Plus, it’s your lucky day! Enter to win two tickets to the LOLA Projects dance performance on Feb 5^th, 7:30 pm at the Metro Studio a part of the YAM Dance Days finale. Just comment below or email calendar@mondaymag.com (Subject: WIN!) and tell us why you should win.

YAM Magazine’s Dance Days – Back by popular demand! In past years Dance Days has proved what those involved in dance in the region have known for some time – there is a whole lot of dance happening in this city. 70 events at 31 studios around the city, including free classes and workshops in various styles. FRIDAY through Feb. 5^th. community@dancevictoria.com. 250-595-1829.

Wikileaks: The Haiti Files – With Kim Ives, editor of the newspaper Haiti Liberté. Straight from the U.S. diplomatic cables on Haiti, you will hear how the U.S. conspires to keep Haiti poor, who is running Haiti, and what happened to the earthquake relief effort. FRIDAY 7:30pm at UVic, David Strong 103. info@vicpeace.ca. 250-655-6691.

21st Annual Victoria Health Show – There’s something for everyone with the daily roster of inspiring seminars with Canada’s leading health experts. Explore the aisles enjoying an abundance of tasty food, learn about cutting-edge health products, services and fitness techniques, relax with a bodywork treatment, shopping with special event pricing and discover the latest trends. SATURDAY and SUNDAY at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas). $5/$7.50 weekend pass. www.thehealthshows.com. 1-888-999-1761.

Who Gives a Hoot – Drop-in anytime as we explore wonderful, world of owls through games, stories, crafts and hands-on exploration. Admission by donation. Owl pellet dissection activity $5. SUNDAY 12pm at the Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (3873 Swan Lake Rd). 250-479-0211.swanlake.bc.ca.

The darkness Yard confronts on “For Someone Else” is mirrored by its cover. A child’s face is shrouded by darkness; a silent scream bursts from open lips. The look in the child’s eyes, a disturbing alloy of terror and rage, does not extend a glimmer of comfort or hope. We don’t simply observe her pain; we are responsible for it. These songs were composed for someone else, after-all.

Yard channels the child’s silent cry with “Generate”, the album’s tiny first track, which recalls Elliot Smith’s earliest lo-fi recordings. While completely devoid of hope, Yard’s voice is strikingly beautiful in its vulnerability. Yard promises that if she “could keep generating more to give” she’d keep going; just as the song comes to premature halt. We are forced to follow Yard into the abyss.

For the rest of the album, Yard’s weary voice somehow summons the necessary strength to plod through a haunting territory of textures which include dropped pennies, shattered wine glasses and wire brushes. When the play button pops up at the end of side two, we are relieved though undoubtedly our instinct is to turn the tape over for another go.

A musical equivalent to a Lars von Trier film, Yard tastefully conveys a darkness that is tragically ignored in our cheap and shallow North American culture. The album is not intended to the weak of heart. But I urge you to summon the necessary courage, listen, and listen often. You will be rewarded.

http://nasstasiayard.bandcamp.com/

To read more of Nick Lyons’ writing, check out his blog here.

Victoria Bridal Fair 2012 – One day, in one beautiful venue, meet with over sixty local wedding professionals. See the latest stunning creations in bridal gowns. The newest looks in men’s bridal wear will be featured as well, plus wedding party fashions and those for the mother of the bride and mother of the groom – all in one gorgeous fashion show. 10am SUNDAY at The Crystal Garden (713 Douglas). $18/$20. rsvp@bridalevents.ca.

Bone Thugs ~N~ Harmony feat Krayzie Bone & Wish Bone -  They have sold more than 15 million records, recorded with The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac. They won a Grammy. They redirected hip-hop’s sonic direction. Simply put, the Cleveland quartet is one of the most important groups in hip-hop history. WEDNESDAY 9pm at 9one9. $25/$30.

On the Edge – The world premiere of this play by Michele Riml. Three women from three very different walks of life. One actress in a tour de force performance. With great humour, and greater empathy, the author of Sexy Laundry gives voice to three ordinary souls, challenged by the world around them. TUESDAY 8pm at the Belfry (1291 Gladstone). $12.88-$25.86. 250-385-6815.

Lecture: Life on Ice – An Alaskan couple trekked for two months learning about climate change and experiencing one of the largest tidewater glaciers and made a film about it – with a toddle and a baby in tow. Hear their story TUESDAY at 7pm at UVic A104 in the Bob Wright Centre. Free. Also WEDNESDAY 7pm at Robinson’s Outdoor Store (1307 Broad). $5. 250-385-3429. groundtruthtrekking.org.

Spring Prelude Indoor Garden – Enjoy the 14th year of the Spring Prelude indoor garden display at Butchart Gardens. From its humble beginnings in 1999 the Spring Prelude has evolved into a world-class indoor floral display. Opening SUNDAY through to March. $11-$21.95.

Bluewater Cruising Association: Ocean Gybe Expedition – Three UVic students sailed 38,000 nautical miles around the world, visited 15 countries, and documented their findings. TUESDAY 7 pm at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. (3475 Ripon Road). $10.

Gerry Dee: Life After Teaching- Support Canadian comedy with the star of “Mr. D.” on CBC. Touching upon marriage, fatherhood and his years as a teacher, he will certainly provide you with a night of laughter you will never forget. And be sure to check out his hilarious video pieces as “Gerry Dee Sports Reporter” for The Score. WEDNESDAY 8 pm at the McPherson (625 Fisgard ). $46. http://www.rmts.bc.ca

The Drowsy Chaperone – Preview Night. This five-time Tony Award-winning Canadian musical comedy takes us back to the golden age of musical theatre. A lonely man escapes his drab existence as the musical comes to life around him. WEDNESDAY 8 pm at Langham Court Theatre.  Special 2 for $20. To Feb. 4^th at 805 Langham Ct. 250-384-2142.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.