Nov. 24
FESTIVAL OF TREES
DAILY at the Empress (721 Government St)
Get into the Christmas spirit by viewing sponsor-decorated Christmas trees and vote for your favourite.
By donation. fairmont.com/empress
Nov. 24 - Dec 31
Deryk Houston: Christmas paintings
She Said Gallery (200 Fernwood Road)
She Said Gallery is very pleased to exibit a selection of extremely unique Christmas paintings by Deryk Houston. These images were created for the BC Childrens Hospital Holiday Greeting Card Program over the past several years and are considered to be rare collector items (5 large paintings only). The Scottish artist resides in Victoria and has exhibited internationally,mounting one man exhibitions in Canada, the USA, Scotland, Iraq, and the former Soviet Union.This fabulous show may be viewed 11am - 6pm Tuesday to Saturday (250)361-3372 or previewed on line.
Nov. 25-Dec. 1
WINTER COLLECTION
FRIDAY-THURSDAY 10am-5:30pm at the West End Gallery (1203 Broad St)
Preview the winter collection featuring new works from gallery artists.
Free. 250-388-0009.
Nov. 25-27
23RD ANNUAL OUT OF HAND ARTISAN FAIR
FRIDAY 10am-9pm, SATURDAY 10am-6pm & SUNDAY 10am-5pm at the Crystal Garden (713 Douglas St)
Get a little early shopping done, take in a fashion show and enjoy live music.
$8/$7 seniors & students/$9 weekend pass
outofhand.ca.
Nov. 26-27
PET PICTURES WITH SANTA
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10am-3pm at the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre (777 Royal Oak Dr)
Get a picture of your pet with Santa. Proceeds support Victoria Adoptables.
By donation
victoriaadoptables.com.
Nov. 26
Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade
MONDAY 5:45pm start from the Inner Harbour, along Government.
Watch a Christmas parade featuring Santa himself. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Free.
250-382-3111.
Nov. 26
HOLLY FAIR
SATURDAY 9:30am at St. Mary’s Anglican Church (1973 Cultra Ave)
Home baking, a silent auction, books, attic treasures and more.
Free
250-652-1611, stmarys.saanichton@shaw.ca.
Nov. 26
VIDEA FAIR TRADE FAIR
SATURDAY 10am-4pm at the First Metropolitan United Church (932 Balmoral Rd)
Be a conscious consumer this holiday at VIDEA’s Fair Trade Fair!
By donation
250-385-2333, videa.ca.
Nov. 26 and 27
CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER HOLIDAY ART SHOW AND SALE
Sooke Harbour House (1528 Whiffen Spit)
Nov. 29-Dec. 1
UNITED WAY BOOK & RECORD SALE
TUESDAY 9am-5pm, WEDNESDAY 9am-8pm & THURSDAY 9am-5pm at the MacPherson Library (UVic).
Find thousands of great reads and tunes for $2 each. Includes silent auction of typewriters, collectable books, records and rarities.
Free. unitedway.uvic.ca/events/events.php.
Nov. 30
BENEDICTA: SONGS OF GRACE AND WONDER
The Victoria Choral Society under the direction of Giuseppe (Joey) Pietraroia will present will lift voices in a celebration of Mary and the Nativity in music which spans the ages.Opening with the glorious sound of the newly formed Victoria Brass Ensemble, VCS Maestro Pietraroia has chosen a number of gems from the choral repertoire including Sweelinck’s Hodie Christus Natus Est, Gabrieli’s Jubilate Deo, Gorecki’s Totus Tuus, Biebl’s Ave Maria, and Rutter’s What Sweeter Music. One of the highlights of the evening will be Ottorino Respighi’s rarely heard Lauda per la Natività del Signore (Laud to the Nativity).
St. Andrew’s Cathedral (View and Blanshard) at 7;30 p.m. Tickets $30/$20, available at Munro's Books, Ivy's Books, Tanner's Books
Dec. 1- Jan 6
THE BUTCHART GARDENS MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
Dec. 1-24 9am-9pm, Dec. 25 1-9pm, Dec. 26-Jan 6 9am-9pm at Butchart Gardens (800 Benvenuto Ave)
See Butchart Gardens transformed into a winter wonderland. Evening entertainment includes carollers, a festive brass band and an outdoor ice skating rink.
$3-$25
butchartgardens.com/christmas.
Dec. 1
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ACROSS CANADA
THURSDAY 4:30pm at the Parliament Buildings (501 Belleville St)
Celebrate the lighting of the Parliaments Buildings and the Provincial Christmas tree. Includes children’s choirs, carol band, hot cocoa and cookies.
Free.
leg.bc.ca.
Dec. 1
BARTENDING BASICS: HOLIDAY COCKTAILS
THURSDAY 7-9:30pm
at the PANORAMA RECREATION CENTRE
(1885 Forest Park Dr)
Tis the season to add some pizzazz to your holiday party! This workshop is for the home entertainer interested in mixology. Learn the history of cocktails, tricks of the trade, ingredients, festive drinks and how to make cocktails.
$55
250-656-7271, micheline@therestaurantcoach.ca
Dec. 1 to 30
CHRISTMAS AT CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE
A month of decorating makes for a Victorian Christmas at the castle. A full month of programming includes self-guided tours, concerts by the Victoria Conservatory of Music and a visit from Father Christmas. Check out thecastle.ca for a full list of holiday programming.
Dec. 2
SEA OF LIGHTS
SATURDAY 7pm at Cattle Point, 7:15pm at Willows Beach, 7:45pm at Gyro Park
Head down to the water and enjoy the Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s parade of lighted boats. Donations support the Salvation Army Christmas Fund and the Oak Bay Kiwanis charity.
Free.
rvyc.bc.ca
Dec. 2-4
TOUCH OF SALTSPRING CHRISTMAS SHOW
FRIDAY 10am-8pm, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10am-5pm at the Panorama Rec Centre (1885 Forest Park Dr)
Find unique and thoughtful gifts for the holiday season with over 230 crafters and artisans.
$5.
atouchofsaltspring.com/index.htm
Dec. 2 to 4
ALBERTA BALLET'S THE NUTCRACKER WITH THE VICTORIA SYMPHONY
The triumphant return of Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker, a production that wowed audiences and played to standing ovations in Victoria in 2009. Edmund Stripe's choreography and Emmy Award-winner Zack Brown's design firmly plant this opulent family production in early 20th century Tsarist Russia. At the Royal Theatre (805 Broughton), Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. And Dec. 3 and 4 at 2 p.m.
Tickets start at $25 rmts.bc.ca
Dec. 2 and 3
DECEMBER DARKNESS
Vox Humana chamber choir presents and enchanting program of Swedish and English choral gems.
Everyone under 25 is free at this concert, featuring music by Anders Bond, Gunnar Eriksson, Gustaf Nordqvist, Otto Olsson, Helene Stureborg, and Ivar Widéen. Experience the Canadian premiere of O Nata Lux by Swiss composer Ivo Antognini, and additional works by Alfred Burt, Thomas Callow, Thomas Gonder, Jonathan Rathbone and Pierre Villette.
Dec. 2, 7:30pm at St. John the Divine Church (1611 Quadra Street)
Dec. 3, 7:30pm at St. Barnabas Church (1525 Begbie Street)
Tickets: $15 (regular), $10 (senior 65+), free (25 and under!)
available online at http://www.voxhumanachoir.ca/site/tickets.html in person at Long & McQuade Music (756 Hillside) & Ivy’s Bookshop (2188 Oak Bay) and by phone at 250-483-4010, and email at info@voxhumanachoir.ca
Dec. 3
CHRISTMAS HOLLY TEA
SATURDAY noon-4pm at United Chapters Hall (3281 Harriet Rd)
Enjoy
a festive holiday tea service in traditional Scottish fashion.
The Holly Tea will be served on fine china, and Provincial Tartan
tablecloths
and includes: Tea sandwiches, shortbread, Christmas
cake and Scotch Whisky truffles.
There will also be a bake sale,
crafts, and raffle prizes.
$8.
250-382-0572, sacsvictoria.com.
Dec. 3
CHRISTMAS AMERICAN STYLE
The Linden Singers are exploring the yuletide traditions of Canada's southern neighbours featuring a suite of percussive carols by Lloyd Pfautsch and a medley by Irving Berlin among other holiday favourites.
Sat. Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. At First Metropolitan United Church (Quadra at Balmoral)
Tickets are $20/$17 and are available at Ivy's Books, Munro's Books, Long & McQuade and the door.
Dec. 3
THE MISTLETOE PROJECT GALA
SATURDAY 7pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad St)
A formal night of dancing, drinks, door prizes and a silent auction all to bring attention to an amazing local charity that deserves the spotlight for the night. 90% of proceeds go to The MS Society of Canada and 10% go to an individual who will be undergoing the CCSVI treatment.
$25
themistletoeproject.ca
Dec. 3
2011 SANTA SHUFFLE
SATURDAY 9:45am at the Vic West Community Centre (521 Craigflower Rd)
A 5km fun run or a 1km walk to raise money for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Runners and walkers are sponsored by their families, friends, colleagues and anyone else they know through pledges. The money raised goes towards providing Christmas essentials to those in need. Registration required.
$20-$85
santashuffle.com.
Dec. 3
TUBA CHRISTMAS
Eugene Dowling conducts the 33rd annual concert honouring the memory of the late Harvey Phillips, the creator of Tuba Christmas. Market Square, 1 to 3 p.m.
Reprise Dec. 4 at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets (and custom-made sweaters) available at
christmassweaters.ca/victoria/. Proceeds to the TLC Fund for Kids.
Dec. 3
Victoria's inaugural TACKY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY
Grab the ugliest vintage or handmade Christmas sweater you can find and bring your holiday cheer to Sugar Nightclub for the cheesiest holiday party around.
Dec. 3 & Dec. 17
WINTER FARMERS MARKET
SATURDAY 11am-3pm in Market Square (560 Johnson St)
There’s nothing like jumping into winter with both boots. Just remember that no matter how dismal the weather outside, the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society Winter Market is always delightful!
Free.
victoriapublicmarket.com.
Dec. 4
STOCKING MAKING AND STUDIO OPEN HOUSE
Crafty (2440 Richmond) is hosting a stocking making event for families from 10 am to 4 p.m. Come decorate a stocking for children at The Cridge Centre for the Family. Any one who brings a donation of stocking stuffers ( art supplies, small toys, games, books mits, etc) will receive a hand-made Christmas ornament.
Dec. 4
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP
SUNDAY 11am-3pm in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Join CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists in making festive wreaths. Material supplied. Bring a mug for hot apple cider and clippers, if you have them. Food and money donations welcome, with proceeds supporting a local food bank.
Free
crd.bc.ca/parks.
Dec. 4
CAROL ALONG WITH THE CARILLON
SUNDAY 4:30pm at the Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville St)
Sing along with the Netherlands Carillon as it rings out carols. Includes Hot Chocolate and cookies.
Free.
royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
Dec. 4
MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Hector's Friends and special guests Viva Choirs present medieval, renaissance and modern carols at 2:30 p.m., at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Road, Oak Bay. Adults $15, Students $10, Children 12 and under free. Tickets available at Munro’s Books, Ivy’s Bookshop, Long & McQuade, St. Mary’s Church Office and at the door.
Dec. 4
Songs of the Spirit—for Christmastide and Beyond
University of Victoria Philomela Women’s Choir and conductor Mary Kennedy invite you to join them for a concert featuring carols and sacred settings both old and new in a variety of styles, including Drie geistliche Chöre by Brahms and Rupert Lang’s CantateDomino. Carol sing-a-long back by popular demand!
St. Aidan’s United Church (3703 St. Aidan’s) 2:30 p.m. ($10 advance/$12 at the door)
Dec. 4
A Baroque Christmas!
University of Victoria Chamber Singers and conductor Brian Wismath invite you to Share the mystery of the holiday season with choral music by composers from the Baroque era. With works by Bach, Buxtehude, Purcell, Telemann, and Vivaldi.
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall 8 p.m.
Dec. 5
A CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS WITH KEN LAVIGNE
A Victoria tradition, Ken Lavigne's Christmas concerts have always been
a sell-out due to his superlative voice and engaging story-telling.
Backed by a five-piece ensemble, Lavigne's all-new show includes songs
from his CD "O' Night Divine" and a variety of holiday favourites
Royal Theatre (805 Broughton) 7:30 p.m.
Tickets at rmts.bc.ca or 250-386-6121
Dec. 5-7
CARVE A CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 10am-2pm at the Greenglade Community Centre (2151 Lannon Way)
Learn the basics of wood carving while creating a Christmas ornament.
$25
250-655-2178, draywilks@panoramarec.bc.ca.
Dec. 6
HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS
TUESDAY 7:30pm at St. Peter’s Church (3939 St. Peter’s St)
The Crystal Singers invite you to this holiday concert. With guest performers St. Margaret’s Junior School Choir.
$15
250-727-3538.
Dec. 8
WINTER STORY TIME
THURSDAY 10:15am at the Sidney/North Saanich Library (10091 Resthaven Dr)
Bring your littlest ones to the library for a winter themed story time. We will meet in the Nell Horth Room. Stay for refreshments, social time and an easy winter craft. Ages 0-5. Registration required.
Free.
250-656-0944.
Dec. 9, 10, 11
The Victoria Symphony presents A SENTIMENTAL CHRISTMAS
Principle Pops Conductor Brian Jackson and the orchestra present some of your all-time holiday favourites including White Christmas and The Christmas Song to get you in the mood for “the best time of the year”. And as our holiday gift to you, local singing sensation Emily Braden performs with the orchestra.
Royal Theatre Dec. 9 & 10 at 8 p.m., Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 9 – 18
VICTORI OPERATIC SOCIETY PRESENTS IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS
McPherson Playhouse
Featuring well-known standards including Blue Skies, I Love a Piano, How Deep is the Ocean and the perennial favourite, White Christmas. Directed by Don Keith, chroeography by Jessica Hickman and music direction by Hilary Coupland.
Dec. 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 8 p.m. And Dec. 11, 18 at 2 p.m.
Tickets starting at $24 available at rmts.bc.ca or 250-386-6121
Dec. 9 – 29
ROBIN HOOD: A PANTOMIME
Peninsula Players presents a traditional pantomime for the whole family with houmour, live music and audience participation.
Twelve shows at three theatres, beginning Dec. 9 to 11 at The Centre in Brentwood Bay, Dec. 16 to 18 at Berwich Theatre in Royal Oak and Dec. 21 to 23 and Dec. 27 to 29 at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. Tickets at Dig This (480-777 Royal Oak), The Berwick (4680 Elk Lake), The Centre (1229 Clarke) and The Charlie White Theatre (2243 Beacon, Sidney).
Dec. 10-24
FATHER CHRISTMAS COMES TO THE ROYAL BC MUSEUM
THURSDAYS-MONDAYS 11:30am-4:30pm at the Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville St)
Visit with Father Christmas on the decorated streets of the museum's Old Town.
$9-$15
royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
Dec. 11
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
SUNDAY 2pm at St. Mary’s Church (1701 Elging St)
Haydn's Te Deum Ropek's Christmas Fantasy Other familiar seasonal music to warm the heart and delight the ear.
$12/$15
250-383-8096.
Dec. 11
MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS
SUNDAY 3pm at St. Barnabas Church (1525 Begbie St
The Vancouver Island Chamber Choir perform under the direction of Wade Noble.
$10
250-595-4324.
Dec. 11
WINTER WONDER CRAFTS
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