Little Local - Dec 17

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Thanks so much to everyone who came out last weekend to meet Buddy (and me!) at Lights of Wonder. We flew through the lantern craft supplies, and Buddy had a blast handing out “Stay Sparkly” buttons to the kiddos.

With the winter solstice on Sunday, the days are short but feel extra long, especially with kids at home and fewer places to run around once the sun sets. That’s why this week’s issue is packed with festive, easy outings around town, perfect even if you’ve already checked off the big holiday highlights. Brighter days are coming.

Festive Activities

You’ve done Magic of Christmas at Butchart. You’ve taken the Santa photos. Now what? If you have kids out of school for winter break and a few long days to fill, here are some easy, festive ideas to sprinkle through the week.

IMAX at the RBCM
Catch The Polar Express in 2D or 3D, or opt for one of the short, family-friendly IMAX films all about animals, from sharks and dolphins to tigers and rescued wildlife.

Birdhouse Creative Studio
Birdhouse is hosting ornament-making workshops throughout the day on Monday, Dec 22.

Go for a Holiday Lights Drive
Our 2025 Holiday Lights Map of Greater Victoria is the perfect after school or dinner adventure. A couple of local favourites this year: 1665 Cedar Ave, 783 Hutchinson Ave and 4360 Torquay Dr.

Festive Bricks of Giving
Now through Dec 28, The Parkside Hotel & Spa is hosting Bricks of Giving, a festive LEGO showcase with winter villages, model trains, and hands-on building stations for kids. Bonus: proceeds support Rainbow Kitchen’s School Meal and Fridge of Love programs.

Downtown BINGO
Turn a downtown outing into a mini adventure with our Festive Downtown BINGO card. Check off holiday sights, local stops, and simple activities as you explore together. Get 4 in a row (or more!) and email us your completed card for a chance to win a basket of local goodies plus a downtown gift card.

✏️ Gingerbread Cookies: We made these gingerbread cookies last weekend and the kids loved them, even before they were smothered in icing and candy eyes. It’s a cozy, classic recipe that’s easy to bake with little helpers and perfect for rolling, cutting, and decorating together.

🖍️ Earlybird Holiday Printables: Looking for easy, screen-free activities at home? We’re sharing a few Earlybird favourites this week, including the Neighbourhood Hunt and holiday-themed printables. *shared with permission from Earlybird

☕ Ruth & Dean: Now has a new location at 2031B Store Street, next to Kwench. It’s a great stop for families, whether you’re grabbing a coffee to fuel holiday shopping or meeting friends with kids in tow.

💤 Resthouse: Gift cozy this season with Resthouse’s elevated sleep essentials, from cloud-soft robes and supportive pillows to organic mattresses. Thoughtful, comforting, and perfect for anyone who could use a better night’s rest.

This Weekend

🎶 Community Carol Sing-Along
Friday, Dec 19 | 5–6pm
Sing your favourite holiday carols in the beautiful setting of Christ Church Cathedral. All ages welcome. [Info]

🎭 Thumbelina
On now – Sunday, Dec 21 
A whimsical holiday production perfect for young families. Performed at Denford Hall at Glenlyon Norfolk School. [Info]

🧱 Holiday LEGO Exhibit
On now – Sunday, Dec 21
Check out festive LEGO displays at Westshore Town Centre while you wander the mall.

🎶 Elf in Concert
Saturday, Dec 20 & Sunday, Dec 21
Watch Elf with a full live orchestra performing the score. A hilarious, festive outing. [Info]

🎄 Holiday Kindergym at Henderson
Saturday, Dec 20 | 10–12pm
Festive free play for little ones at Henderson Rec, with holiday vibes and lots of movement. [Info]

🎁 Holiday Playgym Shop & Drop
Saturday, Dec 20 | 1–3pm
Drop the kids off at Henderson Rec for gym time, a bouncy castle, crafts, popcorn, and a screening of The Grinch. $20 per child, space is limited. [Info]

🎅 Breakfast With Santa
Saturday, Dec 20 | 9am–12pm
Enjoy breakfast, activities, and a visit from Santa at Oaklands Community Centre. $12pp [Info]

❄️ Museum Tots: Winter Solstice
Saturday, Dec 20 | 10:30–11:15am
A special Museum Tots session at the Maritime Museum celebrating the solstice. [Info]

💚 Grinch on the Gorge
Saturday, Dec 20 | 10:45am–12:45pm
Families can watch (or even paddle along) as the Grinch travels down the Gorge Waterway in bright, silly costumes and spreads holiday cheer. [Info]

⛸️ Winter Wonderland Family Skating Carnival
Saturday, Dec 20 | 11am–3pm
A holiday skating party at Panorama Rec with music, hot coco, and games. [Info]

🏊 Family Swim & Bounce House
Saturday, Dec 20 | 12–4:45pm
Free family swim with hot chocolate, crafts, bounce castle fun, glow yoga, and photos with Santa at Westhills YMCA/YWCA. [Info]

🐦 Christmas Bird Count for Kids
Saturday, Dec 20 | 1–3pm
Bundle up and join this free, family-friendly birding event at Beckwith Park. Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks, festive bird colouring, a hands-on touch table, and guided bird walks. [Info]

🎄 Holiday Swim
Saturday, Dec 20 | 1–3pm
Festive family swim with holiday-themed games at SEAPARC. [Info]

🎭 Pinocchio the Panto
Multiple dates starting Saturday, Dec 20
A fun, musical twist on Pinocchio where actors sing, dance, and playfully interact with the audience in a lively holiday theatre tradition at Mary Winspear Centre. [Info]

🥞 Santa’s Breakfast
Sunday, Dec 21 | 10am–12pm
Pancakes, crafts, and a visit from Santa at Tillicum Centre. $10 [Info]

⛸️ MAR December “Be a Kid” Skating
Sunday, Dec 21 | 1:30–3pm
A relaxed, kid-focused skating session for BIPOC kids and their families at G.R. Pearkes Rec Centre. [Info]

🏮 Solstice Lantern Walk
Sunday, Dec 21 | 6:30pm
A magical community lantern walk in Sooke to mark the winter solstice. [Info]

Upcoming

🩰 The Gift of the Nutcracker
Dec 28-30 | Various showtimes
A heartwarming holiday tradition featuring Ballet Victoria’s dancers and the Victoria Symphony. This timeless classic returns with beautiful choreography, festive music, and charming new elements for this year. [Info]

🎆 New Year’s Eve at Lights of Wonder
Wednesday, Dec 31 | 4pm–Midnight
Ring in the new year under the lights in Centennial Square with live music all evening, a spinning Ferris wheel, lion dancers, and festive food and treats. It’s a high-energy, family-friendly way to celebrate earlier in the evening or stay late and welcome 2026 downtown.

Ongoing

🚂 Festive Bricks of Giving
Now – Dec 28
The atrium at The Parkside Hotel & Spa has been transformed into a holiday LEGO wonderland. Families can explore interactive LEGO play stations, check out student builds, and take home a LEGO ornament by donation in support of Rainbow Kitchen’s school meal programs. [Info]

✨ Lights of Wonder
Now – Dec 31 | Centennial Square
Downtown Victoria’s biggest light display returns! Wander through sparkling tunnels, snap a few photos, and enjoy live entertainment and food vendors on select nights. Free and festive fun for the whole family. [Info]

🎄 Festival of Trees Downtown
Now – Dec 31 | Bay Centre
Step into a forest of beautifully decorated trees at the Bay Centre! Each tree is uniquely designed by local businesses and organizations, with proceeds supporting BC Children’s Hospital. [Info]

🏠 Habitat Victoria Gingerbread Showcase
Now – Jan 4 | 9am–9pm
Stroll through imaginative gingerbread creations and vote for your favourite in support of Habitat Victoria. [Info]

🎄 Festival of Trees SEAPARC
Now – Dec 26 | All day
Walk through a forest of decorated trees at SEAPARC Recreation Centre and support BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. [Info]

✨ Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
Now – Jan 6 | 3–9pm
Thousands of lights, carolers, warm drinks, and the full Twelve Days of Christmas display. Kids 12 and under can bring a homemade paper snowflake (8.5”×11”) to trade for a free hot chocolate. There’s also ice skating this year! [Info]

🎁 Yuletide Market at Bilston Creek Farm
Fridays–Sundays | 10am–4pm
Browse rotating local vendors across seven festive markets. Enjoy cob-oven pizza, treats from the Bilston Café, and live music on select dates. A perfect spot to shop local this season. [Info]

Hope you enjoyed this issue of Little Local! Please reply with any feedback and suggestions :)

P.S. Would you like to get your business in front of thousands of local Victoria families? Email us at [email protected].

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know. And some links may be affiliate links (I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you), but every product is something I genuinely love or comes recommended by someone I trust.