November is here, and you know what that means in our lovely city – it’s time for some cozy fun as we anticipate the holiday season.
While the air gets a little crisper, Victoria, BC is still buzzing with autumn and winter markets, community events, and outdoor adventures.
Here are a few activities and events that are sure to add some warmth and cheer to your November calendar:
Shows & Concerts
Candlelight Concerts (November 18 & 25): Magical live musical performances at awe-inspiring locations in Victoria. This November, Candlelight Concerts presents The Best of Hans Zimmer and A Tribute to Taylor Swift. (We’ll be there!)
The Wizard of Oz at McPherson Playhouse (November 24-December 3): We’re off to see the wizard! Catch the live musical adaptation of this nostalgic classic.
Jurassic Park in Concert at Royal Theatre (November 9-10): Experience the Jurassic Park film projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing live to picture. This movie is a personal favourite of ours.. and we can only imagine how epic the show will be!
Baby Jam – A Performance Series for The Very Young at Oaklands Community Centre & Association (November 4, 9:30am & 1:00pm): Family fun for those with little ones ages 0-4! Live music, movement, and sensory play opportunities presented by professional artists. Event passes are for a family of up to four, with series passes available.
Winter Markets
Yuletide Market Series at Bilston Creek Farm (November 10-December 21): Seven unique markets open from Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, throughout November and December. A fantastic opportunity to shop local this holiday season!
Moss Street Market in the Sir James Douglas School Gymnasium (Saturdays, 10am-1pm): Moss Street Farmers Market is open year-round! So you can enjoy the market collectives’ farm-fresh produce, local foods, handmade crafts, and artisan clothing in every season.
Oaklands West Coast Winter Market (November 25 at 10:00am): Oaklands Market is back for a winter session! Sip a hot beverage and enjoy your favourite vendors.
Tillicum Holiday Market at Tillicum Elementary (November 18): Family fun featuring crafts, food, prize raffles, and a bake sale!
Vic West Christmas Market at the Victoria West Community Centre (November 25): Complimentary hot beverages while you shop local vendors at Vic West’s first Christmas Market.
Nomad Holiday Market at Songhees Wellness Centre (November 10-12): Enjoy food and beverages, fine art, clothing, crafts and more from makers all over the island!
Movement & Community
Free in person yoga classes for all levels with Karen McKinnon at 1600 Bay Street (Wednesdays at 11:30am): Classes will include breath-work, energy, meditation, and modification of poses based on your needs. A beautiful opportunity for gentle movement and mindfulness.
Wednesday Night Walks with Meetup in the Dallas Road area (Wednesdays at 6:30pm): Join the Victoria Outdoor Club for an evening walk, rain or shine!
Newcomers’ Club of Greater Victoria: Victoria is home to many newcomers! The Newcomers’ Club of Greater Victoria offers diverse opportunities to meet new people and spend time in community.
Join Victoria’s cold water dip crew: A fantastic article by Daniel Shipley, on West Coast Traveller, covering some of Victoria’s most popular cold water dip spots! Cold water therapy has climbed in popularity, with many enthusiasts continuing ocean swims throughout the winter months.
Cue the Holiday Magic
Festival of Trees for the BC Children’s Hospital at the Bay Centre (November 16-January 3): This annual event will feature 100 sponsored trees for the community to vote on and enjoy over the holidays, with all proceeds going towards cancer research at BC Children’s Hospital.
Gingerbread Showcase for Habitat for Humanity at Hotel Grand Pacific (November 25-January 4): The theme for this year’s Gingerbread Showcase is Family Traditions.
Magic of Christmas Dinner and Dance at The Butchart Gardens (November 25, 6pm-11:30pm): A magical evening with a dinner buffet, bar service, dancing, Traditional Carollers, and a first look at the holiday light display in The Gardens.
Oak Bay Christmas Festival (November 26): The Oak Bay Christmas Festival kicks off on the last Sunday in November with the Christmas Festival Light Up! Family activities will start at 2pm, including a bouncy castle, street games, craft stations, and lighted trucks. Onstage entertainment will begin at 3pm!
Thank you for being here,
Alex Hughes* and Ricki-Lee Jewell, Victoria, BC Real Estate Agents
*Personal Real Estate Corporation