Less than two weeks until Christmas, Victoria!
To celebrate the coming of another weekend, take yourself out to do something exciting—whether that’s an exhibition opening, an art sale or a live musical performance, we’re sure you’ll find something fantastic.
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 15 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—December 14th and 15th:
Check out a Holiday Market
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.
Highlighted markets this weekend include the Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair, The Very Merry Makers Market and Coastal Bead Collective: Indigenous Holiday Market,
Full article: 18 holiday markets in and around Victoria for all of your shopping needs
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: From Warhol to Banksy
Join the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) in welcoming their newest exhibit, From Warhol to Banksy!
This exhibit welcomes guests to view works that define the Pop Art movement and highlights some of the world’s most iconic artistic figures.
This exhibition features works by artists Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann, Takashi Murakami, Banksy, and Mr. Brainwash.
It officially opens this Saturday, and will run until late-April of next year.
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- Where: AGGV, 1040 Moss Street
- When: Opens on Saturday, December 14th and runs until April 27th
Small Works Art Show & Sale
Celebrate Emily Carr’s birthday by supporting the Carr House’s Small Works Art Show & Sale this weekend.
It’s the perfect opportunity to check out this neat historic site, as well as holiday shop for your loved ones!
Entry is by donation and there will be refreshments included.
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- Where: Carr House, 207 Government Street
- When: Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
46th Annual Tuba Christmas
No one can deny the power and beauty behind the mighty tuba instrument—now imagine what experiencing around 100 or more playing at once must be like!
The beloved 46th annual Tuba Christmas event will take place at Market Square this Saturday at 1 p.m., conducted by Scott MacInnes.
The group is made up of tubas and the family of instruments, including euphoniums, baritones and potentially Sousaphones and helicons.
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 14th at 1 p.m.
Santa’s Forest
Have yet to get a tree and your photos with Santa? Knock two birds with one stone and visit Santa’s Forest this Saturday!
Santa Claus will be visiting from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and families can take photos with Santa, and part of the proceeds will be donated to the local food bank!
They expect to be sold out of trees after this weekend, so don’t wait to visit.
- Where: Braefoot Park (Lacrosse box), 1359 Mckenzie Avenue
- When: Saturday, December 14th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sidney Song Circle
The Sidney by the Sea Rotary Club’s Song Circle will be caroling outside of Thrifty Foods in Sidney to spread holiday cheer and raise funds!
The Rotary Club operates year round but are caroling for the holiday season, so be sure to get over to Thrifty Foods and help them spread holiday cheer.
- Where: Thrifty Foods, 9810 Seventh Street, Sidney
- When: Saturday, December 14th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Messiah from Scratch!
Lift your voice in song as the Christ Church Cathedral presents their popular “Messiah from Scratch” event this Saturday.
Join some of the best singers and instrumentalists in Victoria and add your own darling voice to the stirring choruses of Handel’s masterpiece. This year will feature the Victoria Symphony!
No experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm.
Tickets are just under $12 and proceeds support the cathedral’s music program.
- Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 911 Quadra Street
- When: Saturday, December 14th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Photos with Santa
Santa will be in Sidney’s Winter Wonderland, located at the Garden Court this Saturday!
Hosted by the Peninsula Celebrations Society, their Photos with Santa event offers free photos with the big man himself, and pets are welcome too.
Just bring your camera and capture the magic!
- Where: Garden Court, 2360 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
- When: Saturday, December 14th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival
Join the Greater Victoria Festival Society in welcoming the Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival at the Saanich Fairgrounds!
The grounds will transform into a festive haven filled with local artisans, delicious food vendors and season spirits.
This event is family-friendly and entry is by donation.
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- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1501 White Road, Central Saanich
- When: Saturday, December 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jon and Roy Holiday Special
Jon and Roy invite everyone to the Royal Theatre this Saturday for their 15th annual Holiday Special show.
This year’s guests will include Anna Tivel, an American singer-songwriter from Portland, Oregon; folk troubadour M. Ward, whose solo work combines folk and blues-inspired Americana analog recordings; and more!
Tickets are going fast and can be purchased here.
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- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St
- When: Saturday, December 14th at 8 p.m.
Grinch on the Gorge
Grinch on the Gorge is back and ready to spread some holiday laughs and spirits!
Bring your SUP boards, kayaks and canoes, then follow the Grinch as he winds his way up the Gorge. Don’t forget to rock your own festive outfit.
Organizers ask that you wear a lifejacket/personal floating device and/or a dry suit, as the water is cold!
You can park at Esquimalt’s Gorge Kinsmen Park, then everyone’ll paddle down towards West Gorge from Kinsmen Beach.
- Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Road
- When: Saturday, December 14th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Unkle Whiskey at Big Bad John’s
Every Sunday, Big Bad John’s welcomes band Unkle Whiskey and his Salty Nuts to play and entertain guests.
Don’t miss out on this great show, surrounded by a the atmosphere of Big Bad’s.
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- Where: Big Bad John’s, 919 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, December 15th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Christmas Misfits Market
As this one isn’t in our large holiday market guide, we figured we’d include it here!
Head down to the Little Fernwood Gallery for their Christmas Misfits Market and find all sorts of unique gifts for your holiday shopping needs.
There will be 17 unusual and amazing vendors, as well as some treats!
Admission is free.
- Where: Little Fernwood Gallery, 1923 Fernwood Road
- When: Sunday, December 15th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fishbone at Capital Ballroom
Don’t miss Fishbone plus guests at Capital Ballroom this Sunday!
They’re described as an American rock band that plays a fusion of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae and soul—talk about an epic combination of sounds.
According to their event page, AllMusic has described the group as “one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late ’80s.”
Tickets start at $36.50 and can be purchased here.
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- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Sunday, December 15th at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.)
Together Again for Christmas | Diane Pancel & Kim Greenwood
Hermann’s Jazz Club is thrilled to welcome back jazz icons Diane Pancel and Kim Greenwood for their “Together Again for Christmas” show this Sunday!
They’ll be showcasing an evening of Christmas classics of today and yesteryear that is sure to get everyone in the festive spirit.
Joining them are Ashley Wey on piano, Louis Rudner on bass and Jon Miller on drums.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or at the door.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Sunday, December 15th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
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