In a blink of an eye it’s December.
From live music to holiday light displays, here are 17 awesome events taking place in Victoria this weekend.
Events In Victoria This Weekend
Friday, December 1
Light festival | Magic of Christmas
The Magic of Christmas festival kicks off at The Butchart Gardens this weekend on Friday, December 1st, 2017. Visitors will enjoy Christmas lights, holiday wreaths, ice skating, and much more. Tickets start at $3 for children and go up to $27 for adults.
Parade | Sea of Lights
See the fleet of lighted boats, led by a Canadian Navy training ship, leaving the Royal Victoria Yacht Club as the holiday season is kicked off. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m.
Gingerbread | 9th annual Gingerbread Showcase
The 9th annual Gingerbread Showcase is back until Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018. These creative creations aren’t just mere gingerbread houses. More than just that, these are detailed sculptures and unique works of art crafted by 30 professional and amateur chefs.
Christmas | Festival of Trees
The 26th annual Festival of Trees event takes place at The Bay Centre from Wednesday, November 15th – Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018. All funds raised support the Excellence in Child Health Fund.
Play | The Nutcracker
Emmy-Award winner Zack Brown creates a ballet that looks like something out of a fantasy. It plays this weekend from Friday, December 1st – Sunday, December 3rd, 2017 at Royal Theatre.
Saturday, December 2
Tour | Wentworth Villa Tour
Learn about the process and procedures that were behind the villa’s restoration. Tours will be held on every Saturday of each month until Saturday, December 9th, 2017. Admission is by donation.
Trolley | Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides
Happening every weekend, horse-drawn trolleys will make it’s way through downtown and letting you see all of the sights and sounds of the holidays. The trolleys are free, compliments of the DVBA.
Santa | Breakfast With Santa
Join Santa for a breakfast buffet this weekend on Saturday, December 2nd, 2017. It takes place at Oak Bay Beach Hotel from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Children | Museum Tots
Children ages 2-5 get to learn about the exciting world of museum learning. Parents can bring their children to learn a new theme every week. This weekend’s event takes place Saturday, December 2nd at The Maritime Museum of BC from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Food | S’mores on the Veranda
Enjoy hot beverages, seasonal bites, and s’mores around a fire at The Veranda at Fairmont Empress this holiday season.
Treats | Empress Christmas Cart
From Saturday, November 25th – Monday, December 25th, 2017, head over to the Empress lobby to purchase your festive treats.
Lights | 19th Annual IEOA Truck Light Convoy
A fleet of trucks planned by the Island Equipment Owners will be lit up in festive lights as they carry your food donations to food banks. The event will start at Ogden Point and leaves there at 5:45 p.m.
Sunday, December 3
Music | Live Music Night At The O Cafe and Bistro
Join the O Cafe and Bistro every Wednesday and Sunday night for live music. Admission is free.
Books | Victoria Comic Book Expo
Buy, sell, and trade comic books this weekend on Sunday, December 3rd, 2017. There will also be free comics, while they last.
Toys | Christmas Toy Drive
Help children in the community have a magical holiday season this year with the Christmas Toy Drive at the Market on Sunday, December 3rd from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Carriage | Horse & Carriage Rides
Victoria Carriage Tours will be offering rides through downtown Sidney on Saturdays and Sundays from December 3rd – December 23rd. Each carriage ride is $30 and can fit up to six people.
Parade | Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade
The Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade returns this weekend on Sunday, December 3rd, 2017. The Santa Claus Parade starts at 5:00 p.m., which will be followed by the Lighted Boat Parade.
Featured photo: The Butchart Gardens / Facebook