Events
Thurs. Dec. 1
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA – Watch the Legislature’s Sequoia tree light up and enjoy performances by the James Bay Community School Choir and St. Andrew’s Regional High School Choir & band. 4:30pm at the BC Legislature (501 Belleville). Free.
Holiday Magic at Mattick’s Farm – Entertainment, food tastings, special offers and enter to win prizes at all the shops, valued up to $200.THURSDAY & FRIDAY 5-8pm at Matticks Farm (5325 Cordova Bay). Free. matticksfarm.com.
The Syrian Revolution – Syrian national Mohammad Al Abdallah speaks about recent political events in Syria. 2:30-4pm in room 110, the Social Sciences and Mathematics Building (UVic). Free. 250-721-7656.
Critical Engagement from a Health Equity Perspective- Dr. John Raeburn discusses the importance of health equity and the impacts of the charter for global health promotion. 3-5pm in room 125, Engineering & Computer Science Building (UVic). Free.
Fri. Dec. 2
The owl – Designer fair featuring locally made gifts. With live music by The Ramble and Mark Ednie. FRIDAY 6-10pm & SATURDAY 10am-6pm at the Fernwood NRG (1240 Gladstone). $2. facebook.com/owldesignerfair.
Sea of Lights – Enjoy hot chocolate or coffee and watch lighted boats parade down Victoria’s coast. Proceeds support the Salvation Army and the Oak Bay Kiwanis. 7-8pm along the waterfront of Cattle Point, Willows Beach and Gyro Park. Free.
Sat. Dec. 3
All things Christmas – Community market. 9am-3pm in room 3, the Ramada Conference Centre (123 Gorge). Free.
Christmas Craft Fair & Family Festivities – Includes craft fair, activities, silent auction and more. 9:30am-5:30pm at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre (1-380 Cook). Free. 250-384-6542.
Clothing swap – Bring along your beloved but outgrown items to exchange for new duds, or come empty handed and fill up a bag! Please bring items in clean and gently used condition (no ripped, torn or dirty items). 10am-1pm at the Fairfield Community Place (1330 Fairfield). Free. 250-382-4604.
CHRISTMAS FAIR – Hot lunch, fresh greens, home baking, jewelry, memorabilia and Christmas gifts. 11am-2pm at St. Peters (3939 St. Peters). Free.
CHRISTMAS HOLLY TEA – Enjoy a festive holiday tea service in traditional Scottish fashion, served on fine china, and provincial Tartan tablecloths. Includes tea, sandwiches, shortbread, Christmas cake, truffles, raffle prizes and a craft & bake sale. Noon-4pm at United Chapters Hall (3281 Harriet). $8. sacsvictoria.com.
Ross Bay Villa – Tour the house and grounds of this restored historic site. 2pm at Ross Bay Villa (1490 Fairfield). $5. 250-995-0022.
Dickens Fair – A festive winter market with juried artisans and crafters, farm produce & meats, baking, greenery, demonstrations, Chicken Lady, children’s choir, family entertainment, a variety of musical performances and cafe with light meals. 3-9pm at the James Bay Community Centre (140 Oswego). By donation. 250-381-5323, jamesbaymarket.com/events/dickens-fair.
Santa Visits North Park Village – Enjoy festive treats and caroling. Bring your own camera and get your picture taken with Santa! 5pm in the parking lot at Cook and Grant streets. Free. 250-208-1584.
The Mistletoe Project Gala – A formal night of dancing, drinks and doorprizes. Includes silent auction. Proceeds support the MS Society of Canada. 7pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $25. themistletoeproject.ca.
mon. Dec. 5
VICTORIA LEGAL SUPPORT STAFF ASSOCIATION – Dinner meeting and silent auction. Reservations must be received by FRIDAY, Dec. 2. 5:30pm at the Comfort Hotel (101 Island Hwy). $28/$25 VLSSA members. RBosetti@creaseharman.com.
Ancient Forest Alliance –
Join the AFA for a slide show and fundraiser for a unique and incredible ancient forest. Also learn more about the status of BC’s old-growth forests and more. 7-8:30pm at the Ambrosia Centre (638 Fisgard). By donation. info@ancientforestalliance.org.
Ongoing
The Versatile Group – All artists of any genre invited to share their ideas, work and successes. FRIDAYS 2-4pm at The Moka House, Shoal Point (16 Dallas). Free. 778-433-0537.
victoria flea market – Offering a huge assortment of interesting things. SUNDAYS 9am-2pm at the DaVinci Centre. $2/free after 1pm. 250-381-5033.
Weekly Winter Market – Ongoing weekly Sunday market featuring vendors with handcrafted funky accessories and hair accent pieces, one of a kind festival style apparel, vintage clothing, storytelling, live entertainment, a kids zone and more. SUNDAYS noon-5pm at The Well (821 Fort). Free.
Board games Night – Scrabble and more! SUNDAY 5:30pm at the Superior (106 Superior). Free. 250-380-9515.
SCRABBLE NIGHT – Bring a board game and a friend, or play on the in-house boards and find an opponent there. TUESDAYS 6:30-9pm at James Bay Coffee & Books. Free. 250-386-4700.
Bear Wear – Visit some fashionable teddy bears. Proceeds support support the Queen Alexandra School Age Program. To Jan. 3 at the Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville). Free. jane.bowers@viha.ca.
Dance
Sun. Dec. 4
Salsa Play – For the joy of movement together. No experience necessary. 7-8:30pm at the Fernwood Community Association (1923 Fernwood). $10-$15. meganhyslop@yahoo.ca.
ONGoing
Salsa caliente – Beginner and advanced salsa, THURSDAYS 8-10pm. Intermediate mambo, MONDAYS 6:30-7:30pm. Fundamentals of mambo TUESDAYS 6-7pm. Latin workout WEDNESDAYS 6:30-7:30pm. All at Café Casablanca (2524 Bridge). $10. 250-389-0222.
Saanich International Folkdancers – No partner or experience needed. Please wear soft-soled shoes. FRIDAYS 7pm at Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). $5/$4 students/free for under 12. 250-384-0592, balkanbarb@hotmail.com.
VBDS BALLROOM DANCE WORKSHOPS – Pre-Bronze/Bronze Waltz 1-2pm, $5/$8/$10 per person, per workshop. Intro to Social Foxtrot and Rumba 2-3pm, $5 per person, per workshop. Singles & couples welcome. SATURDAYS 1-3pm at the Les Passmore Centre (286 Hampton). 250-721-5483, vbds.org.
West Coast Swing Classes –
Dance to blues, country, R&B and Top 40. No partner or experience required. SUNDAYS 6-7pm at Studio 7 (1221 Broad). $13 drop-in. 250-382-4500.
Tango Vita – Beginner classes with Hilda-René SATURDAYS 7pm, intermediate 8pm, Milonga 9pm at 306-1221 Broad, 250-477-6360. Beginner and intermediate classes with Jorge-Liliana WEDNESDAYS 8pm, Milonga 9pm at St. Matthias Hall (600 Richmond), 250-858-1234. tangovita.com.
SWING – Dance to Nightclub music. SATURDAYS 9pm at the Carlton Club (900 Carlton). $5. jayholman@telus.net.
Nuevo Tango Classes –
SUNDAYS, Beginners 2pm, intermediate 3:15pm, practice 4:30pm. All at the Martin Batchelor Gallery (712 Cormorant). $12/$9 students. 778 432-0112, passion4tango.com.
Contemporary Dance – MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 6-7:30pm at the The Victoria School of Contemporary Dance (649 Gorge East). $15/$8. 250-383-7183.
Cuban Salsa – Classes with Salsa Moderna. Beginner and intermediate MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 7:30-9:30pm at Café Casablanca (2523 Bridge). 250-891-2310, latinvictoria.ca.
salsa – TUESDAYS Beginner’s lesson 7pm & intermediate lesson 8:15pm at Studio 4 Athletics (715 Yates). $15. salsavictoria.com.
Vic BALLROOM DANCE Society- Practice. FRIDAYS 7-9:30pm at Les Passmore Centre (286 Hampton). WEDNESDAYS 7:45-10pm at Cedar Hill Rec Centre (3220 Cedar Hill). Free for first-timers. 250-721-5483, vbds.org.
Active
Sat. Dec. 3
Santa Shuffle – 5km and 1km runs to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. 9:45am at the Vic West YMCA (521 Craigflower). $30/$20 children. 250-386-3366 ext 3.
Sun. Dec. 4
Merrython Fun Run – Proceeds support Oak Bay Rotary Club projects. 8km run 10am & 1km children’s run 11:15am at the Henderson Rec Centre (2291 Cedar Hill Cross). $15/$5 children’s run. 250-370-7200.
ongoing
Skate outdoors – The Centennial Square outdoor rink opens for public use. Limited rentals available. THURSDAYS-SATURDAYS noon-8pm, SUNDAYS 11am-5pm & MONDAYS-WEDNESDAYS noon-5pm. All at Centennial Square. $2.
WalkSmart – Morning walks for ladies. Coffee and chat to follow. THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS, MONDAYS-WEDNESDAYS 8:45am at the Royal Oak McDonalds (4410 West Saanich). 250-479-4087, walksmartvictoria@shaw.ca.
moksha yoga – Find out what hot yoga is all about. THURSDAYS 2-3:30pm, SATURDAYS 1:30-3pm & MONDAYS 3:15-4:15pm at Moksha Yoga (1088 Fort). $7. 250-385-9642.
Axe Capoeira – Learn the Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports and music. Kids classes THURSDAYS & TUESDAYS 3:45-4:45pm. Adults classes SUNDAYS 11:45am-1:45pm. All at Burnside Gym (3130 Jutland). $65 per month for children/$50 per month for adults. 250-884-7998.
ASHTANGA BASICS – Come try a community class geared for all levels and great for beginners. THURSDAY 7-8:15pm ($6-10) & TUESDAY 9:30-10:45 (By donation) at The Yoga Shala (1322 Broad). 250-383-3849.
Ghostly Walks – We’re living in BC’s most haunted city. Find out why and where on this 90 minute walk. No registration required. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 7:30 outside the Visitor Information Centre (Government at Wharf). $13/$11 students. 250-384-6698.
Volkssport Walks – 5/10km walk followed by Christmas social, SATURDAY 5:30pm at the YM/YWCA (851 Broughton), 250-385-8619.
Spiritual
Wed. Dec. 7
Astrology and Tarot –
Venus, Lover and Beloved: Attraction, Beauty, Pleasure, Peace, Relationships, Values, and Self Validation. Registration required. 3-5:30pm or 7-9:30pm at 429 Vancouver. $20 for first timers. 250-381-4299.
ONGoing
Learn to Meditate – Learn mantra meditation. THURSDAYS 4:30-5:15pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338
Dharma Teachings – With Resident Lama Jhampa Tenzin. THURSDAYS 7-9pm at the Victoria Dharma Centre (3371 Maplewood). By donation. 250-385-4828.
Meditation – Emotional freedom technique and insight meditation. THURSDAYS 7-9pm at Unity Church of Victoria (838 Pandora). By donation. 250-382-1613.
SAHAJ MARG MEDITATION INTRODUCTORY TALKs – A heart-centred meditation practiced worldwide for real change from the inside out. Call for details. SATURDAYS 11am-1pm. Free. 778-430-1104.
Buddhist Community Sits –
Silent meditation followed by taped Dharma talks and discussion. SUNDAYS 7-9pm at Lynn Wylie Yoga Studio (202-1600 Bay). By donation. 250-380-6383.
A Course in Miracles – Unite the light in you. In-depth study group. MONDAYS 7-9pm at James Bay New Horizons (234 Menzies). $2. 250-220-9797.
WAY OF MASTERY – Taking you from sleep to wakefulness, from illusion to reality. Reminding you of who you are. WEDNESDAYS 7-9:30pm at 415-200 Dallas. By donation. 250-920-0948.
Zen meditation – Learn Zen mediation. TUESDAYS 7-8pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338.
Drop-In Meditation – Includes guided meditation, practical instruction and discussion. MONDAYS 7-8:30pm and WEDNESDAYS 10-11:30 am at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre (2020A Douglas). WEDNESDAYS 7-8:30pm at Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). THURSDAYS 7-8:30pm James Bay United Church (511 Michigan). 250-592-7164, meditateinvictoria.org.
Community
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays – A helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. MONDAY 7-8:30pm at Central Baptist Church (833 Pandora). 250-385-7786.
DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays – A seminar for people facing the holidays after the pain of separation or divorce. MONDAY 7-8:30pm at the Central Baptist Church (833 Pandora). 250-385-7786.
Celebrate-a-Life – Add a special message on a tribute card in memory of a loved one to one of the display’s Christmas trees. Free, but donations appreciated. To Dec. 10 at Hillside Centre during shopping hours. For more information, please call 250-952-5720 or email vic.hospice@viha.ca.
call for artists – The Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival is accepting applications for their 2012 festival. Submission deadline: Jan. 10, 2012. Apply online at intrepidtheatre.com.
PFLAG- Confidential support for parents, families, friends, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer, questioning and allies. 250 592-0305, victoriabc@pflagcanada.ca.
The 12 days of giving – From Dec. 1-12 donations will be collected in the holiday spirit to support 1up, the Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre, and provide gifts for families with pre-teen and teenage children. People can drop off donations of gift cards, movie passes, unwrapped gifts and non-perishable food items at the Dave Wheaton GMC on Douglas where Ocean 98.5 and 103.1 Jack FM will be broadcasting live from Dec. 1012. For more info visit ocean985.com or 1031jackfm.ca.
CALL MOM Designated Driver Services – Need to get home after a night of partying? Give a non-perishable food item for the local food bank and save 10% off your trip (minimum of two items) to Dec. 23. 250-507-6515.
SHARE UVIC memories – Organizers of UVic’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations are inviting members of the community to contribute to the anniversary website. The link to “Great Moments at UVic” is now live and ready to accept nominations about memorable events, achievements, campus developments and personal memories. Submission deadline: Jan. 20, 2012. To submit, go to uvic.ca/anniversary and click on the “Great Moments” tab.
Harmonious singers – Kids, teens, parents & grandparents sing together for the sheer fun of it. Feel free to try a “no-audition session”any MONDAY evening. For more details visit harmoniousfamilychoir.com, sing@harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250-385-7464.
SUPPORT GROUP – Support group for phobias, generalized anxiety, panic attacks and OCD. With Dr. Tom Lipinski, registered psychologist. THURSDAYS 7-8:30pm at the Bridge Centre (125 Skinner). Free. 250-389-1211.
LifeRing – Addiction support program. FRIDAYS 6:30pm at Pearkes Rec Centre (3100 Tillicum). 250-920-2095.
SIPCCentre – Counsellor-led support group for mature women ready to re-explore their sexual orientation. $8/session. FRIDAYS 5-6:45pm at James Bay New Horizons.
Kiwanis House Program – Lifering support group for young mothers dealing with addiction. Free onsite childminding is available for young mothers participating in the program. TUESDAYS 6-7:15pm at 2652 Cook. Child minding starts at 5:30. Calling in advance is appreciated. 250-382-1004.
Dual Recovery Anonymous – Support group for recovery from both an addiction of any kind and a mental health issue. TUESDAYS 7:30pm in the BCSS Board Room (941 Kings). Free. 250-384-4225.
ALT LOVERS – Sagacity Alternative Lifestyle Society is where folks who enjoy BDSM, alternative lifestyles, kink, and fetish gather to talk, laugh, socialize, share and learn. TUESDAYS 7:30pm at the Ledge, Bedford Regency (1140 Government). Free. sagacitygroup.net.
queer youth DROP IN – South Island Pride Community Centre welcomes queer youth, friends, allies and youth from queer families. MONDAYS 6-8pm at Esquimalt Youth Centre (530 Fraser), WEDNESDAYS 6-8pm at Fairfield Community Place (1330 Fairfield). Free. southislandpridecentre.ca.
PFLAG- Confidential support for parents, families, friends, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer, questioning and allies. 250 592-0305, victoriabc@pflagcanada.ca.
become an AVI volunteer –
Volunteer with AIDS Vancouver Island. AIDS Vancouver Island (713 Johnson, 3rd floor). 250-384-2366 ext 2262. leslie.robinson@avi.org.
Overwhelming Emotions Support Group – Borderline personality disorder, self harm, PTSD? B.C. Schizophrenia Society meets regularly at 941 Kings. 250-383-5144 box 2127, bpdvictoria@gmail.com.
CRIDGE TRANSITION HOUSE –
Looking for female volunteers to drive women to appointments, take them apartment hunting, spend time with children letting them know they are valued and cared about, fill the house with delicious smells of baking and help out with dozens of other tasks and errands. 250-479-3963.
ANIMAL LOVERS – Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders needs volunteers to foster strays, answer phones, assist with transportation and trap feral cats. info@animalcrusaders.ca, 250-474-5581.
Volunteers Needed – To drive cancer patients to medical appointments. Contact the Canadian Cancer Society at 250-414-4253 or visit us online at cancervolunteer.ca.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – Volunteer with Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association. No experience necessary. 16+. MONDAY-THURSDAY mornings and TUESDAY-THURSDAY afternoons. 778-426-0506, vrda@shaw.ca.
