5 things to do in and around Victoria this Friday, December 13th

Woohoo—it’s Friday, Victoria!

Ring in the weekend with a DJ dance party at Wicket Hall or with The Funk Hunters at Capital Ballroom.

Looking for something slightly more relaxed? Wander over to Hotel Grand Pacific to check out the Gingerbread Showcase, if you haven’t already!

If you’re looking to make a difference in your local community in a festive and family-friendly way, Our Place is hosting their annual A Christmas Carol production, with all of their proceeds going towards those in need.

Here’s 5 things to do in and around Victoria on Friday, December 13th:

Our Place’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

This holiday season, to continue on their mission to provide services to those in need, Our Place’s A Christmas Carol is gracing the stage once again with some of Victoria’s well-renowned media personalities stepping into the iconic roles of Tiny Tim, Scrooge, and Bob Cratchit.

The annual dramatic reading, a family-friendly tradition returns on Friday, December 13th, at 7 p.m. at First Met United Church.

Not only does this performance present a unique local rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic, the night will also feature singalong carols led by the West Coast Reach Association—a diverse musical group that includes members of the Our Place outREACH Choir.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children, and can be purchased on Our Place’s website.

All of the proceeds will support Our Place’s vital meal services, helping to provide warm meals and support to those in need across the city.

• Where: First Met United Church, 932 Balmoral Road
• When: Friday, December 13th at 7p.m.

Deck the Halls

Celebrate the holiday season with a DJ dance party at Wicket Hall!

Come for the good music from DJ Yeezy Yee & DJ Kaastro, and stay for the unmatched $3.50 drink specials and other exceptional bonuses.

$5 cover at the door, or free if you wear an ugly Christmas sweater!

• Where: Wicket Hall, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, December 13th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.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

Funk the Halls

Don’t miss the 9th annual Funk the Halls, hosted at Capital Ballroom for two back-to-back shows!

Featuring The Funk Hunters with special guests Handsome Tiger and BiiSHoP, it’s sure to be a party to remember.

Can’t make Friday’s show? No worries! There’ll be another on Saturday, December 14th with special guests Aspen King and bedtime snack.

Tickets are $53.50 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Friday, December 13th at 9:30 p.m. (doors at 9 p.m.)

Donate to Intrepid Theatre’s Campaign

Local company, Intrepid Theatre, is looking for the public’s help in bringing a major show to the island in the spring of 2025.

This spring, they’ll be presenting Urban Ink’s Children of God performance—an exceptionally powerful and stunning musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children were taken away to a residential school in Northern Ontario.

The show will run for two nights at the McPherson Playhouse, and is the largest show that Intrepid Theatre has ever presented.

Residents can donate in person or on Intrepid’s website, which shows how far along they are towards their goal.

BONUS: Victoria Royals vs. Vancouver Giants—Toy Drive

The Victoria Royals are about to play their final home game before the holidays, and we can’t think of a better send off than a toy drive for a great cause!

This Friday, the Victoria Royals will take on division rivals the Vancouver Giants for the first time this season at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre for their ‘Hockey Holidays’ game.

Not only will there be a toy drive in support of the CFAX Santa’s Anonymous Toy Drive, but there will be plenty of festive activities happening at the rink, including Santa photos and a holiday market with local vendors.

Tickets for this Friday’s Hockey Holidays game are still available—puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

• Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
• When: Friday, December 13th – puck drop at 7:05 p.m.