Each month Used.ca proudly supports local community events here on Vancouver Island. There are plenty of Christmas craft fairs and local arts performances to check out this November.
1.) First Chance Christmas Craft Show – November 4-5
2.) Festival of Trees supporting BC Children’s Hospital – SPONSOR A TREE!
3.) Relove Market – November 4-5
4.) Belfry Theatre presents I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell – October 31 – November 26
5.) Creative Craft Fairs – November 10-12
6.) Victoria Symphony presents Jurassic Park in Concert – November 9-10
7.) Christmas Vintage, Retro and Collectibles Show/Sale – November 19
8.) Gingerbread Showcase benefitting Habitat for Humanity – November 25 – January 4
9.) A Night of White for Mental Health – November 11
10.) IEOA Truck Parade and Food Drive – December 2
11.) Esquimalt Holiday Market – November 26
12.) Dodd’s 25th Annual Christmas Dinner – December 21
13.) Country Grocer’s 13th Annual Campaign in Support of Help Fill A Dream – November 17 – December 14
14.) 2024 TC10K – April 28, 2024
15.) Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Craft Fair – December 2-3
16.) Ballet Victoria presents The Gift of the Nutcracker – December 28-30
First Chance Christmas Craft Show – November 4-5
Come on out and join us for a day with family and friends as we celebrate our 34th year at First Chance Christmas Craft Show! When you walk through the doors of the Mary Winspear Centre in the quaint seaside town of Sidney, you will find a unique array of inspirations for 90+ local artists and artisans, designers, makers, bakers, distilleries and vineyards. With over 25 categories represented, you are sure to find creative solutions for everyone on your Christmas list – including you!
First Chance hopes to make your holidays special. Perhaps you will be one of the lucky ones to receive one of the $200 Daily Vendor Shopping Spree and/or Hourly Give-A-Ways. Don’t forget to sit awhile and listen to seasonal live music while sampling Mensch’s Kitchen (Farm’s Gates Catering rebranded) fabulous glorious food. Whether you are looking for a gift for someone special, stocking-stuffers, or wanting to inspire the holiday spirit, we offer it all under one roof! Find all the details here.
Festival of Trees supporting BC Children’s Hospital – SPONSOR A TREE!
Festival of Trees, presented by Scotiabank, brings local businesses and organizations along with members of the community together in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Trees get sponsored and spruced up to go on display at the Bay Centre for everyone to enjoy from November 16, 2023 to January 3, 2024. If you are seeking a fun team building event while displaying your commitment to the community – this is it!
This year, funds will go toward cancer research at BC Children’s Hospital. You can participate by sponsoring a tree (until November 10, 2023) or donating to support the events held at our five locations across BC.
This holiday season, bring renewed hope to kids living with childhood cancers. Sponsor a tree today.
Relove Market – November 4-5
The ReLove Market is an empowering fashion community dedicated to the pursuit of personal expression balanced with environmental sustainability. We bring local curators and fashion enthusiasts together in a welcoming, inspiring and creative in-person forum to share ideas and textiles! Join us for the finest in secondhand & vintage clothing and local live music November 4-5 from 12-6:30pm at 1205 Blanshard St. And don’t forget your reusable shopper for all your fabulous finds. Be sure to tag your snaps from the day with @therelovemarket & #relovegeneration
Belfry Theatre presents I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell – October 31 – November 28
Joni Mitchell musical returns to the Belfry
Created especially for the Belfry in 2016, this stirring musical is a tribute to Joni Mitchell, one of this country’s most exceptional musical treasures.
Using only her words and music—including such iconic songs as Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi, Chelsea Morning, River, and A Case of You —the show weaves a romantic story of heartache and love. It’s a celebration of the enduring legacy of Joni Mitchell, the poet and the composer, and a testament to her influence on generations of musicians, and a tonic for our times.
The Belfry offers Pay-What-You-Want tickets to all performances.
Creative Craft Fairs – November 10-12
One of Vancouver Island’s most established fairs, the 44th Annual Creative Craft Fairs, November 10th to 12th at Pearkes Recreation Centre. There will be an array of unique crafts to purchase for the holiday season. Over 125 exhibitors will show their finest crafts, gourmet food, fine art, photography, clothing, glass art, jewelry, bath and beauty products and fine woodwork. In addition, the fair will feature a section of high quality imports, fair trade goods and much more. Enjoy snacks or lunch at Greek on the Street! The Pearkes venue provides a relaxed spacious environment that is wheelchair accessible. An ideal time to shop is Friday November 10th, opening at 11am and closing at 7pm. Open Saturday November 11th 10am to 5pm and the last day for enjoyable shopping is SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12th 10am to 4pm! Visit website for more information http://www.creativecraftfairs.com
Victoria Symphony presents Jurassic Park in Concert – November 9-10
Jurassic Park™ in Concert – Thursday, November 9th, 7:30pm/ Friday, November 10th, 7:30pm
Royal Theatre
Sean O’Loughlin, conductor
The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.
Welcome… to Jurassic Park!
*Tickets starting at $32.00 Purchase tickets online or call the Victoria Symphony Box Office at 250.385.6515
Christmas Vintage, Retro and Collectibles Show/Sale – November 19
What’s red and green and sparkles all over? The Christmas Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show/Sale at the Mary Winspear Centre, Beacon Avenue, Sidney-by-the-Sea! Want to get your Christmas shopping started? Where else could you find 50-vendors under one roof selling unique vintage items? We have repurposing off to a fine art! This major event is always a great mix of really great interesting people and things. Small pieces of Mid Century modern furniture, vintage jewelry ,coats and hats; magazines and other paper collectibles stamps: comic books and postcards. Toys: dolls, teddies, dinky cars, meccano, mechanical and wind-up. A range of tablewares: pyrex, china, earthware. Paintings, and an amazing assortment of carefully used books. Textiles, gold, silver and precious gems. Vintage Christmas decorations. Come again or experience the show for the first time at the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney. 9:30 am – 4 pm Entrance $5. Earlybirds: 8:30 am $20. (Cash door please.)
Gingerbread Showcase benefitting Habitat Victoria – November 25 – January 4
Habitat Victoria’s The Gingerbread Showcase, is back for its 15th Anniversary and moving to a wonderful new venue, the Hotel Grand Pacific at 463 Belleville Street!
The theme for the 15th annual Gingerbread Showcase is Family Traditions! Think: the traditions that bring us together. Whether it is your family or chosen family, a holiday tradition, or a summer memory, we know this year’s theme will bring some amazing pieces to the Showcase. – the possibilities are endless.
Entry to the Gingerbread Showcase is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate when they vote for their favourite Gingerbread piece. Donations go directly to Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s Build Fund to help local families achieve strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
Make the Gingerbread Showcase a part of your ‘Favorite Traditions’.
We hope to see you there!
A Night of White for Mental Health – November 11
Join us for “A Night of White for Mental Health,” hosted by First Impressions. The event features a white dress code, a silent auction and a cocktail reception. The plated dinner will be delectable 3-course dinner, followed by live entertainment and dancing to the tunes of live music! All proceeds from event will be donated to Mental Health Recovery Partners South Vancouver Island. Purchase your tickets here.
IEOA Truck Parade and Food Drive – December 2
IEOA Truck Parade and Food Drive. Parade starts at Ogden Point at 5:00 pm Finishes at Royal Bay at approx. 8:00 pm. Online food donation links and more details can be found here. *parade route timing is approximate
Esquimalt Holiday Market – November 26
Join us on Sunday November 26th, from 11am-5pm, for a one-day extravaganza that promises to be the ultimate destination for all your holiday gifting needs. At the heart of the EFM Holiday Market is our commitment to celebrating and uplifting the incredible talent right here in our community.
Over 90 of your favorite EFM vendors from this Summer and Fall, as well as season’s past, will grace our event with their unique offerings. From handcrafted pottery to exquisite jewelry, from beautifully crafted woodwork to culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds – you’ll find it all under one roof. Throughout the day, enjoy live music that will add a melodic backdrop to your browsing and buying. And when hunger strikes, indulge in delectable treats from our carefully curated food trucks, offering a diverse range of culinary delights.
Dodd’s 25th Annual Christmas Dinner – December 21
Gordy Dodd’s 25th annual Our Place Thanksgiving Dinner will be served Thursday, December 21th at 919 Pandora Avenue from 5-to-6pm. In business since 1977, Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress is Vancouver Island’s #1 family owned & operated furniture and mattress store. Dodd’s delivers just about anywhere! The Dodd Family’s commitment to being involved in the communities they serve sets them apart in that being local and helping others is part of their
core mission.
Country Grocer’s 13th Annual Campaign in Support of Help Fill A Dream – November 17 – December 14
Country Grocer, a beloved community-focused grocery store, is proud to announce the launch of its thirteenth annual campaign in support of Help Fill A Dream. This campaign aims to raise awareness and funds to provide support and to fill the dreams of children facing life threatening / critical conditions on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Help Fill A Dream has provided direct support to nearly 4,000 Island children and their families
since 1986.
This year’s holiday campaign will include the donation of a portion of sales from Dream bouquets from Eurosa Farms and from Island-grown Christmas trees from Wintergreen Tree Farm. There will also be special supplier promotions throughout the campaign as well as the ability to make donations at the checkout between November 17 and December 14, 2023. All proceeds raised by Country Grocer and its customers goes directly to support Island children.
2024 TC10K – April 28, 2024
Oh Snap! The TC10K is making a ’90s comeback! Join us on Sunday, April 28th, 2024, as we celebrate like it’s 1990 to honor the 35th annual of this legendary event. Lace up those kicks, dust off your brightest neon gear, and get ready to time-warp to an era when mixtapes set the mood and pop culture icons ruled the world. It’s going to be all that and a bag of chips. Whether you’re strolling, jogging, or sprinting, you’re in for a blast from the past. So, hit the streets of downtown Victoria with us, and let’s get jiggy with it, reliving the ’90s while making new memories in 2024 at the TC10K. Hit me baby one more time! Register now!
Nerdy Day of Christmas Craft Fair – December 2-3
Nerdy Days of Christmas is a quaint and nerdy craft fair in Market Square, downtown Victoria! December 2 & 3 from 11am – 4pm. Come visit the lower level to support local crafters and artists with a nerdy flair. Crafts, art, glass ware, dice, cards, gifts, totes, soaps, and so much more. Fun for the whole family and for a great cause! Entry is by donation and 100% of the proceeds go to Victoria Hospitals Foundation – Victoria General NICU! More details here.
Ballet Victoria presents The Gift of the Nutcracker – December 28-30
The Gift of the Nutcracker returns to the Royal Theatre. A Christmas ballet filled with both tradition and innovation! The Victoria Symphony plays Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and drive Clara’s adventures on a Christmas night filled with magic and fantastic characters. A fun and festive performance for the whole family. Buy tickets here.
