In partnership with

Hello Greater Victoria!

This is the week we've all been waiting for. Thursday kicks things off when Santa arrives by BOAT at the Inner Harbour (yes, really—complete with 1,000 free cookies!), launching a weekend packed with holiday celebrations across our communities.

Saturday brings the dazzling Christmas Truck Parade—festively decorated big rigs lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, rolling from Ogden Point all the way to Colwood. Then Sunday? Parade heaven in Sooke, Sidney, and Esquimalt.

We've rounded up 33 experiences this week spanning craft fairs, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, and festive celebrations. There's something for everyone, no matter what kind of holiday spirit you're chasing.

Plus: the heartwarming comeback story of Victoria Pie Company's legendary recipes, and how Oak Bay neighbours can help crack a community mystery.

Grab your hot chocolate, bundle up the family, and let's make some memories! 🎅

Markets & Craft Fairs

Esquimalt: Esquimalt Farmers Market Dec 4 (Thur) @Esquimalt Recreational Centre 4:30-7pm

Saanich: Craft & Connect Dec 4 (Thur) @Luther Court Society Lounge, 1525 Cedar Hill Cross Rd 3-4pm

Metchosin: Yuletide Market Series Dec 5-7 (Fri-Sun) @Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Rd

Victoria: Moss Street Market Dec 6 (Sat) @Sir James Douglas School, 1330 Fairfield Rd 10am-1pm

+ Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair Dec 6-7 (Sat/Sun) @Market Square, 560 Johnson St 11am-4pm

Central Saanich: Annual Christmas Market Dec 6-7 (Sat-Sun) @Patio Gardens 6536 West Saanich Rd 10am-4pm

+ Local Folk Fair Holiday Market Dec 6-7 (Sat-Sun) @Sea Cider Farm, 2487 Mt St Michael Rd, Saanichton11am-4pm

Langford: Winter Fest Market Dec 7 (Sun) @Veterans Memorial Park 12-5pm

Arts & Culture

Oak Bay: Emily Carr’s Life & Influences Dec 3 (Wed) @1442 Monterey Ave, Monterey Rec Centre, Bamboo Room, 1-2pm (space limited: call to reserve your spot).   

Saanich: The 2000s Trivia Night Dec 5 (Fri) @The Monkey Tree Pub, 4025 Borden St. 7:30pm

Sidney: The Peninsula Singers “Winter Wonderland” Dec 5-7 (Fri-Sun) @Mary Winspear Centre, Charlie White Theatre, 2243 Beacon Ave 7:30pm

Langford: Dia De Las Velitas Dec 7 (Sun) @The Langford Station 3-5pm

Victoria: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Until Dec 7 (Sun) @McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square

Your body will thank you.

Join 74,000+ health enthusiasts for fresh, evidence-based guidance on the pillars of longevity, including movement, nutrition, sleep, and coping mechanisms—all translated from new studies. No fads. No hype. Just health strategies rooted in the latest science. Improve your health and live a longer, happier life by accessing information that empowers you.

Outdoor & Nature Adventures

Metchosin: Christmas Bird Count Tune-Up (Guided Walk) – 12 years+ Dec 6 (Sat) – Search the sky and sea for birds with a birding expert @Witty’s Lagoon Regional Park (Meet: info kiosk at Tower Point parking lot) 9-11am

Saanich: Kid/Family Wreath Making Workshop Dec 6 (Sat) @the Gardens at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd. 10-11:30am

+ Holiday Open House (Self-Guided Walk) – All Ages Dec 7 (Sun) – Forest walk, warm up in the cabin, make a holiday craft (like an owlet) to take home @Francis/King Regional Park, Munn Rd 10am-2pm

Holiday Magic

🚛 Oak Bay, Victoria, Saanich, View Royal, Langford, Colwood: IEOA Truck Light Parade Dec 6 (Sat) @Ogden Point to Royal Bay 5-8pm (Map of Entire Route provided in the link)

Victoria: Harbour Holiday Lights Dec 4 (Thur) @Inner Harbour 5-8pm

+ Connection Friday at Lights of Wonder Dec 5 (Fri) @10 Centennial Square 5:30-9:30pm

+ Holiday Terrarium Workshop Dec 5 (Fri) @515 Chatham Street 5:30-6:30pm

+ Family Day at Lights of Wonder Dec 6 (Sat) @10 Centennial Square 4:30-7pm

+ Festival of Trees Until Dec 31 @Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas St.

+ Lights of Wonder Until Dec 31 @10 Centennial Square

+ Gingerbread Showcase Until Jan 4, 2026 @Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.

Lanford: Carousel in The Park Dec 5-7 (Fri-Sun) @Veterans Memorial Park

+ Langford Light Up Dec 6 (Sat) @The Langford Station & Veterans Memorial Park 3-8pm

Colwood: Christmas in Colwood Dec 6 (Sat) @Royal Bay Commons, 345 Latoria Boulevard 6:30-8:30pm

Sooke: Sooke Santa Parade Dec 7 (Sun) @Sooke Library, 6671 Wadams Way, 4-6pm

+ Festival of Trees Until Dec 26 @SEAPARC Rec Centre, 2168 Phillips Rd

Sidney: Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade Dec 7 (Sun) @Downtown, Beacon Ave, 5-6pm

Esquimalt: Esquimalt Celebration of Lights Dec 7 (Sun) @Archie Browning, 3pm onward (including a parade at 5pm).  

North Saanich: Gingerbread House Challenge Until Dec 31 @Panorama Recreation, 1885 Forest Park Dr (houses displayed all December)

Central Saanich: Lights Display at The Butchart Gardens Until Jan 6 @800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay 3-9pm

Is this the cutest heating pad ever?

If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun, functional, and irresistibly nostalgic, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad deserves a top spot in your holiday roundup. This heating pad version of the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart heats up in the microwave to provide gentle, lasting relief from cramps, tension, and everyday aches.

Ideal for stocking stuffers, White Elephant parties, or anyone who appreciates a cozy pick-me-up with a playful twist. This warm, toasty “treat” is one holiday gift that’s sure to bring cheer!

Family Fun: Our Top 3 Picks

Family experiences we're excited about this week:

🎅 Harbour Holiday Lights – Dec 4 (Thur)

Santa's arriving by BOAT at 6 PM, and you don't want to miss it! Head to the Lower Causeway (576 Belleville St) from 5–8 PM for free photos with jolly old St. Nick, 1,000 free cookies and hot chocolate, live music, a heated kids' tent with games, and 30+ local vendors. The Victoria Children's Choir performs, there's face painting, and decorated boats light up the harbour. It's the perfect (free!) way to kick off the festive season by the Inner Harbour.

This family favourite is back and it's absolutely magical! Watch as festively decorated trucks lit up with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights roll across Greater Victoria in a dazzling mobile light show. The parade starts at Ogden Point and winds its way through our communities before ending at the Christmas in Colwood Event in Royal Bay. Grab your hot chocolate, bundle up the kids, and stake out your perfect viewing spot anywhere along the route. These lit-up big rigs are guaranteed to bring smiles and holiday cheer!

🎉 Sooke Santa Parade – Dec 7 (Sun)

Sooke knows how to celebrate! Head to the Sooke Library for their beloved annual Santa Parade and festive fun. Arrive early for photos with Santa (he's there until 4:30 PM when he hops into the parade!), let the kids get crafty at the Christmas crafting station, and warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and hot dogs. It's small-town magic at its finest—festive, friendly, and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season Sooke-style!

Bonus Family Pick 1: 🥁 Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade Dec 7 (Sun) @Downtown, Beacon Ave, 5-6pm

Bonus Family Pick 2: 🎺 Esquimalt Celebration of Lights (and Parade!) Dec 7 (Sun) – Click the link for all the details!

(so much family-fun happening this week!)

News Bites

Oak Bay Community Detectives Needed: Check Your Cameras

Oak Bay needs your eyes. Someone vandalized six homes along Lansdowne Road and Beach Drive on November 19th around 9 PM, leaving thousands in damage. Your doorbell camera or security footage could crack this case wide open. Live in the 3000 blocks or see something that night? Check your recordings and call Oak Bay Police at 250-592-2424 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Greater Victoria's Beloved Pies Rise Again

Remember Victoria Pie Company from the Public Market? Those legendary pies almost disappeared forever when the market closed this summer—but plot twist! Baker Victoria Wan, who worked there for two years, couldn't let those recipes die. With a blessing from former owner Marie Takahashi, Wan launched Indigo Bakes to keep the pie magic alive.

Chicken Pot Pie, Mushroom Gruyere, Apple Pie—all the classics are back with the same beloved recipes. Because some things are just too delicious to lose. Welcome back, pies!

[Read the full story]

🌊 Have a great week!

Keep Reading