Nanaimo Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Nanaimo and surrounding areas
Nanaimo showcases the holiday season with glowing Christmas lights along the waterfront and lively festive events across Commercial Street and Maffeo Sutton Park. Catch Festival of Trees: Christmas with the Nanaimo Clippers, browse Gifts from the Heart Christmas Arts Market, or enjoy the Ladysmith Festival of Lights nearby. Local holiday attractions include cozy markets, family-friendly activities, and scenic evening strolls under lights that make the festive season perfect for visitors and residents alike.
Find the best Nanaimo Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Markets
35 eventsAutograph session with hockey players for charity
Christmas Lights
24 eventsOver one million lights in a botanical garden setting
Christmas Shows
6 eventsAward-winning British comedy with interactive elements.
Christmas Activities
12 eventsFree community ice skating in a winter wonderland.
Editor's Picks (6)
-
VanDusen Festival of Lights
(Vancouver)
Over one million lights in a botanical garden setting
-
The Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens
(Brentwood Bay)
Twelve Days of Christmas light displays
-
Festival of Trees: Christmas with the Nanaimo Clippers
Autograph session with hockey players for charity
-
Lights of Wonder
(Victoria)
Thousands of dazzling holiday lights in Centennial Square.
-
West Coast Winter Wonderland Ice Skating
(Port Alberni)
Free community ice skating in a winter wonderland.
-
The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain
(North Vancouver)
Mountaintop Christmas celebration with light displays and Santa.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Giving Opportunities Near Nanaimo
Give back this holiday season with volunteering and charitable opportunities in Nanaimo.
The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive
The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive is Nanaimo's largest initiative to ensure a joyful...
View full details →Nanaimo Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Nanaimo
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Nanaimo!
Nanaimo Christmas FAQ
The Nanaimo Arts Council Christmas Craft Fair is a major annual event, alongside various community-organized holiday markets and light display events that draw significant crowds.
While many traditions are shared across the region, Nanaimo often sees strong community participation in neighborhood light decorating contests and local artisan showcases.
Neighborhoods like Departure Bay, Harewood, and various areas around the Old City Quarter are known for residents who put up impressive Christmas light displays.
Look for markets hosted by the Nanaimo Arts Council, local community centers, and pop-up artisan fairs throughout the city, especially in the downtown and Old City Quarter areas.
Exploring neighborhood light displays, attending free community carols, and enjoying festive window shopping downtown are excellent free options.
Families often enjoy visiting Santa at local markets or malls, attending kid-friendly shows at the Port Theatre, and exploring the festive lights in decorated neighborhoods.