Calendar: Get Your Darn On

Whether you walk through the past at the Royal BC Museum, tour Ross Bay Villa or celebrate Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas or learn how to patch your favorite socks, there’s no excuse for boredom this early in 2012.

Royal BC Museum – Opens it’s doors to the public and offers admission by donation to Jan. 9. Includes admission to Wildlife Photographer of the Year. THURSDAY-MONDAY at the Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville). By donation. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

The Lost Arts of Darning & Mending – Learn how to mend clothes the ol’fashioned way. Registration required. SATURDAY 10am-3pm at Craigdarrock Castle (1050 Joan Crescent). $45. 250-592-5323.

Ross Bay Villa – Take a tour of this restored 1860s home. SATURDAY 2pm at 1490 Fairfield. $5. 250-995-0022.

Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas – Celebrate Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas with an Ethiopian buffet dinner and entertainment. SATURDAY 7pm at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Nicholas (1112 Caledonia). $15. 250-888-0805.

Calendar: Happy New Year’s!

May the coming year be everything you’ve been hoping for. Happy New Year’s from everyone here at Monday Magazine!

Peninsula New Year’s Celebration – Ring in the New Year with fun, food, music and dancing. SATURDAY 5pm at the Panorama Rec Centre (1885 Forst Park). Free-$15. peninsulacelebrations.ca/events.

New Year’s Eve Party – Dinner and dance. SATURDAY 7pm at the Da Vinci Centre (195 Bay). $80. davincicentre.ca.

New Year’s Eve – Dinner and dance with Spirit of the Moment. SATURDAY 7:30pm at Murph’s Place (3020 Douglas). Free. 250-418-1000.

Latin Dance New Years Eve – Dance the New Year in with Proyecto Latino and Ganas. SATUDAY 8pm at St. Andrew’s Hall (680 Courtney). $15. 250-888-5314.

Dance Dance Resolution – Rennie Foster hosts this New Years dance party. Dress to impress. SATURDAY 9pm in the Sunset Room (401 Herald). $20. 250-532-6892.

New Year’s Day Levée – Enjoy light refreshments and the music of the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific and the Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums. SUNDAY 10am-noon at Government House (1401 Rockland). Free. 250-387-2080, ltgov.bc.ca.

Calendar: Merry Christmas!

The trees have been trimmed, families have gathered and Christmas is here. Monday Magazine wishes you and your loved ones the best of the season and the happiness for the new year.

The Magic of Christmas – Take a stroll around the beautifully lit gardens and see if you can find all of the 12 days of Christmas distplays. THURSDAYS-SATURDAY 9am-9pm, SUNDAY 1pm-9pm, & MONDAY-Jan. 6 9am-9pm at Butchart Gardens (800 Benvenuto). $3-$25. butchartgardens.com/christmas.

Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas – Discover the Christmas traditions of early Victorians at Helmcken House with activities and crafts. THURSDAYS-WEDNESDAYS noon-4pm. To Dec. 31 at 675 Belleville. Free with museum admission/by donation. 250-387-2137.

Christmas Spirit Community Dinner – Enjoy a free meal and a fun family oriented Christmas Day. Registration required. Two seatings. Noon & 3pm at The Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church (1800 Quadra). Free. 250-472-1040, christmasspiritdinner.ca.

Festival of Trees – Enjoy beautifully decorated trees and help raise funds for The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. THURSDAYS-WEDNESDAYS to Jan. 6 at the Empress (721 Government). By donation. fairmont.com/empress.

Father Christmas – Visit with Father Christmas. SATURDAY & MONDAYS-THURSDAYS 11:30am-4:30pm to Dec. 24 in the Old Town Exhibit of the Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville). $10-$15. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.

Email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: CHRISTMAS) to get a little something extra in your stocking. No peeking!

Calendar: Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Sure it’s been cold, but that doesn’t mean the city stops. (Unless it snows, then the city really does stop). So get out and take advantage of a few of the great events this city has to offer.

Magic Afloat – Only a frozen pond will stop the Victoria Model Shipbuilding Society from parading their lighted model ships. SATURDAY 5pm at Harrison Pond (Dallas and Government). Free. 250-385-9552.

Red Umbrella Rally – Sex workers and their allies march to the Legislature building to protest laws and unjust policing that prevent sex workers from reporting violence. Wear red and bring a red umbrella. SATURDAY noon at Government and Discovery. Free. 250-891-1942.

Victoria Flea Market – Offering a huge assortment of interesting things. SUNDAYS 9am-2pm at the DaVinci Centre. $2/free after 1pm. 250-381-5033.

Weekly Winter Market – Ongoing weekly Sunday market featuring vendors with handcrafted funky accessories and hair accent pieces, one of a kind festival style apparel, vintage clothing, storytelling, live entertainment, a kids zone and more. SUNDAYS noon-5pm at The Well (821 Fort). Free.

Our Place Christmas meal – The Our Place Society will serve approximately 1200 people a festive turkey dinner with all the trimmings. TUESDAY 11:30am-5pm at the Our Place Society Dining Room (919 Pandora). Free.
Wed. Dec. 21

Committee to End Homelessness – A candlelight ceremony to honour those on the street who have died in the last year. WEDNESDAY 4:30pm at the Whale Wall between Pandora and Johnson. Free. 250-480-4854.

Find some Christmas cheer by emailing calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: NAUGHTY).  One lucky reader will win two tickets to The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue’s Dec. 16 show!

Calendar: Crafts, crafts and more crafts

Get your shopping done with craft fairs galore, or indulge your charitable side with a fundraising breakfast at Stuff the Stocking or decorating binge at Arts & Crafts for a Cause. There’s no excuse for boredom with this weeks events.

Community Craft Fair – Craft sale and silent auction. All proceeds support youth programs. Presented by the Central Saanich Boys & Girls Club and Bayside Middle School. THURSDAY 3-7:30pm at Bayside Middle School (1101 Newton). Free. 250-652-1135 ext. 208.

Stuff the Stocking – Come enjoy a cup of cheer, some festive breakfast treats, and the sounds of beautiful Christmas music in the Grand Lounge.The Cridge Centre stocking will be hung and ready to be stuffed with your donation to support The Cridge Respitality Service. FRIDAY 7:30-10:30am at The Cridge Centre for the Family (1307 Hillside). By donation. 250-995-6412.

Arts & Crafts for a Cause – The GVPL has partnered with Vancouver Island’s Everybody Deserves a Smile (EDAS) group on their “Kindness Care Packages” campaign. Help the GVPL by decorating a gift bag for a local homeless person and/or donating any of the following items for the gift bags: toques, mittens, wool socks, tooth brushes, tooth paste and scarves. New items only. Gift bags will be given to members of the Greater Victoria homeless community in January by EDAS. Donations will be accepted during all hours of opening from December 10-24 at participating branches. FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10am-6pm at the Juan de Fuca Branch (1759 Island Highway), SATURDAY 10am-6pm at the Nellie McClung Branch (3950 Cedar Hill) & Central Branch (735 Broughton). To Dec. 18. edas.ca.

Christmas Craft & Rummage Sale – Home made Christmas crafts, baking, preserves and many gently used rummage sale items. FRIDAY 10am-2pm at the Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). Free. fairfieldunited.ca.

Last Chance Christmas Craft Show – Over 85 artisans and crafters displaying their unique handcrafted wares. SATURDAY 10am-5pm & SUNDAY 10am-4pm at the Mary Winspear Centre ( 2243 Beacon). $. 250-248-0637.

Can’t find that something for that special someone in your life? Email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: XMAS) and win passes to the Last Chance Christmas Craft show.

Calendar: Pre-Christmas Fun

The Christmas party season is upon us, but before you get partied out enjoy some nice, relaxing events. Maybe an afternoon browsing a craft fair, a quiet Scottish tea or an boat parade.

Christmas Lights Across Canada  – Watch the Seqoia tree light up and enjoy performances by the James Bay Community School Choir and St. Andrew’s Regional High School Choir & band. THURSDAY 4:30pm at the BC Legislature (501 Belleville). Free.

Holiday Magic at Mattick’s Farm – Entertainment, food tastings, special offers and enter to win  prizes at all the shops, valued up to $ 200. THURSDAY & FRIDAY 5-8pm at Matticks Farm (5325 Cordova Bay). Free. matticksfarm.com.

The Owl – Designer fair featuring locally made gifts. With live music by The Ramble and Mark Ednie. FRIDAY 6-10pm & SATURDAY 10am-6pm at the Fernwood NRG (1240 Gladstone). $2. facebook.com/owldesignerfair.

Sea of Lights – Enjoy hot chocolate or coffee and watch lighted boats parade down Victoria’s coast. Proceeds support the Salvation Army and the Oak Bay Kiwanis. FRIDAY 7-8pm along the waterfron of Cattle Point, Willows Beach and Gyro Park. Free.

Christmas Craft Fair & Family Festivities – Includes craft fair, activities, silent auction and more. SATURDAY 9:30am-5:30pm at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre (1-380 Cook). Free. 250-384-6542.

Clothing Swap – Bring along your beloved but outgrown items to exchange for new duds, or come empty handed and fill up a bag! Please bring items in clean and gently used condition (no ripped, torn or dirty items). SATURDAY 10am-1pm at the Fairfield Community Place (1330 Fairfield). Free. 250-382-4604.

Christmas Holly Tea  – Enjoy a festive holiday tea service in traditional Scottish fashion, served on fine china, and provincial Tartan tablecloths. Includes tea, sandwiches, shortbread, christmas cake, truffles, raffle prizes and a craft and bake sale. SATURDAY noon-4pm at United Chapters Hall (3281 Harriet). $8. sacsvictoria.com.

Ross Bay Villa – Tour the house and grounds of this restored historic site. SATURDAY2pm at Ross Bay Villa (1490 Fairfield). $5. 250-995-0022.

Dickens Fair – A festive winter market with juried artisans and crafters, farm produce & meats, baking, greenery, demonstrations, Chicken Lady, children’s choir, family entertainment, a variety of musical performances and cafe with light meals. SATURDAY 3-9pm at  the James Bay Community Centre (140 Oswego). By donation. 250-381-5323, jamesbaymarket.com/events/dickens-fair.

Santa Visits North Park Village – Enjoy festive treats and caroling. Bring your own camera and get your picture taken with Santa! SATURDAY 5pm in the parking lot at Cook and Grant streets. Free. 250-208-1584.

The Mistletoe Project Gala – A formal night of dancing, drinks and doorprizes. Includes silent auction. Proceeds support the MS Society of Canada. SATURDAY 7pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $25. themistletoeproject.ca.

Email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: BEAUTY QUEEN) to win two tickets to Langham Court Theatre’s production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Hurry! The last performance is Dec. 3.

Calendar: Christmas Light-up

The season of giving is nearly upon us, so get an early start with this weeks events. Help the Lymphoma Foundation and the Victoria SPCA by attending their fundraisers or head out to an Out Of Hand Artisan Fair or the United Way Book/Record Sale. And don’t forget to top of your weekend events with the Christmas Tree light-up in Centennial Square.

PMAFund Lymphoma Foundation Silent Auction – With special guest performance by Daniel Stolfi, comedian, actor and Lymphoma survivor. THURSDAY 5:30pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $30. pmafund.com.

Out of Hand Artisan Fair – An incredible selection of handmade, beautiful and sometimes delectable gifts. Fashion shows, cocktails and DJ Friday night and live music in the lounge Sunday. FRIDAY 10am-9pm, SATURDAY 10am-6pm & SUNDAY 10am-5pm at  the Crystal Gardens (713 Douglas). $8/$7 students & seniors. outofhand.ca.

Victoria SPCA Silent Auction FundRaiser – A night of fun with appetizers, beverages and a silent auction, Proceeds support raised the Friendly Neighbor Organization. FRIDAY 7pm at Vshoen Boutique (620 Broughton). By donation. 250-361-6709.

Nautical Wreath Workshop – Give this Christmas a nautical flare with your very own Nautical Wreath. Includes rope and ribbon. Please bring any other decorations you may wish to add and gardening gloves. Registration required. SATURDAY & SUNDAY 1- 5pm. Cost is $29. 250- 385-4222, ext. 113.

4th Annual Christmas Tree Light-up – Bring the family to the annual lighting of the giant sequoia tree and enjoy musical performances, roving entertainment, ice sculptures and free treats. SATURDAY 4-5:30pm in Centennial Square. Free. Followed by the Island Farms Santa Light Parade on Government. Visit victoria.ca and click on What’s New?

United Way Book & Record Sale – Discover thousands of great reads and catchy tunes for $2 each. A silent auction of typewriters, collectable books, records, and rarities runs the duration of the sale. Proceeds support the United Way of Greater Victoria. TUESDAY 9am-5pm, WEDNESDAY 9am-8pm & Dec. 1 9am-5pm. in the Michele Pujol room, the Student Union Building (UVic). Free. unitedway.uvic.ca/events/events.php.

Looking for more excitement? Send an email to calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: GIVE) to win this weeks mystery prize.

Calendar: Christmas? Already?!?

Has the twinkle of tinsel started to catch your eye? Are you finding glitter in inexplicable places? Has peppermint been added to your latte? If so, then you might be suffering from the side effects of “Early Christmas.” The solution? Vaccinate yourself with this weeks events.*

*May include Christmas Craft Fairs, politics, goodies and fun.

Urbanite – This South Asian-infused evening will feature live music and video performance, collaborative storytelling and of course some custom cocktails and seasonal drafts served up by Canoe Brewpub. FRIDAY 8-11pm at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (1040 Moss). $13/$11 AGGV members. 250-384-4171.

TEDX – 14 speakers with ideas worth spreading, three live performances, and interactive media exhibitions. SATURDAY 9am-6pm at the Victoria Conference Center (720 Douglas). $50. tedxvictoria.com.

Greek Christmas Bake Sale and Snack Bar – Featuring delicious home-made Greek desserts and pastries associated with the Xmas season. Souvlaki, Gyros, spanakopita, other delicacies and freshly made loukoumades will be available at the Snack Bar. All proceeds support of the Victoria and Vancouver Island Greek Community Society cultural programs and for charity purposes. SATURDAY 10am-5pm at the Greek Community Centre (4648 Elk Lake Drive). Free. 250-479-9391, michaelikonomou@shaw.ca.

Scandinavian Craft Fair – Crafts, baking, jewellry, Norwegian sweaters and more. SATURDAY 10am-4pm at Norway House (1110 Hillside). Free. 250-598-2603.

Goward House Society Craft Fair – Find the handcrafted presents your loved ones adore. Tea room open. SATURDAY 10am-4pm at Goward House (2495 Arbutus). $2. 250-477-4401, gowardhouse.com.

Victoria Downtown Farmers’ Market – Farm tables loaded with the best locally produced meat, cheese, bread, ice cream, honey, produce, sprouts, jams, mushrooms, salt, preserves and more. SATURDAY 11am-3pm at Market Square. Free. victoriapublicmarket.com.

Rally for Political Reform – Find out what’s wrong with our political system and how to fix it. Listen to great speakers, Dr. Budd Hall, Dr. Janni, Ken Wu, and others. Presented by the People’s Assembly of Victoria. SATURDAY noon at Centennial Square. Free. occupyvictoria.ca.

Crystal Singers’ Holiday Shopping Fair – With Partylite, Epicure, Jockey, Guatemalan Scarves, Arbonne, Avon, Universal Books, Tupperware, Silpada and Nelia C. Caye Jewellery and more. SATURDAY 1-3pm at St. Peter’s Church (3939 St. Peters St.). Free. 250-727-3538, crystalsingers.ca.

Christmas Bazaar & Tea  – Featuring Crafts, Books, White Elephant, Jewelry and More. Proceeds support the Victoria Cat Rescue Corps’ Spay & Neuter fund. SATURDAY 1-4pm at Knox Presbyterian Church (2964 Richmond Rd). Free. 250-656-1100, victoriacatrescue.com.

Nautical Wreath Workshop – Give this Christmas a nautical flare with your very own nautical wreath. Please bring any other decorations you may wish to add and a good pair of gloves. We recommend thick gardening gloves. Materials provided.  Registration required. FRIDAY-SUNDAY & Nov. 26-27 1-5pm at the Maritime Museum of BC (28 Bastion Square). $29. 250- 385-4222 ext. 113, mmbc.bc.ca/about-2/whats-new-at-the-museum/.

Not enough? Email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: MYSTERY!) to win our ever-popular mystery prize! Tickets? Books? Fairy dust and magic? Enter to find out.

Calendar: Have a Socially Responsible Time

This weeks events cater to our socially responsible side. Be part of a political public forum or indulge in guilt-free locally handmade crafts. It’s up to you. Don’t forget Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

IconoCraft Christmas – A DIY crafting fair where local artists teach people how to make a wide range of different crafts. THURSDAY 5-11pm the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $10. iconocraft.com.

Public Forum – The Conservative Omnibus Crime Bill: Will it make Canada Safer or Meaner? A public forum and panel discussion moderated by Victoria MP Denise Savoie. THURSDAY 6:30-9pm at First Metropolitan United Church (932 Balmoral). Free. 250-363-3600.

Remembrance Day Service – Hosted by the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club. FRIDAY 10:40am in the Italian Garden next to Hatley Castle (2005 Sooke). Free.

What Matters To You? – What Should the Federal Government’s Priorities be in 2012 and Beyond? A public meeting hosted by Victoria MP Denise Savoie. With guest speaker Stephen Salter discussing the green economy. SATURDAY 2-4pm at 970 Blanshard. 250-363-3600.

Global Interdependence and You – A public symposium offering the public an opportunity to hear speakers affiliated with UVic’s Centre for Global Studies discuss their work. Symposium MONDAY noon-2pm in the First Peoples House Ceremonial hall, followed by the Centre for Global Studies Open house 2:30-3:30pm in room C173, the Sedgewick Building (UVic). 250-853-3218.

UVic Hearts & Hands Craft Fair – Talented artisans from the UVic community offer a wide range of crafts for sale, including cards, soap, jewelry and handmade clothing.  Proceeds support the United Way fundraiser. TUESDAY 10am in the University Centre Lobby, UVic. Free. 250-721-4357.

Email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: MUGGER) to win a copy of Sandy Frances Duncan’s & George Szanto’s Never Hug a Mugger on Quadra Island in time for their book signing on Nov. 15 (7pm at the Cadboro Bay Book Company, 2840B Cadboro Bay).

Calendar: Pumpking Smashing? You bet!

Learn something new and make the world a better place with this weeks events. Compost pumpkins, plant trees or learn how to look after them. Or get interested in politics with Oak Bays All Candidates meetings.

Pumpkin Smash – Help pumpkins rest in peace by smashing them in giant compost bins. THURSDAY-SATURDAY 8am-5pm at the Ellice Recycling Diversion Facility (524 David) & the Garden Waste Drop-off Facility (605 Canteen). By donation. 250-386-9676.

Oak Bay All Candidates Meetings – All eleven candidates for Council and two candidates for Mayor have been invited to take part. Moderated by Jamie Chicanot. FRIDAY 7-9pm at the Monterey Rec Centre (1442 Monterey) & Nov. 8 7-9pm at The Emmanuel Baptist Church (2121 Cedar Hill Cross). Free. 250-595-6284.

Standing Tall for Epilepsy: Rights and Research Conference – Speakers discuss epilepsy research, treatments and rights. 9am-3:15pm in the Michele Pujol room, Student Union Building (UVic). $50/$35 for VEPC members. vepc.bc.ca.

Tree Banding for Winter Moth Workshop – Learn how banding your trees now will help prevent Winter moth damage. Rain or shine. SATURDAY 10am-noon at the Beacon Hill Park Maintenance Yard (Nursery Road). For more info, visit victoria.ca and click on What’s New?

Tree Appreciation Day – Plant trees and shrubs for future generations to enjoy. Please bring your own tools and gloves as supplies are limited. Includes info sessions on how to select, plant and care for a tree, and how tree banding now prevents Winter moth damage in the spring. Rain or shine. SUNDAY 10am-noon at Arbutus Park (2925 Washington). 2925 Washington Avenue. Free. victoria.ca and click on What’s New?

The Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders – Annual general meeting. SUNDAY 1pm in room 36 of the James Bay New Horizons Centre (234 Menzies).

Super Bowls of Hope – Support the Youth Empowerment Society by eating soup. You even get to keep the bowl! Includes silent auction, celebrity signed bowls and get-aways. TUESDAY 11am-1:30pm In the Palm Court & Crystal Ballroom of the Empress (721 Government). $25. souperbowls.com.