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Something about a midweek holiday makes today feel like Monday. Anyone else? The good news is the weekend’s almost here, and it’s a full one. Holiday events are officially rolling in, and our full holiday guide is coming soon. We’ve also got a little December surprise to share further down 👀

Quick Things

🌳 You voted! Our next park meetup is at Blair Park. Join us Sunday, Nov 22, from 10am–12pm in Gordon Head. Bring the kids for a play and come say hi.

🐟 The salmon are running! Head to Goldstream or Charters Creek in Sooke to watch salmon fight their way upstream, returning to the same streams where they hatched. It’s pretty incredible to stand on the riverbank with your kids and watch it happen.

🦠 Flu vaccine tip for kids who don’t like needles. If your kiddo is 2 or older, ask your pharmacist or public health nurse if the nasal spray is an option for them. We got ours done at Hillside Pharmasave earlier this week, and it was easy peasy!

🎅 Where to book photos with Santa. If a Santa photo is on your holiday list, here’s where you can book a visit now, from Uptown’s Santa Cottage to Westshore Town Centre.

✉️ Winter Crew Mail. Our winter envelopes ship in early December, and we only have a limited number! Inside there’s a letter from Alfie, local nature notes, winter activities and a couple of surprises. It’s $20 for a little mailbox magic for local kids ages 3–12. Order yours before they’re gone!

I’ve been wrapping up a little something for Little Local readers! Ten little somethings, to be exact.

From December 1–10, we’ll unwrap a new prize and draw a winner every day. There’s a cozy dinner out, a family photo session, and a few more surprises I’m saving for December.

I love getting to know the people behind our local small businesses, and I’m excited to introduce you to ten of them. If you’re making your Christmas list, I’d love for you to shop local where you can. I hope one of the businesses you discover through the giveaway becomes your next stop for a gift or a holiday outing with your family.

Enter once for a chance to win in all ten daily draws. If you already subscribe to Little Local, you’ll still need to enter on the giveaway page using the link below.

We’ll announce the winners here in the newsletter, on the giveaway page and on social.

🥕 South Island FarmHub: Get the farmers market delivered to your door. Shop à la carte for everything from seasonal produce and farm-fresh eggs to local meat, seafood and pantry staples. Or make it a regular thing with a Harvest Box of seasonal fruits and veggies or an Island Meat Box subscription. However you order, you’re supporting local farmers and food producers and bringing home fresh, nourishing food that tastes its best in season.

🍎 A New Chapter for Oak Bay Preschool: After 55 years, Oak Bay Preschool was facing closure. Award-winning educators Meera Bandechha and Kristin Wright have stepped forward to keep the preschool open, honouring its history and bringing their shared love of learning through play, curiosity and time outdoors. Learn more about Oak Bay Preschool and enrolment

Today & This Weekend

⚽ U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Championship
Thursday, November 12 – Sunday, November 15
Catch university teams competing for the national title at UVic’s Centennial Stadium. A great outing for soccer fans! [Info]

🎨 Fall Oak Bay Arts Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, November 14–15
Catch the art show, demos and sale at Monterey Rec Centre (Sat, 9 am–3 pm), or pick a few Oak Bay studios to visit with the kids (Sat & Sun, noon–4 pm). Free for all ages. [Info]

🎄 Calico Christmas Market
Saturday & Sunday, November 14–15 | 10am–5pm
Shop handmade gifts and grab a bite from the food trucks at Spectrum Community School. $5 cash for the weekend, free for kids 12 and under. [Info]

🎬 Cineplex Community Day
Saturday, November 14
Catch a free family movie at Cineplex downtown, at Tillicum or in Langford. The lineup includes Paddington 2 and A Minecraft Movie, with select snacks for $3 each until 11am. Free tickets are first come, first served at the theatre starting at 9am. [Info]

🚒 Colwood Firefighter’s Museum Open House
Saturday, November 14 | 10am–2pm
Take your little fire truck fans to the Colwood Fire Hall for a peek inside the firefighting museum. [Info]

🧱 LEGO Make & Take
Saturday, November 14 | 11am or 1pm
Kids ages 6+ can build a LEGO creation at Indigo Mayfair and take it home. Reserve a spot for $5 plus fees, which includes a $5 Indigo gift card. [Info]

🐟 Sea Shirt Sunday
Sunday, November 15 | 1–3pm
Bring a T-shirt, tote or pillowcase to the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney and decorate it with fish prints. Drop in anytime during the session. Regular admission applies, plus $2 for fabric paint. [Info]

🎨 Family Sunday at the Art Gallery
Sunday, November 15 | 2–4pm
Paint, draw and make art together at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria during a hands-on afternoon all about friendship. Included with gallery admission, which is free for ages 25 and under. [Info]

🎄 Yuletide Market at Bilston Creek Farm
Friday–Sunday, November 13–15 | 10 am–4 pm
Head to Bilston Creek Farm in Metchosin to browse handmade gifts from local makers and grab a treat. Ages 16 and under are free, and the $5 admission can go toward food, a drink or a Bilston product. [Info]

Upcoming

🎄 Festival of Trees
November 18–December 31
Wander through decorated Christmas trees at The Bay Centre, with the annual display supporting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. [Info]

✨ Uptown Holiday Tree Light Up
Saturday, November 21 | 3–8pm
Head to Uptown Boulevard for cookie decorating, crafts, holiday entertainment and Santa’s arrival for the tree lighting at 6:30pm. [Info]

🩰 Tea for Tutu: The Gift of the Nutcracker
November 24–26 | 2pm
Enjoy a free ballet performance designed for seniors and families with young children at Ballet Victoria’s Kirk Hall. Reserve seats ahead. [Info]

🏛️ Parliament Buildings Light Up
Friday, November 27 | 3–6:30pm
Enjoy seasonal music and family activities at the BC Parliament Buildings, followed by the outdoor holiday light-up celebration. [Info]

🩰 Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker
November 27–29
Experience the holiday classic at the Royal Theatre, performed by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet with live music from the Victoria Symphony. [Info]

🚂 Christmas Express
Select dates, November 27–December 23
Ride through twinkling lights and festive displays at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased online for a specific train time. [Info]

🎅 Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 28 | 5:30pm
Bundle up for the annual parade through downtown Victoria, starting at Government and Belleville streets. Bring a food or cash donation for the Mustard Seed. [Info]

🎄 Oak Bay Christmas Festival Light Up
Sunday, November 29 | From 2pm
Celebrate along Oak Bay Avenue with family activities, crafts, entertainment and Santa’s arrival by fire truck at 5pm. [Info]

✨ The Magic of Christmas
December 1–January 6
Explore the holiday light displays at The Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay, with carollers, festive brass and seasonal activities. [Info]

⚓ Harbour Light Up
Thursday, December 3 | 5–8pm
Celebrate at Victoria’s Inner Harbour with live music, free hot chocolate and cookies, and Santa arriving by boat. [Info]

🚛 IEOA Truck Parade & Food Drive
Saturday, December 5
Save the date for the illuminated truck parade through Greater Victoria, supporting local food banks. Check the organizer’s website for this year’s route and viewing times. [Info]

🎅 Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade
Sunday, December 6 | 5–6pm
Watch festive floats and wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus along Beacon Avenue in downtown Sidney. [Info]

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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.