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Is the Elf back at your house? I’m at capacity right now, so our Elf, Candy, is taking a little holiday for the next 10 days. She sent us a postcard, and the kids love her more than ever.

There’s so much happening in Victoria right now! Today we’re sharing details about Little Local’s upcoming pop-up at Lights of Wonder, and holiday lights map, and a comprehensive guide to all the festive family fun happening in town this weekend, including the truck parade!

Sparkle Magic with Little Local

Bring the kids downtown to Lights of Wonder next Saturday, Dec 13th and come say hi to Little Local! From 4 to 6 pm, we’ll be in Centennial Square with:

🌟 “Buddy the Elf”, roaming the square and handing out little holiday treats to kids
🌟 A kid-friendly Sparkle Obstacle Course to run, jump, and wiggle through
🌟 Festive vibes, twinkly lights, and plenty of spots for festive photos

This is a drop-in activation inside the larger Lights of Wonder event, so feel free to swing by for a quick play or stay and explore the lights afterward.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Holiday Lights Map

The upside of these early winter sunsets? You can head out on a “nighttime” holiday lights drive before dinnertime.

We’re adding to our new Holiday Lights Map every day! Grab a blanket, some hot coco, and hop in the car for your holiday lights drive! It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s one of the most magical December activities with kids.

If you see a house we should add (or notice anything off), just hit reply and we’ll update it!

The Fly Guy Series by Tedd Arnold is pure gold for any early readers at home. My 7-year-old thinks they’re hilarious, and his reading has taken off since we found storylines he actually enjoys. The original series is silly, quick, and confidence-boosting, and the Fly Guy Presents books are a great follow-up, mixing humour with real information about everything from dinosaurs to space.

Japanese Curry is a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and kid-approved. It’s flavourful but mild enough for little ones, and perfect to serve over rice for a cozy family dinner. Grab your curry cubes from Fujiya or Fairway Markets!

🧀 Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen: Level up your holiday hosting with Ottavio’s artisan cheeses, cured meats, and festive charcuterie essentials. Effortlessly delicious, every time.

💤 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.

Thursday, Dec 4

🛥️ Harbour Holiday Lights
Thursday, Dec 4 | 5–8pm
A festive evening on the Inner Harbour on the Lower Causeway and Ship Point Pier with illuminated boats and music, plus free hot chocolate and cookies. Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive by boat at 6pm. [Info]

Saturday, Dec 6

🚚 IEOA Truck Parade & Food Drive
Saturday, Dec 6 | 5-8pm
The 27th annual Truck Parade returns with 80+ brightly lit trucks rolling along a 35km route through five Greater Victoria municipalities. The convoy starts at Ogden Point at 5pm and ends at Royal Bay around 8pm. [Info]

🥞 Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec 6 | 9–11:30am
Kick off your weekend with pancakes, holiday cheer, and a visit from Santa at Brookes Westshore School. All proceeds go to the Goldstream Food Bank. A cozy, family-friendly morning. [Info]

🥞 Sooke Lions’ Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec 6 | 9–11am
Sooke Lions Club is serving a breakfast of pancakes, pork sausages, fresh strawberries, orange slices and whipped cream, with orange juice, hot chocolate, coffee and tea, and of course, candy canes! Breakfast is free, but are accepting donations for the Sooke Christmas Bureau. [Info]

🎁 Dickens Fair
Saturday, Dec 6 | 10am–4pm
Browse handmade gifts, treats, and local vendors at this long-running holiday fair at the James Bay Community Centre. [Info]

✈️ Santa’s Aviation Adventure
Saturday, Dec 6 | 10am–4pm
Visit the Aviation Museum for holiday crafts, exhibits, and a Santa arrival that’s anything but ordinary. [Info]

🍪 Gingerbread Cookie Decorating
Saturday, Dec 6 | 11am–3pm
Head to Mayfair Mall where kids can decorate their own gingerbread cookie and take home a sweet holiday masterpiece. [Info]

⛸️ Skate with Santa
Saturday, Dec 6 | 2:30–4pm
Glide around the rink at Archie Browning Centre with Santa himself during this festive family skate. [Info]

🧺 Local Folk Holiday Fair at Sea Cider
Saturday, Dec 6 & Sunday, Dec 7 | 11am–4pm
Sip cider, shop local wares, and enjoy cozy orchard views at this favourite holiday market. [Info]

✨ Winter Fest Market at Langford Station
Saturday, Dec 6 | 3–8pm & Sunday, Dec 7 | 12pm–5pm
Twinkly lights, local vendors, warm drinks, and festive entertainment all weekend long. [Info]

🎆 Langford Light Up
Saturday, Dec 6 | 3–8pm
Langford’s brightest night of the year returns with festive fun across two locations — The Langford Station and Veterans Memorial Park. Expect live performances, a winter market, cookie decorating, free hot dogs and hot chocolate, Santa arriving by fire truck at 5:15pm, and the big tree lighting at 7:15pm. The IEOA Truck Parade ends its route here around 7:30/8pm. [Info]

Sunday, Dec 7

🛌 Pancakes n’ Pajamas at Hotel Grand Pacific
Sunday, Dec 7 | 9am–2:30pm
A cozy PJ-friendly brunch with festive treats and a visit from Santa in support of the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. [Info]

🎨 Family FunDay
Sunday, Dec 7 | 10am–1pm
Drop in at Kaleidescope Theatre for creative play, crafts, and kid-friendly theatre fun. [Info]

🍳 Breakfast with Santa — Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Sunday, Dec 7 | 10am–12pm
A beautiful seaside setting for a festive breakfast and photos with Santa. [Info]

🎅 Brunch with Santa Claus — Bear Mountain
Sunday, Dec 7 | 11am–1pm
Enjoy a holiday brunch, mountain views, and a magical meet-and-greet with Santa. [Info]

🎄 Sooke Santa Parade
Sunday, Dec 7 | 4–6pm
Join the community for a festive parade along Throup, Church & Wadams. Meet at Sooke Library early for photos with Santa (until 4:30pm), kids’ crafts, and hot chocolate and hot dogs before and after the parade. [Info]

✨ Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade
Sunday, Dec 7 | 5–6pm
A beloved holiday tradition along Beacon Avenue! The parade starts at Resthaven Drive, travels the length of Beacon, then turns onto Second Street and finishes at Ocean Avenue. Bundle up and enjoy the lights, music, and festive community spirit. [Info]

🎇 Esquimalt Celebration of Lights
Sunday, Dec 7 | 3–7pm (Parade at 5pm)
A festive community night with live entertainment starting at 3pm, the holiday parade at 5pm, and snacks, carols, and a visit from Santa afterward. A cozy, family-friendly tradition in the heart of Esquimalt. [Info]

Upcoming

🎭 Thumbelina
December 17–21 
A whimsical holiday production perfect for young families. Performed at Denford Hall at Glenlyon Norfolk School. [Info]

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

🩰 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]

Ongoing

🚂 Festive Bricks of Giving
Now – Dec 28
The atrium at The Parkside Hotel & Spa has been transformed into a holiday LEGO wonderland with LEGO cityscapes, model trains, and a bridge built over the koi pond. 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
Nov 29 – 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]

🍬 Gingerbread House Challenge
Now – Dec 31
Pick up a gingerbread kit from Panorama or Greenglade, decorate it with family or friends, and return your creation to Panorama by Dec 1 for the festive CFAX Santa’s Anonymous display and community challenge! [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
Dec 1 – Jan 6 | 3–9pm
Thousands of lights, carollers, 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!

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.