10 Things to do in Victoria this November
As November unfolds in Victoria, BC, the city pulses with a unique blend of coziness and creativity. This is a time when the city invites you to slow down, embrace the season, and connect with those around you. From the rich flavours of seasonal fare to the lively ambiance of local markets, every moment is an opportunity to savour something special. Embrace the essence of this captivating time, where curiosity leads you to create unforgettable memories with those you cherish.
Magic of Christmas Dinner & Dance
Christmas is just around the corner. Get a jump on the festive fun with the Magic of Christmas Dinner & Dance at The Butchart Gardens, Friday, November 29th. Enjoy a feast for the senses with a buffet dinner and exclusive access to The Gardens’ magnificent holiday light display. It’s an evening of musical delight with performances by the Chris Millington Trio, Butchart’s Traditional Carollers (who will accompany you on your stroll), and a dance to cap off the evening with live music from the Chris Millington Band. Reservations are required and the event will sell out fast, the reservation window opens Monday, October 21st. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the Magic of Christmas.
WinterFest
Can’t find the perfect holiday gift for that special someone? It’s no problem for the savvy shopper. Find what you’re looking for, and a few things that you didn’t know you needed, at WinterFest. Back for its second year, WinterFest takes over the grounds at the Royal BC Museum between November 30th and December 1st, with food, warm drinks, multicultural performances, and of course, a unique shopping experience powered by Victoria’s top craft vendors. Winterfest adds a decidedly west coast spin to your gift bags and stocking stuffers; the perfect stop for crossing off your nice list.
Salty Sundays
Join the Maritime Museum of BC for Salty Sundays every Sunday in November (and December too!). Spend the afternoon crafting and enjoying engaging activities for a hands-on way to connect with our province’s deep maritime history. Try your hand at linocut printmaking, ink watercolour, scrimshaw, and artefact interpretation. Learn about Salish Sea animals, square up on local tree and forest knowledge, and refine your carving skills. Entry to these classes is included with admission and no experience is necessary.
Bilston Creek Craft Market
Bilston Creek Farm’s Yuletide Market Series is back with seven weekends of festive fun beginning November 8th. These rotating markets are designed as a retail pop-up store showcasing some of the region’s best makers, as well as lavender themed goods from Bilston Creek Farm themselves, which means you’ll find something new each week. This year, over 90 local businesses will showcase their work across the market series, and the series even features a night-market at the Instagram-worthy farm from December 16th – 19th.
Bilston Creek Farm
Catch a Show
The cooler late fall evenings provide the perfect excuse to find yourself in doors, but that doesn’t have to mean settling down for the night. Late night is when Victoria comes alive, with music pouring into the streets from our many live-music pubs and concert halls. Find a show that matches your tastes. i-Land Fest Tabanca | Carribbean Soca Fete keeps the Carnival season alive, bringing cool Soca, Calypso, and Reggae to town for a one-night show, Friday, November 8th. The Island Big Band brings their big sound to Herman’s Jazz Club for A Musical Tribute to the Life of Paul Sparrow, November 17th, for a night of jazz and a celebration of local music. Dubbed “the finest viol consort on the planet” by the London Standard, Lamento | Iestyn Davies and Fretwork explore the Baroque era and 17th-century German composers at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, November 28th. And, multiple Juno Award winning Canadian rockers, the Arkells, blow the roof off the Save on Foods Memorial Centre with an electric performance November 16th. A November in Victoria is music to your ears!
Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees returns to downtown Victoria’s iconic Bay Centre for another year of picture-perfect holiday charm. Explore an enchanted forest unlike any other, as Victoria’s local business community flex their artistic prowess decorating over 70 trees on display. This free to the public event runs daily from November 15th to January 5th, and proceeds from the event support a great cause. Bring down the family, take in the magic, and vote for your favourite tree!
Nomad Holiday Market
Do you love food, art, and hand-crafted beverages? Who doesn’t! And that’s why you can’t miss the Nomad Holiday Market. This year’s event celebrates The Magic of the Holidays and brings together over 50 local artists and crafters in a curated shopping experience. Dig into chocolates, baked goods, and food trucks, sip and savour local craft beer, wine & spirits, and take in some of the region’s best art as you shop your way through this one-of-a-kind holiday market. This fun for the whole family event features live music, balloon makers, and even a colouring contest for the kids. Kick-off the holiday season right with the Nomad Holiday Market at the Songhees Wellness Centre, November 9th & 10th.
Gingerbread Showcase
The annual Gingerbread Showcase returns in all it’s soft but crumbly glory November 22nd through January 5th. In its 16th year, Victoria’s best gingerbread sculptors go head-to-head, while lending a hand-up to local families in need. Each year, the Gingerbread Showcase attracts over 20,000 visitors who will eye up, and possibly drool over, edible creations vying for awards such as Best First Impression, Best Interpretation of the Theme, Most Creative and Original, and the coveted People’s Choice Award. Come help crown the champions of Gingerbread creativity in Victoria by voting for your favourite.
Gingerbread Showcase
Sip and Shop Holiday Market
Add a classic touch to your holiday shopping experience at the 3rd Annual Sip and Shop Holiday Market. Browse local vendors, cocktail in hand, inside one of the most beautiful rooms in Victoria at this iconic downtown Heritage Building, the Bard & Banker (once home to a famed Christmas store between 1988-2007, it’s sure to bring back holiday memories for those who’ve visited Victoria before). This curated market brings together over ten of Victoria’s most celebrated makers in an intimate venue and pairs them with live music, and of course, wonderful holiday libations.
Greater Victoria Militaria Fair and Sale
November is a time for remembrance. Discover the story of Greater Victoria’s rich military history at the 2024 Greater Victoria Militaria Fair and Sale, November 2nd. This free public event at the Bay Street Armoury (both a National Historic Site and Federal Heritage Building) provides a fun for all ages day of discovery including a display of military artifacts, medieval combat & Japanese Iaido demonstrations, a sale of military collectibles, and performances by the Canadian Scottish Regiment Regimental Pipes and Drums, the 78th Frazer Highlanders Pipes and Drums, and the Royal Canadian Navy Naden Band. Don’t miss this entertaining and educational day celebrating Canada’s enduring military legacy.
Militaria Fair and Sale
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