Historic Victoria garden plays host to weekend markets ahead of holidays

Published 7:45 am Friday, December 12, 2025

In an effort to spread holiday cheer across Greater Victoria, the historic Abkhazi Gardens will host a pair of weekend markets for those looking to pick up some last-minute gifts for the holiday season.

According to a news release, the head gardener and their “volunteer elves” have been busy making festive planters, decorative table centres, culinary wreaths and culinary table centres, teacup and wreath bird feeders, hand-carved bowls and more for the markets that will be held on Dec. 13 and 14, as well as Dec. 20 and 21.

“New this year are 2026 Abkhazi Garden calendars and Forestation, an environmental board game for nature lovers. We have plants and seeds for sale as well,” noted the release.

Prince and Princess Abkhazi of the Georgian House of Apkhazi started the one-acre garden in the 1940s and they tended to the property for decades before their deaths. The Land Conservancy of British Columbia purchased the property in 2000.

The markets will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekend, and all proceeds from sales will be used to maintain the gardens.

ALSO READ: ‘A garden that love built’: A visit to Victoria’s Abkhazi Garden