CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE AT HERITAGE ACRES Cross through the gates of Heritage Acres and enter a historical Christmas village — lighted displays among pioneerera buildings and farming equipment, a model train exhibit, music and entertainment, and a decorated boathouse fit for none other than Old St. Nick. Inside the century-old Saanich Schoolhouse, you can purchase hot food and drinks in support of Saanich Historical Artifacts Society. Weather permi ing, moonlit train rides among Christmas lights will be available. When: December 6–8 and 13–15 from 5 pm–9 pm Where: 7321 Lochside Drive Admission: $10 per carload shas.ca
TUBA CHRISTMAS Tuba players from around the Pacific Northwest travel to the capital for Tuba Christmas, a New York City tradition now carried out in more than 140 cities worldwide. Victoria’s Tuba Christmas is the oldest one operating continually in Canada; this cacophonous custom has been ra ling the girders of Market Square for 35 years. More than 70 tubas and other low brass instruments band together in an enormous and energizing ensemble to play Christmas carols arranged for the occasion. When: December 7, 1 pm Where: Market Square Free admission tubachristmas.com
CHRISTMAS DINNER THEATRE
A TOUCH OF SALT SPRING CRAFT SHOW
Twinkling lights, cedar boughs, and red velvet ribbons — Christmas is a feast for the senses, made for the stage. Fill your heart — and tummy — with a holiday revue wri en and produced by Victorian Ma hew Howe, featuring live music and a three-course meal. It’s Christmas at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel exudes the essence of the season: carols that gladden the spirit, stories that tug on heartstrings, and traditions that bring family and friends together. When: Select weekend dates until December 21 Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Drive Cost: $89 oakbaybeachhotel.com
Salt Spring Island is a veritable Santa’s workshop, with myriad cra ers producing handmade gi s including jewelry, soaps, chocolate, and cheese. For three days, the elf-like artisans wrap up their wares and travel (by ferry, not flying sleigh) to Saanich to bring a sample of Salt Spring to Vancouver Islanders. Over 230 exhibitors, including some from BC and Alberta, showcase their objets d’art, giving you infinite gi ideas for everyone on your list. When: December 6, 10 am–8 pm, and December 7 & 8, 10 am–5 pm Where: Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Drive Cost: $5.00 for 3-day pass atouchofsaltspring.com
CHRISTMAS EXPRESS AT THE BC FOREST MUSEUM Over the course of the 20th century, trains have choo-chooed their way into the holiday esthetic. You can experience the whimsy of a holiday train ride with a tour on the Christmas Express, a 1910 steam locomotive, at the BC Forest Museum. En route to visit Santa Claus, ride through the 100-acre outdoor museum, over a trestle bridge, and behold a decorated West Coast logging scene. Once at Santa’s workshop, warm up with hot drinks and dance to live music. When: December 6–8, 13–15, 20–23, 4–9 pm Where: 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan Admission: $8 adults/seniors/students; $6 children 2–12 years bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
DON’T MISS THESE POPULAR BY-DONATION FAVOURITES: FESTIVAL OF TREES The Fairmont Empress 721 Government Street November 21–January 7 Free admission. Vote for your favourite tree with a donation to BC Children’s Hospital. bcchf.ca
CANADA’S NATIONAL GINGERBREAD SHOWCASE The Inn at Laurel Point 680 Montreal Street November 23–January 4 Free admission. Vote for your favourite creation with a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. laurelpoint.com
BEAR WEAR Hotel Grand Pacific 463 Belleville Street November 26–January 2 Free admission. Vote to win your favourite bear with a donation to Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. childrenshealthvi.org
HOLIDAY CLASSICS: The Royal BC Museum’s Christmas in Old Town: royalbcmuseum.bc.ca Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle: thecastle.ca The Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens: butchartgardens.com 31