EVENTS CALENDAR

Festivals and events

Embrace the eclectic energy of Nanaimo at our Bathtub Races, a thrilling tribute to our marine heritage, or get lost in the magic of our Lantern Festival, join the city in colour for our Pride Festival, Jazz fest and more. Every season brings something new and exciting, ensuring that no two visits to Nanaimo are ever the same.

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Calendar of Events

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3 events,

PaperWorks: Printmakers of the Salish Sea

Event Series

Fill the Caboose Food Drive

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Island Bel Canto presents CELTIC AYRES in Nanaimo

2 events,

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Small Biz Women’s Holiday Mixer

2 events,

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Never Mind The Night Tour

2 events,

- Event Series

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

2 events,

- Event Series

WinterFest

6 events,

SPOTLIGHT – Nutcracker

shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side

Event Series

Winter Weekend Holiday Market

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Give & Go Fundraiser

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Themed Trivia Night: F.R.I.E.N.D.S edition at the Queen’s

6 events,

The Holiday Bazaar

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Acclaim Celtic Dancers Presents: Christmas in Killarney — Experience the Magic of an Irish Christmas in Nanaimo!

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It’s Christmas… Company’s Coming!

5 events,

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Find Space, Breath & Reconnect – 1/2 day silent retreat

2 events,

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BUDDY’S HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS 2024

2 events,

- Event Series

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

4 events,

shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side

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Malaspina Choir presents A Child’s Christmas in Wales – Nanaimo

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NIB Productions & Johnny Inappropriate Present A FASCINATING CHRISTMAS

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1 event,

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Island Roots Farmers’ Market

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1 event,

shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side

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shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side

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shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side

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Ongoing

Fill the Caboose Food Drive

Black Rabbit Nanaimo 321 Selby St, Nanaimo

Saturday November 23rd - Friday December 13th Santa's coming to town! Join us for a festive food drive. Bring canned goods to donate and meet Santa on the Christmas Train behind the Station! On Friday, December 13th SVI Rail Link will drive their festive decorated rail car throughout downtown and will pick up all the donations between 12-1.

Event Series WinterFest

WinterFest

Diana Krall Plaza 51 Gordon St., Nanaimo

Join us for Late Night Shopping in downtown Nanaimo this December! On December 5th (opening night) we will be lighting up a massive Christmas Tree in Diana Krall Plaza at 5pm!! Experience the magic of the season as stores stay open until 8pm, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts and support local businesses.Indulge in treats from food trucks, and taste festive cocktails and cider from Travel Bar at Diana Krall Plaza! Capture the joy of the holidays with visits with Mr. & Mr. Claus and listen to live music at the plaza with the sounds of the season. It’s an evening of shopping, sipping, and spreading holiday cheer!

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Fill the Caboose Food Drive

Black Rabbit Nanaimo 321 Selby St, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Saturday November 23rd - Friday December 13th Santa's coming to town! Join us for a festive food drive. Bring canned goods to donate and meet Santa on the Christmas Train behind the Station! On Friday, December 13th SVI Rail Link will drive their festive decorated rail car throughout downtown and will pick up all the donations between 12-1.

Event Series WinterFest

WinterFest

Diana Krall Plaza 51 Gordon St., Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Join us for Late Night Shopping in downtown Nanaimo this December! On December 5th (opening night) we will be lighting up a massive Christmas Tree in Diana Krall Plaza at 5pm!! Experience the magic of the season as stores stay open until 8pm, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts and support local businesses.Indulge in treats from food trucks, and taste festive cocktails and cider from Travel Bar at Diana Krall Plaza! Capture the joy of the holidays with visits with Mr. & Mr. Claus and listen to live music at the plaza with the sounds of the season. It’s an evening of shopping, sipping, and spreading holiday cheer!

shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada

shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side is an exhibition of new photo-based artworks by Michelle Sound and Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun. The title of this exhibition, set in Hul’qumi’num, Cree, and English, suggests both geographical proximity (the other side of the river) and spiritual proximity (the afterlife). Works in the exhibition consider relations with land, family, and ancestors through interventions in the medium of photography. In our daily scroll through digital images, it is easy to forget that pictures can be tangible objects with weight and texture. When we encounter printed snapshots, we can hold them and ask: Who is this person? Where are they standing? How are we related? Who took this photo? then flip them to look for handwritten notes on the other side. Photographs of all types can spark stories, but photographs as objects can carry unique traces of the people or places they represent. Sound and White-Hill begin with this understanding, and employ sculpture and installation to bring new life to photographic images. Through cyanotypes printed on elk hide drums, torn prints that have been repaired and adorned, drawings of spirits layered on top of archival images, and spindle whorl patterns cut out from historical landscape photographs, the artists work to enact care for their families, and communities, here and on the other side. shnu’a’th, ᐊᑳᒥᕽ akâmihk, the other side is the third exhibition through which Nanaimo Art Gallery asks the question: How can we work together? Image: Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, Squpastul (Gathering), Detail of digitally altered historical photograph, 2024

By Donation/Free for Members

Winter Weekend Holiday Market

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Shop local and handmade this holiday! This season at Nanaimo Art Gallery's Store, we have thoughtfully chosen an expanded selection of handmade items by local artists and makers to help make your holidays memorable. Friday, Dec 6 | 5:00 – 9:00 pm Saturday, Dec 7 | 10:00 – 5:00 pm Sunday, Dec 8 | 12:00 – 5:00 pm Members receive a 15% discount (Books, Fundraising & Sale items excluded)

Free

SPOTLIGHT – Nutcracker

Port Theatre 125 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC

Friday Dec. 6th @ 7:30pmSaturday Dec. 7th @ 7:30pmSunday Dec. 8th @ 2:00pm A Port Theatre Spotlight Series Presentation Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s production ofNutcracker A gem in André Lewis O.M.’s legacy to leave the country with a holiday tradition inspired by Canada. When commissioning this new version, André insisted on including opportunities for the children as well as iconic Canadian symbols like the Ottawa Parliament buildings and busby-hat Mountie guards. Embark on a whimsical adventure brimming with nostalgia and Canadian charm that ignites at the strike of midnight when Clara’s enchanted nutcracker springs to life under a moonlit sky. From a captivating clash with the mischievous Mouse King to the resplendent realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy, this production captivates with its unique blend of prairie flair and timeless allure!

$40 – $70

Give & Go Fundraiser

3851 Shenton Rd 3851 Shenton Rd, Nanaimo, BC, Canada

An annual tradition since 2002! Making it easy for our community to donate to the Salvation Army and Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank.• non-perishable food,• money or• warm clothing Drive through our location on December 6th with your donations to “Give & Go”, volunteers will unload for you!

Themed Trivia Night: F.R.I.E.N.D.S edition at the Queen’s

The Queens 34 Victoria Crescent,, Nanaimo, BC

It's our most popular trivia night! F.R.I.E.N.D.S Trivia is BACK in Nanaimo with all new questions and a new special guest F.R.I.E.N.D.S cast member who sent in some video questions for us to answer! Come with a team of up to 6 people or even try it solo. We will have three rounds of trivia covering your favourite tv show! Questions will range from easy to extremely tough for those who think they know it all. Lots of prizes to be won!

$12

The Holiday Bazaar

Cedar Community Hall 2388 Cedar Rd., Nanaimo, Canada

Discover the magic of the season at the Holiday Bazaar! Explore a curated collection of unique locally-crafted art and gifts that will delight and inspire. December 7th 11-5pm & December 8th 10-4pm Original artwork One-of-a-kind artisan pieces Handmade crafts and home goods Supporting local small businesses Perfect for holiday shopping The Holiday Bazaar is your ticket to finding truly special gifts this season. Browse an enchanting array of paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more - all created by talented local artisans. Each piece is a work of passion and skill imbued with the spirit of the season. Treat yourself or a loved one to something extraordinary and shop small this holiday. Whether you're searching for the perfect holiday decoration, a thoughtful hostess gift or a unique piece to brighten your own home, the Holiday Bazaar has something to delight everyone on your list. Immerse yourself in the joy of supporting local creators and bringing home gifts that celebrate the best of your community.

Free

Acclaim Celtic Dancers Presents: Christmas in Killarney — Experience the Magic of an Irish Christmas in Nanaimo!

Wellington Hall 3922 Corunna Ave, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Experience the magic of an Irish Christmas at Acclaim Celtic Dancers Presents: Christmas in Killarney! Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with live Celtic music by The Slieves, traditional dance, and storytelling on December 7, 2024, at Wellington Hall, Nanaimo — tickets at www.acclaimcelticdancers.ca Whether you’re a longtime fan of Celtic traditions or simply seeking a unique holiday celebration, Christmas in Killarney is a perfect way to experience the season’s magic. Families and friends alike are encouraged to mark their calendars for this joyous gathering, filled with music, dance, and holiday cheer. We gratefully acknowledge that this event will take place on the unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw First Nations. Follow us on Facebook for updates and more information. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: A Vivid Edge Salon & Spa — offering hair and skincare services in Nanaimo, BC. Learn more Prepare to step into an Irish Christmas wonderland — we look forward to celebrating with you!

$25.29

It’s Christmas… Company’s Coming!

6234 Spartan Road 6234 Spartan Road, Nanaimo, BC, Canada

Harmony Nanaimo presents the Tidesmen A Cappella Chorus, the Rising Tide All Voices Chorus, quartets, and special guest Lauren Racz. Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Nanaimo. Tickets at Maison Cookware and Bakeware, Bodhi's Bakery, Holy Trinity Church office, or online at www.tidesmen.com. There's also a show at the Christian Fellowship Centre in Qualicum Beach on Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.; tickets at Mulberry Bush Books or What's Cooking.

$25