Little Local - Nov 20

This week’s issue is a real treat! From a festive BINGO card to local gift guides and a few holiday markets, Victoria is starting to feel very merry. I’ve rounded up some ideas to help you get inspired for the season.

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Let’s play BINGO!

From now to mid-January, head downtown and play some festive BINGO! Each square features a simple activity, like spotting a mural, checking out a holiday display, or enjoying a festive treat. It’s an easy (and free!) way to get kids excited about exploring downtown while discovering new local favourites.

How to play:
1️⃣ Download and print your BINGO card (or pick one up at City Hall)
2️⃣ Complete 4 in a row, or go for a full card!
3️⃣ Snap a photo of your completed card and submit it for a chance to win a basket of local goodies and a DWTN gift card!

Ready to play downtown? Let’s go!

Local Gift Guides

I love finding gifts that feel special and support local. This year, I’ve rounded up a few favourite places to shop for everyone on your list: little kids, big kids, and the grownups, too. You can explore all three guides on our website!

Experiences Instead of Toys

If grandparents are asking what to get the kids this year, I always suggest experiences over toys. They’re memorable, meaningful, and helpful. Some great options:

• RBCM & IMAX Membership

• Flying Squirrel toddler or family pass

• “Pick a Treat & a Book” date

• Tickets to the Symphony for a kids’ concert (Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony is playing March 7)

• 4cats gift card (let them choose their own creative project)

Experiences & Gift Cards for the Grown-Ups

For those who “don’t want anything”, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Self-care day at Havn or Aerth – both offer a restorative mix of saunas and cold plunges.

• Gift certificate to Munro’s Bookstore (downtown) or Bolen Books (Hillside).

• Dinner at Chobap Sushi downtown – a memorable and delicious dining experience

• A family photography session (often hard to organize, but always cherished). Melissa and Amanda are both wonderful local photographers.

Giving Back

If you’re able to, this is a wonderful time of year to pick up a few extra non-perishables when you’re out doing your grocery shopping. Many local schools and organizations are collecting items for food banks, and every little bit truly helps.

I’m also doing a deeper dive into local groups collecting gifts, hampers, and holiday donations for families across Greater Victoria. I’ll pull everything together and share a full guide next week.

✨GIVEAWAY✨

We are running a giveaway with Shine Moment Studio. Enter to win a free holiday photo session valued at $295!

🧀 Ottavio: Cheese, bread, pasta, pastries, spreads, gifts and everything you need for holiday hosting or weeknight comfort. Shop local in Oak Bay Village!

🤶🏼 Thistle & Wren: This charming Fernwood shop is filled with all things merry and bright. Find holiday outfits for your little ones, the best rain gear, Preloved pieces, and so many thoughtful finds for kids and families. If shopping online, use code littlelocal for 15% your order until Dec 20 on orders over $75. Excludes Jellycat and Ollie Ella, and all sales final.

📅 Weekend Events

🐢 Meet the Keeper: Reptiles & Tortoise Encounter
Friday, Nov 21 | 11am & 1pm
A hands-on animal encounter at Butterfly Gardens. Perfect for curious kids (and those with a Pro-D day). [Info]

🎄 Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival
Nov 22–23 | 9:30am–4pm
The first of two festive weekends at the Saanich Fairgrounds! Enjoy kids’ crafts, cocoa, face painting, photos with Santa, local makers, food vendors, and holiday shopping. Entry by donation, with partial proceeds supporting local charities. [Info]

🦩 Mango’s 50th Birthday Party
Saturday, Nov 22
Celebrate Mango the Flamingo at Butterfly Gardens with cupcakes, hot drinks, tropical face painting, flamingo crafts, and Meet the Keeper talks (11:30am & 3pm). All included with admission. [Info]

🌊 Museum Tots: Beach Life
Saturday, Nov 22 | 10:30-11:15am
Stories, songs & activities for ages 3–5 at the Maritime Museum. [Info]

❄️ West Coast Winter Market
Saturday, Nov 22 | 11am-4pm
Come bring your family and friends and join us for some great food, music, local vendors creating beautiful products and a lovely community vibe! [Info]

🎄 Esquimalt Farmers Market – Holiday Market
Sunday, Nov 23 | 10am–5pm
Shop local this Sunday at the Esquimalt Farmers Market’s annual Holiday Market, featuring handmade goods, festive treats, fresh produce, and gifts from your favourite local makers. [Info]

📅 Looking Ahead

✨ Glow Together – Community Light-Up for Primary Care
Thursday, Nov 27 | 6-8pm
Join Shoreline Medical Society for a free, family-friendly light-up celebration including a Magical Holiday Trail Walk, hot chocolate, s’mores, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and more. Centennial Park Fieldhouse. [Info]

🍿 Family Movie Night
Friday, Nov 28
A cozy community movie night for the family at James Bay Community School. Movie (Home Alone) starts at 7pm. Pre-order pizza for the pizza dinner (5:30-6:30pm) [Info]

❄️ Winter Bazaar
Friday, Nov 28 – Sunday, Nov 30
A community market with seasonal crafts, treats, and local vendors. [Info]

🩰 Nutcracker: Shumka Dancers + Victoria Symphony
Friday, Nov 28 – Sunday, Nov 30
A vibrant blend of Ukrainian dance and live orchestra — an unforgettable Nutcracker experience. [Info]

🌲 Mini Grinch Tree Workshop
Saturday, Nov 29 | Multiple times
Create your own whimsical Grinch tree with guidance from local florists. [Info]

🎄 Oak Bay Light Up
Sunday, Nov 30 | 2–6pm
Celebrate 25 years of the Oak Bay Christmas Festival with family activities, a Christmas market, live music, roasted chestnuts, food trucks, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire truck at 5pm. [Info]

🩰 The Storybook Nutcracker – Ballet Étoile Canada
Saturday, Nov 29 – Sunday, Nov 30
A charming, family-friendly Nutcracker with narration and vibrant costumes, performed at the Mary Winspear Centre. Perfect for younger audiences and first-time ballet-goers. [Info]

🚚 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. Bring a food donation and enjoy one of the region’s favourite holiday traditions. [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]

📅 Ongoing

🎄 Festival of Trees
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]

🎁 Yuletide Market
Fridays–Sundays from 10am–4pm | Bilston Creek Farm
Browse rotating local vendors across seven festive markets. Enjoy cob-oven pizza, treats from the Bilston Café, and live music on select dates, including Sadie Karlsson on Sunday, Nov 23 (10-2pm). A perfect spot to shop local this season. [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]

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.