11th annual Victoria Buzz Christmas Lights Tour Map!

Grab your hot chocolates, gather the family, and hop in the car for a festive adventure! Tune in to 98.5 The Ocean for non-stop Christmas music as you embark on a magical holiday lights tour.

With countless dazzling displays across the capital region, we’ve handpicked some of the most breathtaking spots to help you enjoy the season’s sparkle. From shimmering lights to jaw-dropping holiday creations, this guide will take you on a journey sure to fill you with cheer.

To view the map, view the full article here.

(File photo)

 LEGO Exhibit at the Sidney Museum

The Sidney Museum has officially welcomed back their famous LEGO exhibit for its 19th year, running from December 20th to March 30th, 2025.

Not only will they return with their usual creative and innovative LEGO splendour, but they’ll be introducing a new feature this year too!

Get ready for the launch of the “Community Creations” display, which includes the LEGO creations of different community members.

Admission to this marvelous exhibit is by donation!

(Sidney Museum LEGO exhibit)
  • Where: Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Avenue in the lower level of the Old Post Office building
  • When: Runs from December 20th to March 30th, 2025—open during museum hours

Live Outdoor Nativity Pageant

Join the crew at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a special live showing of their outdoor Christmas Nativity Pageant!

As it’s outside, ensure you are prepared with adequate clothing. Uncovered bleachers and chairs are provided for seating.

This event is free and welcome to all!

(File photo)
  • Where: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 701 Mann Avenue
  • When: Runs from Saturday, December 21st to Monday, December 23rd—showtimes vary

The Abkhazi Garden Festive Market

Support a local gem and visit Abkhazi Garden’s last festive market weekend of the season!

They’ll be selling festive swag, planters, table centre-pieces, birdseed wreaths, birdseed teacups and more.

All of their festive swag will be 50% off, and their birdseed kits for kids will be sold at the reduced price of $10.

Plus, local artist, Duncan Kemp will be selling hand carved wooden bowls and trees.

All proceeds from these sales will be used to maintain the garden and preserve the legacy of Peggy and Nicolas Abkhazi.

  •  Where: Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road
  • When: Saturday, December 21st and Sunday, December 22nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merridale Cidery: Christmas Light Up Display

Merridale Cidery kicked off their magnificent light display on November 15th, and they’ll be shining bright throughout the holiday season!

Take your family and friends and capture dazzling photos under thousands of lights and enjoy the other treats Merridale has to offer.

Santa is also there on Saturday and Sundays, and you can book your time slot with the big man here.

(Merridale Cidery / Instagram)
  • Where: 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill
  • When: Whenever you can this weekend!

Home Alone in Concert

Don’t miss out on the epic screening of Home Alone in concert this weekend, featuring the Victoria Symphony, as they bring renowned composer John William’s work to life.

Showcasing the holiday favourite, the story follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves.

Hilarious and heart-warming, this rendition of Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!

Ticket prices vary by seat selection and can be purchased here.

  •  Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
  • When: Saturday, December 21st and Sunday, December 22nd—showtimes vary

Merry Kissmas

Market Square is hosting a special contest featuring a mistletoe and—you guessed it—a kiss!

Four Frames Photobooth will be set up, and all you have to do is kiss under the mistletoe while you get your photo taken, and you could win a prize back worth $1,000.

You’ll get a digital copy of the photo, and be entered to win a one-night stay at Parkside Hotel, a 60-minute couples massage at The Parkside Spay, as well as four gift cards for $50 to different businesses around Victoria.

 

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A post shared by Market Square (@marketsquarevic)

  •  Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street #39
  • When: Saturday, December 21st from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Hecklers Presents: Dan Duvall

This Saturday, hometown hero Dan Duvall takes the stage!

Dan has been featured at Just For Laughs Vancouver, CBC Gem, and CraveTV, and he’s coming to The Go ge for two shows on December 21st.

The early show is sold out, but tickets are still available for the later show—don’t wait, grab yours today!

  •  Where: Hecklers Bar & Grill, 123 Gorge Road East
  • When: Saturday, December 21st, show starts at 10 p.m.

Tour Ross Bay Villa

Journey back in time at Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum, a volunteer-led museum and restoration project located in Fairfield.

Tours are offered on Saturdays at 2 p.m., where guests will get to enjoy this extraordinary house that’s been restored with care to appear as it did when the Roscoe family lived there.

Admission is $7.50 plus tax per person, and all tours must be booked in advance. All of the funds support the volunteer-based Ross Bay Villa Society, which owns and operates Ross Bay Villa.

Plus, they have a gift shop filled with gently used or handmade items including reproduction Victorian Christmas cards, jewelry, pressed flower bookmarks, lavender wands and many more unique gift ideas for your holiday shopping!

Christmas gift shop items at Ross Bay Villa (Ross Bay Villa)
  • Where: Ross Bay Villa, 1490 Fairfield Road
  • When: Saturday, December 21st starting at 2 p.m.

Punk Holiday Market

The Punk Holiday Market is back for their third year!

There will be over 40 different vendors and a rocking band to rattle the floors starting at 8 p.m.

The evening will feature local bands bringing you that punk holiday goodness. Featuring Toy Tiger (Vancouver) and a heavy hitting list of Victoria’s best: Hung Up, Bug, Concrete Grave and Crosshairs.

Separate tickets for the bands are required and can be purchased here.

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!

  •  Where: Da Vinci Event Centre, 195 Bay Street
  • When: Saturday, December 21st from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol

This December, get ready for the A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol‘s final showings this Saturday at the McPherson Playhouse.

The acclaimed theatrical group WONDERHEADS, known for their breathtaking visual storytelling, will reimagine Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale with a magical twist—giant, whimsical 10-feet tall puppets, and inventive theatrics that are sure to delight audiences of all ages.

And it’s all done without dialogue! How’s that for creativity?

Ticket prices will vary by seat selection, but they start at $40 and can be purchased here.

A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol (Photo by Mackenzie Lawrence)
  • Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
  • When: Saturday, December 21st at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Celtic Yuletide Solstice Celebration

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with an evening of authentic Celtic music and traditions of Yuletide.

Attendees will get the chance to listen to the fiddle, whistle, banjo, mandolin, harp, bodhrán and more (in addition to the wonderous voices, of course)!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. This event is for all ages, and there’ll be a cash bar.

Don’t be afraid to dance, sing along, stomp or whoop!

  • Where: Fernwood Community Association, 1923 Fernwood Road
  • When: Saturday, December 21st at 7:30 pm.

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!

(File photo)
  • Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
  • When: Sunday, December 21st from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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Nevada Alde
Nevada Aldehttps://nevadaalde.com/
Nevada Alde has worked with Victoria Buzz since May, 2023. She holds a BA in Writing from the University of Victoria, and remains passionate about the literary scene on the island. When she's not writing, she's wandering with a film camera in hand, raving about a recent hike or solo travel adventure.
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