Secret dinners, perogi training, and “release day” at the Ucluelet Aquarium to keep you busy between Christmas parties.
Cover illustration by Caitlin McDonagh.
Victoria
Dec. 6 | Screening of The Condor and the Eagle We’ve reached peak consumerism this month, so here’s an event that might offer a sobering yet inspiring perspective to embrace this holiday season. The Condor & The Eagle, a film that follows four Indigenous climate leaders as they fight to protect and preserve their territories, will premiere in Victoria on Dec. 6. Suggested donation of $5-$40. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 7 | Learn to Roll Perogies It’s hard not to love soft, pillowy pockets of dough stuffed with delicious things. It’s even more satisfying when you make them yourself. This hands-on rolling session, taught by the Perogie Pinchers of Victoria, will have you making your own potato, cheddar and onion perogies. It’s cultural, it’s tasty, it’s passing down and eating secrets from 1863. BYO large mixing bowl, rolling pin, cookie sheet and pyrex for any alleged “leftovers.”
Dec. 7 | Lighted Truck Parade If a conga line of festively-decorated and well-lit cars and trucks parading through Victoria’s streets is how you embrace the holidays, then take note. This annual holiday crowd-pleaser will tarts at 5:45 p.m. (you know, well after sundown) at Ogden Point and runs to the Western Speedway. A food donation is encouraged.
Dec. 8 | O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy Two award-winning, off-Broadway comedians from the U.K., James and Jamesy, have put together a wacky holiday show that’s been cheered on by the CBC and the London Free Press. If you’re fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean and Dr. Seuss, you’ll likely get a kick out of this.
Salt Spring Island
Dec. 6 | Glowtini Contest You had us at Glowtini. Local bartenders and hobby mixologists will descend upon the Royal Canadian Legion for a boozy and creative head-to-head competition. The cocktails will then be auctioned off for charity benefiting the Copper Kettle and the Food Bank. Doors at 7 p.m. and the contest starts at 8 p.m.
Nanaimo
Dec. 5 | Empty Bowl Dinner Event Part fundraiser, part opportunity to tuck into some hearty homemade soup. The proceeds of this event will go towards Loaves and Fishes Food Bank Tickets are $15 for students and $20 for adults. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction, hosted by the Nanaimo District Secondary School.
Tofino
Now until Jan. 5 | Winterlights The fourth annual Tofino Botanical Gardens’ Winterlights Festival is back. This display of art and light is a great way to embrace a West Coast winter. There will be live entertainment, children’s activities, and warm beverages and treats for purchase.
Dec. 7 | Release Day at the Ucluelet Aquarium If there is one event to warm the heart of your Grinchiest friend or family member, this is it. Who can resist helping marine life return to their home after a short stint at the Ucluelet Aquarium? You’ll need a bucket, warm clothes and a mug. This event is free to attend, but beverages are by donation. Things kick off at noon.
Comox Valley
Dec. 5 | Sip and Savour Mystery Tour This sounds like it will be a fun little event. First, you’ll be picked up at your hotel or your house at 5:30 p.m., and taken to three mystery restaurants—whose identities have been carefully guarded—where you’ll then enjoy a selection of appetizers and drinks. It finishes at 9:30 p.m. when you will be safely returned home (tickets are $95).
Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 | Mushroom Identification Course Part of B.C.’s winter charm is that, unlike other areas of the country, it’s hardly blanketed in snow. At this course, you’ll get to embrace a brisk walk through the forest and learn how to identify and harvest wild edible mushrooms. There are two separate course dates, with each session 60-minutes long. From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Know of an event or cool gathering that we missed? Email us at breakwater@gmail.com, or keep us in the loop on Instagram and Facebook.
