Happy weekend, Victoria!
The holidays are officially in full swing, and this weekend is packed with festive fun.
From twinkling lights and holiday markets to live performances, family-friendly shows, and classic seasonal films, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the Christmas spirit.
Whether you’re checking off last-minute gift shopping, planning a cozy outing, or looking for something memorable to do with friends and family, we want to share all the fun events going on this weekend.
Here are 13 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—December 20th and 21st:
Festival of Trees Victoria
Don’t miss the last two weekends of Festival of Trees Victoria!
From decorated Christmas trees to twinkling lights hanging overhead, stepping into the Bay Centre suddenly becomes walking into a winter wonderland.
Each tree, sponsored by a local business, is uniquely decorated to reflect its sponsor’s brand and personality.
This beloved tradition also allows these organizations to give back.
All tree sponsorships support the BC Children’s Hospital, helping local organizations make a difference this holiday season.
Head over to the Bay Centre this weekend and see if you can spot our tree!
- Where: Bay Centre Shopping Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Daily until Wednesday, December 31st – During mall hours
Lights of Wonder
Don’t miss the return of the Ferris wheel this weekend, along with musical performances, food vendors, and more!
On Saturday, Anise Russow Quarter, The Next Generation Quartet, and Friends of Music’s, Minds at Work take the stage. There will also be free snacks and a photo booth provided by Thrifty Foods!
On Sunday, watch performances by Sara Rose Herbert, Peter McMaster, and Morien Jones, along with a Hanukkah celebration.
The Ferris wheel will operate Sunday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Centennial Square
- When: Until December 31st – open 24/7, but performance times vary
Meant Well Books Holiday Pop-Up
Calling all book lovers!
For four cozy days this December, Meant Well Books will be setting up shop inside Market Square for our very first indoor retail pop-up, beautifully styled by Curated House & Home.
There will be shelves full of our favourite reads, thoughtful gifts, stocking stuffers, and festive touches to help you find something special for everyone on your list.
- Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, December 22nd & Sunday, December 21st – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Grinch on the Gorge
Join a festive paddle down the Gorge Waterway led by the Grinch on Saturday, December 20th.
Bring your paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes, dress in your best holiday gear, and follow along from Kinsmen Beach at 11 a.m.
Participants should park at Esquimalt’s Gorge Kinsmen Park and remember lifejackets and dry suits—the water may be chilly, but the holiday spirit will keep you warm!
- Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park – Kinsmen Beach, 1070 Tillicum Road
- When: Saturday, December 20th – 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Holiday Music Sessions at Craigdarroch Castle
Step into the festive season with live holiday music in the historic halls of Craigdarroch Castle!
Victoria Conservatory musicians will perform seasonal favourites in the Drawing Room and Dance Hall, as part of the Castle’s holiday celebrations, surrounded by Victorian‑era decorations.
Performances are included in the Castle’s admission. View the schedule for their festive guided tour here.
- Where: Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
- When: Saturday, December 20th to Monday, December 22nd – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bastion Square Holiday Market
Two days of holiday markets!
Head to Bastion Square for this festive outdoor market featuring handcrafted goods from local artisans and makers, live music, and resellers on Sundays.
The perfect place to check off your last-minute holiday shopping!
- Where: Bastion Square Market, 30 Bastion Square
- When: Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m
One Man Lord of The Rings at St Ann’s Academy – Added Show
After the first show sold out in a flash, local performer Charles Ross has added a second performance of his hit one-man comedy at St. Ann’s Academy.
The extra show happens Saturday, December 20th at 2 p.m., giving fans another chance to see his 5,400-second sprint through the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. Ross, who’s toured the show around the world, says bringing it home to Victoria means everything.
Tickets are $23—buy yours here!
- Where: St. Ann’s Academy Auditorium, 835 Humboldt Street
- When: Saturday, December 20th – 2 p.m.
Pinocchio the Panto at the Mary Winspear Centre
Step into a classic tale brought to life as Geppetto’s wooden puppet embarks on a mischievous adventure after being granted life by the Blue Fairy.
With Jiminy Cricket trying to guide him, and a colourful cast of characters—including Henry the Panto Horse and Bella the Dame—Pinocchio must learn right from wrong as he navigates temptation and trouble.
Will he earn his wish to become a real child?
Tickets start at $25.20—get yours here!
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
- When: Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st – showtimes vary
It’s a Wonderful Life at Cinceta
A beloved holiday classic, this timeless film follows George Bailey as he reflects on a life shaped by sacrifice, kindness, and community.
When his guardian angel shows him how different Bedford Falls would be without him, George discovers just how much one life can matter—an uplifting, must-watch evening for the season.
Movie tickets are only available in person, and are $11 for the general public, and $8 for University of Victoria Student Society members.
- Where: Cinceta – Student Union Building, 3800 Finnerty Road
- When: Saturday, December 20th – 5 p.m. & 7:20 p.m.
Elf in Concert
Jingle all the way to the family-friendly event of the season!
Experience one of everyone’s holiday favourites in a unique and special way this December—Elf in Concert, performed by the Victoria Symphony and projected on a big screen.
It all goes down on Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st, and you can grab your tickets here.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When:
-
- Saturday, December 20th – 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21st – 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21st – 7 p.m.
Social Saturdays – Karaoke Night
Karaoke Night is BACK!
Get ready to belt out your favorite tunes and bring the house down at the Archie Browning Sports Centre on Saturday, December 20th at 7 p.m.
Whether you’re a karaoke pro or a first-timer, there’s room for everyone on the mic!
Tickets are $5, and are available here.
- Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1149 Esquimalt Road
- When: Saturday, December 20th – 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol
Get ready for a truly magical holiday experience, Victoria!
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol returns this December with three enchanting nights at the McPherson Playhouse.
Watch the acclaimed theatrical Imagineers bring a reimagined, entirely visual version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life with giant masks, whimsical 10-foot-tall puppets, and wondrous theatrical inventions.
And the most impressive part? They perform the entire story without a single line of dialogue.
Tickets start at $42—get yours here!
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st – showtimes vary
Santa’s Breakfast at Tillicum Centre
Get ready for a magical morning at Tillicum Centre!
Santa’s Breakfast, in partnership with Hot Dog Guys, is the perfect activity for families of all ages.
From the breakfast tickets, 50% of the proceeds will go to the Saanich Fire Charitable Foundation in support of the Victoria Hospital NICU.
One Santa’s breakfast ticket includes one breakfast sandwich, one hour to spend with Santa per time slot, and unlimited coffee for parents.
Tickets are $10—get yours here!
- Where: Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Road
- When: Sunday, December 21st – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m
