When it’s cold and stormy, it’s tempting to hunker down indoors with a cozy throw and a bingeable lineup of shows on Netflix. But this is actually a great time to go out and do something fun. Here are some of the best reasons to brave the world outside your door.

1 Good Deals on Good Meals
The best bargoon in the city — Dine Around and Stay in Town — is back from January 24 to February 9 and it’s the most delicious reason to leave your home even if the weather’s gnarly. More than 50 restaurants are participating in this annual foodie festival, offering three-course menus for $25, $34, $45, $55, $65 and $75. Among them are several newcomers, including Bin 4 Burger Lounge, Rudi and Saxe Point Public House. You can make it an even bigger night out by booking a room at one of the participating hotels, which are offering special rates from $139 to $259 a night. To kick things off in style, join the partygoers at the gala at the Crystal Garden on January 23.

2 A Hot New Music Venue
It was bad news for music lovers when Hermann’s Upstairs closed last March, but great news when two members of Victoria’s creative community announced they’d be transforming it into a new music venue called The Coda. AL Smith and Christina Morrison promise to create a space where musicians and live music are valued, and are set to invest some serious money and elbow grease in updating it with a “best of the best” sound system. Bands and promoters have been quick to reserve dates for 2025 and The Coda will be one of the venues for this year’s TD Victoria International JazzFest (June 20 to 29). It’s located upstairs at 751 View Street and scheduled to reopen in February.

3 You’ll Avoid Summer’s Crowds
Victoria doesn’t have to deal with hordes of tourists the way, say, Barcelona or Phuket do. But come summer, it can still get a bit harried in some parts of the city. Parking is scarce, reservations elusive, venues a little more cramped than some of us enjoy. If you’re someone who hates lineups and enjoys their personal space, then this is the time of year for you. Even better, it’s a good time to peacefully enjoy cultural events like the new exhibition season at the Royal BC Museum, which kicks off on February 1 with the 60th edition of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, or From Warhol to Banksy: Pop Art Critiques Our World and Challenges Our Perceptions, which continues to April 27 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

4 Enchantment is in the Air
OK, so the opera isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to kids’ entertainment, but this one just might be. The British composer Rachel Portman brings one of the world’s best-loved literary characters to life in Pacific Opera Victoria’s presentation of The Little Prince, February 19 to 25 at the Royal Theatre. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s story is transformed with enchanting melodies that evoke wonder and innocence. Lush, poignant, magical — this exploration of imagination and friendship is perfect for anyone aged eight and older.

5 No Shovel Required
While the rest of the country is digging out from snow and ice, in the depths of winter Victoria is the balmiest place in Canada. Sure, there may be a few snowflakes and a cold snap or two, but for the most part we can still hike, golf, bike and sail even in winter — and we can also hit the slopes if we want. Plus: By February, the crocuses are blooming and the first cherry blossoms start to appear, so spring is assuredly just around the corner. Could there be a better reason to put on your walking shoes and hit the trails?
Images: Getty (unless otherwise indicated)