Holidays and Seasonal Events

Celebrations for Lunar New Year feature a lion dance, which is a way to cleanse spaces of bad vibes and bring in good luck for the new year. This lion and drum are used to by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club to practice for performances. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)

VIDEO: Island leaps into year of the rabbit with celebrations in Victoria’s Chinatown

Lunar New Year celebrations will include lion dancing, music, lucky red envelopes and lots of food

 

Organizers of the community dinner at Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre, which takes place every Christmas said it is an event with a high demand. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)

The Mary Winspear Centre hosts annual community dinner after 2 year hiatus

Organizers of the event said it was truly a community effort, including donations of food and time.

 

The Town of View Royal wants residents to nominate their favourite holiday display between now and Dec. 23. (Black Press Media file photo)

Light Up View Royal contest looking for the coolest displays

Residents encouraged to nominate their favourite decorative display

 

This display of the great hall in Hogwarts is just one of the amazing creations at the Gingerbread Showcase. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)

VIDEO: Victoria’s Habitat for Humanity sparks magic with annual Gingerbread Showcase

With the holidays upon us, Habitat for Humanity makes it easy to donate to local families in need

This display of the great hall in Hogwarts is just one of the amazing creations at the Gingerbread Showcase. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)
Rev. Carrelyn Sheldan of the Victoria Truth Centre hopes to provide comfort to those feeling sad or alone during the holiday season during a Blue Christmas service Dec. 3. (Courtesy of Carrelyn Sheldan)

Victoria inter-faith churches join to present Blue Christmas service for grieving

Dec. 3 service is intended to comfort those who feel alone or sad during the holiday season

Rev. Carrelyn Sheldan of the Victoria Truth Centre hopes to provide comfort to those feeling sad or alone during the holiday season during a Blue Christmas service Dec. 3. (Courtesy of Carrelyn Sheldan)
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto and Bruce Williams secure themselves with harnesses before they are lifted to the top of the 42-foot tree. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)

VIDEO: Ralmax Group aims to spark holiday joy, support for local businesses with harbour lights

New seasonal Victoria Harbour Ferry tour will give spectators a front-row view

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto and Bruce Williams secure themselves with harnesses before they are lifted to the top of the 42-foot tree. (Hollie Ferguson/News Staff)
Gurdwara Singh Sabha on Cecelia Road, which will be closed for Khalsa Day celebrations on May 1. (Gurdwara Singh Sabha/Facebook)

Khalsa Day Celebrations coming to Cecelia Road in Victoria May 1

Gurdwara Singh Sabha invites all in Victoria to attend the commemoration of the founding of Sikhism

Gurdwara Singh Sabha on Cecelia Road, which will be closed for Khalsa Day celebrations on May 1. (Gurdwara Singh Sabha/Facebook)
Easter events are back this year across Greater Victoria after many were put on hold over the past two years of pandemic. (Black Press Media file photo)

Easter weekend events spread around Greater Victoria

Many events returning after being put on pause earlier in the pandemic

Easter events are back this year across Greater Victoria after many were put on hold over the past two years of pandemic. (Black Press Media file photo)
With over 100 pieces of hand-painted yard art – in particular the Peanuts gang – 4360 Torquay Dr. was a shoo-in for first place, Light Up the City judges said. (Courtesy of Yvette Fornelli)

2021 Light Up the City entries spread cheer around Greater Victoria

Winning decorators impressed judges with festive lighting displays and other elements

With over 100 pieces of hand-painted yard art – in particular the Peanuts gang – 4360 Torquay Dr. was a shoo-in for first place, Light Up the City judges said. (Courtesy of Yvette Fornelli)
Santa Claus will drop by Sidney for a visit on Sunday (Dec. 19) after being invited by the Peninsula Celebrations Society. Santa will be at at the bandshell in Sidney’s Beacon Park from noon to 3 p.m. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Santa coming to Sidney on Dec. 19

Peninsula Celebration Society prepares to hold its first event in two years

Santa Claus will drop by Sidney for a visit on Sunday (Dec. 19) after being invited by the Peninsula Celebrations Society. Santa will be at at the bandshell in Sidney’s Beacon Park from noon to 3 p.m. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
The Oak Bay Recreation Centre is a hub of activity, including free ones on Christmas and New Year’s days. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Oak Bay kicks off 2022 with a walk, free activities

Holiday free skate, swim, lessons also return this Christmas Day

The Oak Bay Recreation Centre is a hub of activity, including free ones on Christmas and New Year’s days. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
Three City of Langford employees pose for a quick photo. They have been working night shifts this past month, through some extreme weather, but it hasn’t dampened their spirits while they make Langford’s holiday decor sparkle. (Photo courtesy of the City of Langford)

Holiday spirit sparkles in Langford

Santa’s helpers working hard to make the city shine

Three City of Langford employees pose for a quick photo. They have been working night shifts this past month, through some extreme weather, but it hasn’t dampened their spirits while they make Langford’s holiday decor sparkle. (Photo courtesy of the City of Langford)
Postponed from Nov. 24, the Christmas Lights Across Canada celebration is now set for Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. near the main staircase. (Photo by Ruth Kampen)

Postponed celebration ready to re-light B.C. Legislature

Annual Christmas Lights Across Canada celebration set for Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. on front steps

Postponed from Nov. 24, the Christmas Lights Across Canada celebration is now set for Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. near the main staircase. (Photo by Ruth Kampen)
Gerald Moreau helps trim the tree at Parkwood Place by Revera. (Dan Ebenal/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Victoria pianist helps Parkwood Place residents get the holiday spirit

Residents trim the tree at Victoria retirement community

Gerald Moreau helps trim the tree at Parkwood Place by Revera. (Dan Ebenal/News Staff)
Canadian figure skating star Elladj Balde was the first on the holiday skating rink at Uptown on Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Reynolds)

Figure skating Tik Tok star wows at Saanich’s Uptown during holiday kick-off

Known for his on-ice backflips, Elladj Balde advocates for change and diversity

Canadian figure skating star Elladj Balde was the first on the holiday skating rink at Uptown on Dec. 1. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Reynolds)
A group checks out the Whoville display on a truck trailer at Westshore Motorsports Park (formerly Western Speedway) after the annual Truck Light Convoy. This year’s event rolls through Greater Victoria on Dec. 4. (Black Press Media)

23rd IEOA Truck Light Convoy/Food Drive set to wow Greater Victoria after a year away

Lit-up vehicles set to hit the streets again on Dec. 4 after COVID-19 cancelled 2020 event

A group checks out the Whoville display on a truck trailer at Westshore Motorsports Park (formerly Western Speedway) after the annual Truck Light Convoy. This year’s event rolls through Greater Victoria on Dec. 4. (Black Press Media)
The colourfully decorated Santa Bus hits the streets around Greater Victoria on Dec. 10 and 11, offering free rides, candy canes and festive music, with the Santa at the wheel. (Courtesy of BC Transit)

BC Transit gets into the holiday spirit for 2021

Stuff the Bus event set for Dec. 4 at Tillicum Centre, Santa Bus offering free rides Dec. 10 and 11

  • Nov 25, 2021
The colourfully decorated Santa Bus hits the streets around Greater Victoria on Dec. 10 and 11, offering free rides, candy canes and festive music, with the Santa at the wheel. (Courtesy of BC Transit)
Rabbi Harry Brechner helps youth light last candle of the hanukkiah – made by congregant Ed Walker – during a prior Hanukkah event. (Photo by Frances Rosenberg)

Menorah event shines light on 40 years of service from Victoria street minister

Dec. 5 event part of Congregation Emanu-el’s celebration of Hanukkah

Rabbi Harry Brechner helps youth light last candle of the hanukkiah – made by congregant Ed Walker – during a prior Hanukkah event. (Photo by Frances Rosenberg)
The band Dr. Strangelove in a promo photo. Surrey-based singer Kelly Brock, among a growing number of others, wonders why dancing to live music isn’t allowed in B.C. right now. (Photo: drstrangeloveband.com)

‘Footloose’ in B.C.: Dancing ban irks live-event industry, those who want to bust a move

‘Events are getting cancelled (and) it’s too late to get events going for November, December,’ one DJ says

The band Dr. Strangelove in a promo photo. Surrey-based singer Kelly Brock, among a growing number of others, wonders why dancing to live music isn’t allowed in B.C. right now. (Photo: drstrangeloveband.com)
Local artisans and vendors will be showcasing their wares at a number of craft fairs across Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)

Craft Fair Roundup: Greater Victoria events highlight local artisans

Get a jump on holiday shopping while supporting small local businesses, non-profit groups

Local artisans and vendors will be showcasing their wares at a number of craft fairs across Greater Victoria. (Black Press Media file photo)
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