Wednesday, December 2 to Sunday, December 20
Centennial Square festivities
The City of Victoria is providing some fun festivities for this holiday season by setting up a Ferris wheel in Centennial Square. Rides cost $2; the Ferris wheel runs on Fridays from 5 pm until 9 pm, Saturdays from 1 pm until 9 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm until 7 pm. More information on this and upcoming free events in Centennial Square can be found at victoria.ca.
Wednesday, December 2 to Saturday, December 5
Illusive truths
Doubt, a Parable is a drama about complicated human social issues; the play shines a light on the role doubt plays in binding a community. Performances at Langham Court Theatre are at 8 pm; tickets are $19. See langhamtheatre.ca for more information or to purchase tickets.
Friday, December 4
Here’s a little didi for you
Students in Camosun’s Hospitality Management program have planned an annual fundraising event for the Didi Society, a non-profit organization that works toward empowering women globally by setting up co-operatives that deal with fair-trade, handmade products. The event, Mehmani with Didi, will be a night of silent auction, lively entertainment, food, and henna art. It will run from 6:30 pm until 10 pm at the First Metropolitan United Church at 932 Balmoral Road. Tickets are $35; see thedidisociety.org for more info.
Saturday, December 5
Festive wreath crafting
Bring that fresh smell of evergreen trees into your home this holiday season with a wreath crafted by… you! The Capital Regional District is hosting a day of crafting, with donations going to the local food bank at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre. The event runs from 11 am until 2 pm and is free to attend. Materials and instructions will be provided; bring a donation to the food bank, something hot to drink for yourself, and secateurs, if you have them. You can find out more information on this event at crd.bc.ca/about/events.
Sunday, December 6 and Sunday, December 13
That’s a wrap
What’s a Christmas gift without wrapping paper? I don’t know; seems like there should be a joke here, but there isn’t. But, hey, you could make your own wrapping paper this for this holiday season by attending the Christmas-paper-printing event at the Francis/King Nature Centre. The event is free to attend and runs from 11 am until 2 pm. They supply the materials. Find out more at crd.bc.ca/about/events.
Thursday, December 10
Old-school hard rock
Sarah Jane Scouten and her band The Honky Tonk Wingmen bring something unique to the places they visit: traditional songs unique to each area. During consultations with an ethnomusicologist Scouten has unearthed songs telling tales of Britannia Beach and the lives of the hard rock miners from the turn of the century. She will be playing at The Duke Saloon, located at 502 Discovery Street. For more info head to thedukesaloon.com.
Saturday, December 12
That cat can act!
Head over to University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium for a holiday-themed show… featuring animal performers! The Popovich Comedy Pet Tour features Las Vegas performer Gregory Popovich and over 30 performing animals rescued and trained by Popovich. Their stage time showcases their natural abilities and unique personalities. The show includes cats, dogs, geese, mice, and other animals. Showtime is 2 pm, and tickets are $28 for students and $18 for kids; check out uvic.ca/auditorium for more information or to purchase tickets.
Saturday, December 12
Solstice stroll
Walking in the wilderness is probably the best way to celebrate the solstice, so why not join naturalist Joe Percival in a walk through Witty’s Lagoon? This guided adult walk is free to attend and will take place from 1 pm until 2:30 pm. The meeting place is at the Nature Centre, located just off of Metchosin Road. More information can be found at crd.bc.ca/about/events.