Each month Used.ca proudly supports local community events here in Greater Victoria and on Vancouver Island. Check out these exciting events around town in November!
1.) Creative Craft Fairs – November 8-10
2.) Festival of Trees Victoria at The Bay Centre – November 15 – January 5
3.) Beckley Farm Lodge Art Auction and Exhibition – November 9-30
4.) First and Last Chance Christmas Craft Show – November 2-3 & December 13-15
5.) Belfry Theatre presents 1939 – October 29-November 24
6.) Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair – December 7-8
7.) Relove Market – November 23-24
8.) Cool Aid Society’s Annual Socks Campaign – November 1-30
9.) Belfry Theatre presents Mom’s the Word Talkin’ Turkey – December 3-22
10.) Artistic Craft Market – November 30-December 1
11.) Habitat Victoria’s 16th Annal Gingerbread Showcase – November 22 – January 5
12.) 2024 IEOA Truck Parade – December 7
13.) Victoria Symphony presents Home Alone in Concert – December 21 & 22
14.) Belfry Theatre presents Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey – December 3-22
15.) Victoria Symphony presents Christmas Pops with Canadian Brass – December 7-8
Creative Craft Fairs- November 8-10
Stall with festive wax candles at the Street Christmas Market in Vilnius, Lithuania. The market is an annual tradition and a part of celebration. Selective focus
One of Vancouver Island’s most established fairs, the 45th Annual Creative Craft Fairs, November 8th to 10th at Pearkes Recreation Centre. There will be an array of unique crafts to purchase for the holiday season. Professional exhibitors will show their finest jewellery, glass, pottery, candles, wood, bath & beauty products, clothing, weaving, toys, quilting, specialty foods, paintings, First Nations Art, cards, prints, and High-Quality Imports. Enjoy snacks or lunch at Greek on the Street! The Pearkes venue provides a relaxed spacious environment that is wheelchair accessible. An ideal time to shop is Friday November 8th, opening at 11am and closing at 7pm. Open Saturday November 9th 10am to 5pm and the last day for enjoyable shopping is SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10th 10am to 4pm! Visit website for more information http://www.creativecraftfairs.com
Festival of Trees Victoria at The Bay Centre – November 15 – January 5
Festival of Trees Victoria | Nov 15 – Jan 5 | Bay Centre
Immerse yourself in the season as you tour over 80 trees spruced up and on display at the Bay Centre for the community to vote on and enjoy over the holidays. A signature kick off to the holiday season in Greater Victoria, this iconic display has become one of the City’s must-see and most enjoyed events.
While you are there, be sure to vote by donation for your favourite tree – your generosity helps fund breakthrough research, treatment and care for seriously ill kids.
Plan your visit at thebaycentre.ca/festival-of-trees/
Beckley Farm Lodge Art Auction and Exhibition – November 9-30
You are invited to browse and bid in this unique online art auction featuring beautiful, heartfelt pieces created by the talented seniors, dedicated staff, and passionate volunteers of Beckley Farm Lodge. You can also visit Beckley Farm Lodge to view even more artwork and handcrafted items available by donation. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the people who live at Beckley Farm Lodge, while celebrating the creativity of all the artists involved.
Explore a diverse collection of artwork that reflects personal stories, cherished memories, and artistic expressions. Every purchase will help enhance the lives of the 64 seniors who live at Beckley Farm Lodge, a Broadmead Care Home.
Do not miss this chance to own a meaningful piece of art while making a positive impact! Mark your calendars and join us for this inspiring event. The online auction will be live November 9 – 30, 2024. Find all the details here.
First and Last Chance Christmas Craft Show – November 2-3 & December 13-15
This Christmas, First & Last Chance invites you to capture the magic of the season with not one, but two festive craft shows at the Mary Winspear Centre! With over 80 curated exhibitors, both shows will feature the latest in fashion, home décor, unique gifts, and holiday wares. It’s the perfect way to spend time with family and friends, soaking up the seasonal atmosphere while checking off everyone on your shopping list—and maybe even finding a treat for yourself!
More Than Shopping—An Experience
First & Last Chance isn’t just about shopping; it’s about community, creativity, and the spirit of the season. When you attend First & Last Chance, you’re not just finding the perfect gifts—you’re also supporting local artisans who pour their heart and soul into every creation. These talented makers take inspiration from the West Coast’s natural beauty, crafting pieces that are as unique as they are beautiful. Your support helps nurture local talent and keeps the tradition of handmade craftsmanship thriving in our community.
So, put on your shopping shoes, gather your friends and family, and join us at First & Last Chance—the ultimate way to celebrate the holidays!
Belfry Theatre presents 1939 – October 29 – November 24
It’s 1939, the year of King George’s first Royal Tour of Canada, and rumour has it that a Residential School in Northern Ontario is on the itinerary. As the Welsh English-teacher rehearses her students for a performance of All’s Well That Ends Well for the King, the Indigenous actors discover surprising parallels between their various cultures and Shakespeare’s script—and set out to make his bittersweet comedy their own.
Initially produced at the Stratford Festival in 2022, 1939 was born of both family legacy and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and has been guided by Indigenous Elders, Survivors, and ceremony throughout its development.
The Belfry Theatre offers Pay-What-You-Want tickets to all performances.
Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair – December 7-8
DO YOU LOVE NERDY CRAFTS AND UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS? Join us for a craft fair focused on the geeks and nerds! Nerdy Days of Christmas is a quaint nerdy inspired craft fair with a variety of handmade wares including soaps, dice, greeting cards, jewelry, crochet, local art, sculptures, embroidered patches, monsters, Christmas decor and more. With themes such as sci-fi, fantasy, animation, television, movies, comic books, video games, you’ll be able to find something unique for yourself or gifts and stocking stuffers for all the nerds and geeks in your life. Let us help you celebrate the festive season in the geekiest way possible. This is a great event you won’t want to miss!
Entry is by donation at the door, with 100% of the door proceeds donated to Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Relove Market – November 23-24
The ReLove Market is an empowering fashion community dedicated to the pursuit of personal expression balanced with environmental sustainability. We bring local curators and fashion enthusiasts together in a welcoming, inspiring and creative in-person forum to share ideas and textiles! Featuring local artisans, resellers of secondhand & vintage clothing, makers of sustainable fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle.
Join us as we close out our 2024 market season in style November 23-24 from 11am-5pm at the Rifflandia Showroom located at #2500-2541 Rock Bay Ave. Don’t forget your reusable shopper for all your fabulous finds. Be sure to tag your snaps from the day with @therelovemarket & #relovegeneration
Cool Aid Society’s Annual Socks Campaign – November 1-30
It’s something that most of us take for granted – clean, dry footwear. But for people who are homeless or precariously housed – especially at this time of year – clean, dry shoes and socks can make the difference between daily survival and succumbing to health conditions that are exacerbated by wet, cold feet. Starting November 1, Cool Aid, in partnership with Kia Victoria, is launching its annual campaign to buy 10,000 pairs of warm socks for those experiencing homelessness in the capital region.
This year’s campaign will run until November 30. Donations can be made to the campaign or ‘greatest need’ at coolaid.org, by calling 250-383-1977 or at Kia Victoria.
Belfry Theatre presents Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey – December 3-22
It started as a lark, six new mothers got together every Saturday morning to write a show about motherhood. Thirty years on and over two million audience members later, the Moms are back to tackle the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas. As usual, nothing is sacred as the Moms tell their truth, the hilarious truth and nothing but the embarrassing truth. This show is for anyone who has had a tough time getting in the spirit of the season. The Moms see you.
When I was Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, I invited a show to come and play on that stage. It was called Mom’s the Word and little did I know, I was the first theatre outside of BC to extend an invitation to the Moms. I fell in love with the show—and with Jill, Alison, Robin, Barbara, and Deborah. They were not only hilarious—they were also heartwarming and heartbreaking. I loved them then—and I love them now—all these years later! Come and help us celebrate their 30th Anniversary of real stories, by and about real moms. —Michael Shamata
The Belfry Theatre offers Pay-What-You-Want tickets to all performances.
Artistic Craft Market – November 30 – December 1
Don’t forget about the upcoming Artistic Craft Market! Join us at Victoria’s Da Vinci Centre for two days of exceptional arts and crafts. With 40 exhibitors, our fair is a must-visit for thousands of visitors. You’ll find an array of artisans showcasing their work, including gourmet food, fine art, photography, clothing, glass art, jewelry, bath and beauty products, wine, spirits, and fine woodwork. Don’t miss out on this incredible event! The weekend pass is $5.00 at the door, with partial proceeds going to the Chek TV Toy Drive.
Habitat Victoria’s 16th Annual Gingerbread Showcase – November 22 – January 5
Screenshot
Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s 16th Annual Gingerbread Showcase returns, presented by in partnership with Peninsula Co-op. This iconic holiday event and premier annual fundraiser offers seasonal family fun spiced with friendly competition.
Hosted by Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street, on Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour. The Showcase runs daily from 9 am to 9 pm – November 22, 2024 through January 5, 2025. Attendance is no charge. Visitors are encouraged to donate and vote for their favourite creation!
Volunteer professional and home bakers alike have spent hundreds of hours interpreting this year’s theme ‘Through a Child’s Eyes’. They’ll be vying for top honours as the People’s Choice – determined by visitor voting! Add this festive cherished tradition to your holiday plans and Support Habitat and Support Families.
IEOA Truck Parade – December 7, 2024
Date: Saturday December 7th, 2024
Start Time: Leave Ogden Point at 5pm
Finish Time: Arrive at Royal Bay for approx. 8pm
Join us for the 26th annual Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Parade & Food Drive. It’s a much-loved annual event that has 80 hardworking commercial trucks cleaned and polished and adorned with decorations and festive lights that will slowly roll along a 35km route through five municipalities in Greater Victoria. Dump trucks, equipment trailers, crane trucks, pump trucks, fire trucks, coast guard vessels, mixer trucks, military, transit, and more will weave through the streets and spread holiday cheer to encourage spectators to contribute to local food banks and brighten the holidays for those in need. Route maps, GPS, Food Bank links, and more details are available at IEOA.ca.
Victoria Symphony presents Home Alone in Concert – December 21 & 22
December 21, 7 pm – SELLING OUT
December 22, 2:30 pm – SELLING OUT
December 22, 7 pm – JUST ADDED!
Royal Theatre
A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Victoria Symphony. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family! Purchase tickets here.
© 1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Belfry Theatre presents Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey – December 3-22
The Moms tackle Christmas
It started as a lark, six new mothers got together every Saturday morning to write a show about motherhood. Thirty years on and over two million audience members later, the Moms are back with their fifth and latest show, Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey. Nothing is sacred as the Moms tell their truth, the hilarious truth and nothing but the embarrassing truth. The Moms see you.
The earlier shows include Mom’s the Word, Mom’s the Word 2: Unhinged, Mom’s the Word: Remixed, Mom’s the Word: Nest 1⁄2 Empty, and Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey.
The scripts have been translated into 10 languages and played in over 19 countries, including a run in London’s West End: Just for Laughs/Montreal and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The Mom’s the Word Collective has united parents through laughter and tears around the globe.
Pay-what-you-want tickets are available here for Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey.
Victoria Symphony presents Christmas Pops with Canadian Brass – December 7-8
Christmas Pops with Canadian Brass – December 7-8
December 7, 7:30 pm
December 8, 2:30 pm
Royal Theatre
Ring in the holiday season with your Victoria Symphony, Maestro Sean O’Loughlin, and the internationally-renowned Canadian Brass, who return to Victoria with music for The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! From holiday classics to jazzy renditions of favourite carols, the world famous brass quintet joins VS for this festive celebration!
Tickets are selling fast and Sunday’s concert in particular is selling out!
