The holidays are coming, and Victoria will soon be full of festive cheer, just how we like it. From twinkling lights all around to cozy cafes serving delicious hot chocolate that warms your insides, there’s something extra special about this season in our city. We love how it’s also a time for giving: not just gifts, but kindness, time, and hope.
At The Mustard Seed Street Church, Christmas has always been about community. For over 50 years, we’ve been fighting hunger and nurturing connection across Greater Victoria. What began as a small stool in a shop in 1975 has grown into an organization people turn to for help more than 60,000 times every month. Lives are changing, but the need is still growing. One in four people who come to us for help is a child, and this Christmas, we’re working hard to make sure every family has a reason to celebrate.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the season, and give back while you’re at it, here are five things to do in Victoria this Christmas.
1. Gift Wrapping at Mayfair Mall
Want to have your gifts wrapped while supporting a meaningful cause this Christmas? Find our Gift Wrapping booth at Mayfair Mall, open December 17-23 from 10 am to 6 pm, and December 24 until 1 pm.
It’s a thoughtful way to share the spirit of the season and give back to your community at the same time. Your donation helps feed families and keep The Mustard Seed vital programs running throughout the winter months.
2. Watch the Santa Parade
Kick off the season at the The 44th Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade on November 28. There’s nothing quite like sipping rich hot chocolate as the floats pass by and the lights twinkle overhead. It’s one of the most heartwarming nights of the year and every delicious sip helps make a difference.
3. Volunteer & Spread Holiday Cheer
Want to be part of something meaningful this season? Join us as a volunteer! There are so many ways to help, from assisting at our Christmas Celebration and Hamper Distribution to helping at the Gift Wrapping.
Volunteering is one of the best ways to experience the true spirit of Christmas. You’ll meet incredible people, make memories, and directly impact lives in your community. Opportunities are posted on mustardseed.ca/volunteer. We’d love to have you join the team.
4. Celebrate Connection & Kindness
Amid the shopping, lights, and excitement, take a moment to reflect on what the season is truly about: connection, kindness, and hope. Give a gift, share a meal, or reach out to someone who might be spending the holidays alone.
Small acts of care create the biggest impact: whether it’s helping a neighbor, donating to a local cause, or volunteering with us at The Mustard Seed. This season, we invite you to be part of something that lasts long after the decorations come down.
5. Shop Local at Sea Cider’s Holiday Fair
Searching for a gift that feels a little more personal? The 6th Annual Local Folk Holiday Fair returns to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse on December 5 and 6, from 11am to 4pm. Wander through tables of handmade treasures, warm up with a glass of cider, and take in the view over the Saanich Peninsula while you shop.
There’s a wonderful raffle too, and Sea Cider is generously giving 100% of the profits to The Mustard Seed. Each day’s package is filled with 15 beautiful artisan items, so you could head home with something special knowing your ticket helped feed a neighbour.
You’ll find them at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, 2487 Mt St Michael Rd in Saanichton.
6. Cheer on the Truck Parade and Fill a Food Bin
If you’re looking for something the whole family will love, head out on Saturday, December 5. Around 80 spectacularly decorated commercial vehicles will light up a 35km route through Greater Victoria for the IEOA Truck Parade. Bundle up, find a spot along the way, and wave as the brightest convoy of the year rolls past.
Best of all, the parade doubles as a food drive. From November 24 to December 5, you can drop off non-perishable donations at Allways Towing on Dupplin Road, Capital Iron’s Store Street and Langford locations, Sunbelt Rental in Victoria, Langford and Sidney, or WestCoast Appliance Gallery on Nanaimo Street. Every item collected helps keep food bank shelves stocked through the busiest weeks of the year.
To us, Christmas in Victoria is about more than traditions, it’s about community. From watching the Santa Parade to wrapping gifts for a good cause, there are so many ways to celebrate while also giving back.
At The Mustard Seed Street Church, we’ve been fighting hunger and nurturing community for over 50 years. As the need continues to grow, your support means more than ever. Whether you donate, volunteer, or give the gift of hope to a loved one, every act of kindness helps feed families and bring joy to our city this Christmas. Together, we can make this Christmas season brighter for everyone.
If you’d like to stay in touch, please subscribe to our email list to hear about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and stories of hope from The Mustard Seed community.
