VICTORIA, BC — The holiday season is here and there is no better place to make lasting memories than at the Royal BC Museum. With a variety of events and activities throughout December, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re dancing along to performances at WinterFest, catching a holiday classic on the big screen at IMAX® Victoria, stepping back in time at Helmcken House for an old-fashioned Christmas or finding that perfect gift for someone special, the Royal BC Museum offers plenty of festive fun for all ages this holiday season.
WinterFest
• November 30 and December 1, 10AM–5PM, free, museum precinct (indoor/outdoor)
o Come check out the second annual WinterFest multicultural holiday market, presented by Island Savings. Food, warm drinks and multicultural performances pair with local vendors for a one-of-a-kind experience. Find the perfect gift for that hard to shop for someone on your list, get yourself a special treat, or grab a snack and stay for a show.
Festive Favourites at IMAX® Victoria
• December, IMAX® Victoria, cost of admission, reserved seating
o Throughout December, IMAX® Victoria is bringing back the holiday classics Elf, The Polar Express and The Grinch. Get cozy and grab a hot chocolate and some popcorn with these festive favourites.
The Polar Express in IMAX® 3D: An inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Elf—The IMAX® Experience: Raised as an elf, Buddy realizes that he will never truly fit in at the North Pole and goes looking for his true place in the world—in New York City. See how Buddy discovers his destiny to save Christmas for New York and the world!
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch—The IMAX® Experience: The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit.
Music at the Museum: The Pandora Chorus
• December 7, 3:30–4 PM, free, main lobby
o Join us for a free performance in the main lobby of the museum and see this indie pop rock choir perform songs by artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Journey and more! No registration required and fun for all ages.
Surviving Winter
• December 11, 10:10–10:50 AM and 1:30–2:15 PM, online
o Ever wondered how different mammals stay safe and cozy during the chilliest time of the year? Learn more with Anna Chinn, Collection Manager of Birds and Mammals, as she explores specimens from the Royal BC Museum collection and ends the program with a heartwarming winter story. Designed for ages 4–9, free, Zoom Live online with Streamable Learning. Registration required.
One Man Christmas Carol
• December 13 and 14, 7:30–8:30 PM, $20, Old Town, New Approach
o See Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol in a whole new way! Enjoy Charles Ross’s one man premiere as Ebenezer Scrooge in this holiday story of reclamation. This seated event takes place in Old Town, New Approach. Doors open at 7 PM.
Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas
• December 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, 12–3 PM, free, Helmcken House
o Experience what Christmas was like in Victoria more than 100 years ago at Helmcken House. The oldest house in BC still on its original site will have decorations, music and first-hand accounts that will take you back to Christmas past.
Indigenous Artists Winter Market
• December 15, 10 AM–4 PM, free, Clifford Carl Hall
o Find a stunning selection of pieces and speak with the artists who craft them at the Indigenous Artists Winter Market. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Winter Solstice Stonehenge Tour
• December 21, 11–11:45 AM and 12:30–1:15 PM, onsite, 2nd floor, included with admission
o Did you know the stones at Stonehenge were shaped and set up to frame the summer and winter solstice? Tour this feature exhibition as we look at what archaeologists have learned about who built Stonehenge and why.
Find the perfect gift at the Royal Museum Shop
Shop the Royal Museum Shop for all your holiday gift-giving needs! Browse a wide selection of unique and intriguing items, many made in British Columbia. From books and jewellery to home décor and clothing and, of course, our herd of plush mammoths, there is something for everyone on your list! Shop in person and online at shop.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Current Royal BC Museum Members and IMAX® Victoria Members receive 10% off all purchases.
To learn more about what is happening at the museum, visit Calendar | Royal BC Museum and Archives and IMAX® Victoria.
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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum, which includes BC Archives, IMAX® Victoria and PARC Campus, is one of the oldest continually operating museums in Canada. A centre of learning and research, it strives to broaden our understanding of British Columbia through collections, exhibitions, outreach and community engagement. The museum celebrates the province’s diverse landscapes and the lives of the people who live here, enables research and knowledge sharing that advances our understanding of our world, and provides a dynamic place for discussion and reflection. IMAX® Victoria delivers educational and entertaining experiences that accompany the learning journey the museum offers.
The Royal BC Museum is located on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt Nation). We acknowledge and respect the history of Indigenous peoples, who are our partners in museum matters and community alike.
Give the gift of membership! More information is available at Memberships | Royal BC Museum and Archives
