Event Overview: The 42nd Annual Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade is a beloved holiday tradition that lights up the streets of Victoria, uniting families and friends in celebration of the festive season. This year, we invite you to join us on November 30th at 5:00 PM for an enchanting evening filled with holiday cheer, spectacular floats, and joyful performances. Event Sponsors: We are proud to announce that this year’s parade is made possible thanks to our generous sponsors: Title Sponsor: Peninsula Co-op Presenting Sponsor: CHEK Media This event is organized in collaboration with the City of Victoria and the Greater Victoria Festival Society, with the support of the Province of British Columbia. Together, we are committed to creating a magical experience for our community. What to Expect: Dazzling Floats: Witness the creativity and artistry of our community as local businesses, schools, and organizations present beautifully decorated floats. Each entry captures the spirit of the season, from whimsical designs to traditional holiday themes. Live Performances: Enjoy an array of entertaining performances from local marching bands and community groups that will fill the streets with music and cheer. These lively acts will add a festive touch to the parade, creating a memorable experience for attendees of all ages. Santa's Grand Entrance: The highlight of the evening will be the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus! As he parades down the street, Santa will greet children and families, spreading joy and embodying the magic of Christmas. Special Guests: This year, the 848 Squadron Air Cadets will serve as our marshals and helpers throughout the event. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and leadership will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants and attendees, making them an essential part of this cherished tradition. Community Involvement: The Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade emphasizes the importance of community spirit and involvement. We encourage local businesses, schools, and organizations to take part in this festive celebration by creating floats and showcasing their holiday spirit. The participation of our community makes this event truly special, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Let’s not forget that we’re also supporting a great cause! We’re raising funds for The Mustard Seed Street Church, and they’ll be set up at the corner of Douglas and Broughton, spreading holiday cheer by handing out goodies and hot chocolate. Be sure to stop by, warm up, and learn more about how you can help make a difference in our community. Join Us! Bring your family and friends to experience the magic of the 42nd Annual Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade! Bundle up in your warmest holiday attire and arrive early to secure your spot along the parade route. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as we celebrate the season together. 🎉 Together, let’s kick off the holiday season with joy, laughter, and community spirit! We can’t wait to see you there!

Overview: Join us for the Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival, a magical celebration of the holiday season! On December 14th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the Saanich Fair Grounds will transform into a festive haven filled with local artisans, delicious food vendors, and seasonal spirits. This family-friendly event is a perfect way to kick off your holiday festivities while supporting the community and a great cause! Local Artisans: Explore a curated selection of local artisans showcasing their unique handmade goods. From beautiful ornaments and crafts to home decor and artisanal gifts, you'll find the perfect items to complete your holiday shopping. Support our talented local makers while discovering one-of-a-kind treasures that embody the spirit of the season. Delicious Food and Drink: Indulge in a variety of delectable offerings from our food vendors, featuring everything from gourmet snacks to hearty meals. Savor the flavors of the season as you explore an array of culinary delights. To complement your treats, we’ll have a selection of local wines, beers, ciders, and spirits. Warm up with a festive drink as you mingle and celebrate with friends and family! Kids Zone: Bring the little ones along for a day of fun in our exciting Kids Zone! They can engage in creative crafts, enjoy steaming cups of hot chocolate, and get their faces painted to add a splash of colour. Don't forget to take memorable photos with Santa—a magical experience that your kids will cherish! Community Spirit and Giving Back: Entry to the Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival is by donation, with all proceeds benefiting CFAX Santa's Anonymous charity fund. Your contributions will help provide a brighter Christmas for children in our community. Join us in making a positive impact and spreading joy this holiday season! Get Involved and Make Memories: Gather your loved ones for a day filled with laughter, joy, and community spirit at the Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival. Bring your holiday shopping list, support local artisans, and enjoy delicious food and beverages. With a variety of festive activities for kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join Us! Mark your calendars and join us on December 14th at the Saanich Fair Grounds for a day of holiday cheer, local shopping, and festive fun! Experience the magic of the season while supporting a wonderful cause. Together, let’s create a warm and joyful atmosphere that embodies the spirit of giving. We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with you at the Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival! See you there!

Praised by the CBC as “Pure magic” and the Globe and Mail as “Powerful, surprising, and moving,” acclaimed theatrical imagineers the WONDERHEADS present A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol, their signature reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic. A feast for the eyes, ears, and heart - with a generous kick to the funny bone - this astonishing production brings Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical Christmas eve journey to life with giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical invention. A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol has become a festive tradition for thousands of theatregoers every winter and will light up theatres across BC this holiday season! Take a glimpse into the production here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70Dg0KfJIuY A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol is set to thrill audiences: 18-21 December 2024, McPherson Playhouse 3 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P5 23+24 December 2024, Port Theatre 125 Front St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6Z4 https://www.wonderheads.com/awonderheadschristmascarol/

Linda Wilder will present her inaugural solo exhibition with The Avenue Gallery, Frondescence, from November 7 to 21. With intuitive energy and bold strokes, light, and texture, Linda Wilder captures the mood and emotion of her surroundings. While her paintings may initially seem vividly representational, a closer look reveals intimate nuances and abstract elements that enrich her work. View Linda Wilder's paintings on The Avenue Gallery's website: https://theavenuegallery.com/artists/painters/wilder-linda/ Image: 'Autumn Dwellers' by Linda Wilder, acrylic on canvas (detail)

The Studio 30 Art Club is having an art show and sale from November 22-28 at the Sidney ArtSea Gallery in Tulista park; 10 am – 4 pm daily! The Studio 30 Art Club is a local non-profit society that has been welcoming Victoria-area artists for over 40 years. Club members work in various mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, and mixed media and more! Over 20 artists participating! The art show will feature original artwork, art cards, and art journals. Come out to support local artists and find a treasure for Christmas! Opening Reception with artists in attendance + art demos November 23 from 1-3 pm!

Come join Ensemble Laude for a magical celestial-themed concert! When polar colours pull our gaze to the night sky, the stars flash their stories of the mystery of creation. Star mother, star child, angel children sing us their truths, the filaments of our light. Stars takes the listener on a journey through the ages, beginning with the clear tones of medieval Marian music by Hildegard von Bingen, de Chanticleer, and others honouring Maris Stella, the Star of the Sea. We then move to Anung (Star Child) by Cree composer Andrew Balfour, and pieces that tell of the human experience of winter including Northern Lights by Ola Gjeilo, Pakkanen by Soila Sariola, and Aurora by Victoria composer Nicholas Fairbank. Stars ends with the shimmering Snow Angel by beloved Canadian composer Sarah Quartel. Enchanting, fierce, sweet and strong, let Ensemble Laude sweep you away this holiday season! At St Dunstan's Church, 1806 San Juan Ave. Tickets $25/$30 door/$15 student/under 13 free. Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1023097380807?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ensemble Laude, one of BC's leading choirs, presents a magical celestial-themed concert! At First Metropolitan Church, Victoria. When polar colours pull our gaze to the night sky, the stars flash their stories of the mystery of creation. Star mother, star child, angel children sing us their truths, the filaments of our light. Stars takes the listener on a journey through the ages, beginning with the clear tones of medieval Marian music by Hildegard von Bingen, de Chanticleer, and others honouring Maris Stella, the Star of the Sea. We then move to Anung (Star Child) by Cree composer Andrew Balfour, and pieces that tell of the human experience of winter including Northern Lights by Ola Gjeilo, Pakkanen by Soila Sariola, and Aurora by Victoria composer Nicholas Fairbank. Stars ends with the shimmering Snow Angel by beloved Canadian composer Sarah Quartel. Enchanting, fierce, sweet and strong, let Ensemble Laude sweep you away this holiday season! Tickets $25/$30 door/$15 student/under 13 free. Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1023069617767?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Cordova Bay Art Group is having an “In Time for Christmas” show and sale on November 2, 2024, from 10 am – 3 pm. The event will take place in the Annex adjacent to Cordova Bay Elementary School at 5238 Cordova Bay Road. Group members work in various mediums including watercolour, acrylic, oil, pastel, collage, mixed media, ink, pen, and pencil. The art show will feature original artwork, art cards, and a wide variety of artistic creations and gifts! Come out and see the work of these very talented artists! Free event and great parking!

27th annual festival of international media art and experimental cinema: screenings, installations, online programs and engagement events. Nightly in-person screenings at Deluge Contemporary Art, 636 Yates Street Full program guide and tickets available at http://antimatter.ca

Vancouver Island's largest, and liveliest, celebration of books and book lovers! VFA is a five day festival that takes place at Langham Court Theatre, W̱MÍYEŦEN Nature Sanctuary and on-line. It is accessible to all who wish to attend. All events offer sliding scale pricing, with free tickets available for all indoor and virtual events. Participants are encouraged to self-select a price that reflects their financial capacity. In addition, all evening events are available by livestream. Find out more at victoriafestivalofauthors.ca or https://linktr.ee/victoriafestivalofauthors

“Candy Canes and Carols”, presents a diverse and uplifting repertoire of seasonal and traditional favourites, the perfect family-friendly start to the Holiday Season. Mary Winspear Centre Sunday, December 1 – 2:00PM South Island Harmony A Cappella Men’s Chorus has been entertaining the Greater Victoria since its founding in 1968 and maintains to this day its pre-eminent position as the area’s leading exponent if four-part harmony. South Island Harmony is pleased to feature as guests: · Miya Doak, 2024 Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival award winning flautist. · Trounce Alley Quartet, entertaining audiences all over the South Island with a diverse repertoire, singing everything from old Barbershop classics to modern movie theme songs. · Secret Fourmula Quartet, a dynamic combination of past and current South Island Harmony members and friends. You may encounter them if you are ever walking around Government House on a Saturday afternoon. Stop by and say hello, they love to sing for the public! South Island Harmony takes pride in serving, and making a positive contribution to, our community. · https://www.southislandharmony.com/dbpage.php?pg=xmas2024

Wed-Fri 10-3, Saturdays 12-4 This beloved holiday showcase is back! It will feature creations by over 40 local artists and makers. Browse at your leisure through a gallery transformed into a winter wonderland full of paintings, pottery, jewellery, textiles, ornaments, cards, and more. Learn more at artsandculturecolwood.ca