Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the festive delights of Victoria with our holiday guide. From locals to holiday travelers, this guide highlights the best of Victoria's season.
One of the enchanting experiences this December is the Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens, where stunning light displays illuminate the gardens in a captivating winter wonderland. Lights of Wonder dazzles with its vibrant and whimsical lighting that transforms downtown Victoria into a magical escape. And you definitely don't want to miss the Festival of Trees, where beautifully decorated trees bring holiday cheer to the community. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Victoria Holiday Light Displays
Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens
- What to Expect
- Colorful light displays and traditional carollers.
- Description
- The Butchart Gardens transform into a vibrant holiday destination with colorful light displays, traditional carollers, and festive brass bands. Stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas scenes, enjoy hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire, and explore the gardens' renowned dining options.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens
Lights of Wonder
- What to Expect
- Interactive light tunnels and live entertainment.
- Description
- Lights of Wonder is a free outdoor light display in Centennial Square, Downtown Victoria, featuring themed light exhibits, interactive tunnels, and a 40-foot festive tree. The event offers live entertainment, warm nibbles, and magical light displays.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Lights of Wonder
Christmas in Oak Bay
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly light display with live entertainment and activities.
- Description
- Oak Bay Village welcomes the holiday season with a grand Light Up Festival, featuring family activities, street games, craft stations, and thousands of lights on buildings, trees, and lampposts.
- Where
- Oak Bay | More Info : Christmas in Oak Bay
Light Up the City
- What to Expect
- Community-driven Christmas decoration contest with online voting.
- Description
- Light Up the City is a Christmas decoration contest where residents of Greater Victoria can showcase their holiday spirit by decorating their homes, businesses, or community spaces. Winners are decided through an online vote, and there are various categories including apartments/condos, local businesses, community organizations, and First Nations communities.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Light Up the City
42nd Santa Light Parade
- What to Expect
- Live audio description and hot chocolate distribution.
- Description
- The 42nd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade, presented by CHEK, kicks off at 5:00 PM on November 30, 2024, at Government and Belleville. The parade will move north along Government, east on Humboldt, and north on Douglas before dispersing at the Victoria Public Market. The event includes live audio description at the Victoria Disability Resource Center, hot chocolate distribution, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : 42nd Santa Light Parade
Oak Bay Village Christmas Light-Up
- What to Expect
- Thousands of lights and festive activities.
- Description
- Oak Bay Village Christmas Light-Up features thousands of lights on buildings, trees, and lampposts, along with street food, crafts, and entertainment.
- Where
- Oak Bay | More Info : Oak Bay Village Christmas Light-Up
Victoria Holiday Markets and Shopping
WinterFest at the Royal BC Museum
- What to Expect
- Multicultural holiday market with local artisans and vendors.
- Description
- WinterFest at the Royal BC Museum is a celebration of arts, culture, and community, featuring music, dance, food, and a multicultural market with local artisans and vendors.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : WinterFest at the Royal BC Museum
Nerdy Days of Christmas
- What to Expect
- Unique gift ideas from nerdy artisans.
- Description
- The Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair is a two-day event featuring nerdy crafts, art, and handmade items from talented local artisans. It takes place at the Lower Level Market Square in Victoria, with admission by donation benefiting the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. Kids under 100 are free.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Nerdy Days of Christmas
Annual Dickens Fair
- What to Expect
- Local artisans showcase their work in a curated marketplace setting.
- Description
- The Annual Dickens Fair is a holiday craft fair featuring over 60 local artisans offering handmade and homemade products, including woodwork, jewelry, fine arts, candles, clothing, and baked goods.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Annual Dickens Fair
Out of Hand Modern Market
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade goods from local artisans.
- Description
- The Out of Hand Modern Market is a premier holiday event featuring handmade goods from over 100 local makers and artisans. Shop for unique jewelry, pottery, body care products, and more in a festive atmosphere with live music and an onsite coffee bar.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Out of Hand Modern Market
Victoria Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cookeilidh: Making Spirits Bright
- What to Expect
- Celtic and modern Christmas music blend with spirited dances.
- Description
- Cookeilidh: Making Spirits Bright is a delightful musical concert blending traditional Carols, whimsical modern tunes, Celtic and Maritime favorites, and spirited dances. Featuring Cookeilidh, the event promises to bring joy to the holiday season with a heartfelt celebration of old and new traditions.
- Where
- Sidney | More Info : Cookeilidh: Making Spirits Bright
Victoria Other Holiday Activities
Festival of Trees
- What to Expect
- Community-curated, beautifully decorated trees supporting children's health.
- Description
- The Festival of Trees is a community event where local businesses and organizations decorate trees to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital. The public is encouraged to explore and vote for their favorite tree, with events taking place in Victoria, Okanagan, and Sooke.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Festival of Trees
Gingerbread Showcase
- What to Expect
- Unique gingerbread creations by local bakers and artists.
- Description
- The Gingerbread Showcase is an iconic Victoria holiday tradition where home chefs, professional bakers, and artists display their creations. This premier annual fundraising event by Habitat for Humanity Victoria attracts over 15,000 visitors, including school groups, community groups, and tourists. All attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite gingerbread creations and make a donation.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Gingerbread Showcase
Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour
- What to Expect
- Immersive 60-minute walking tour uncovering Victoria's most haunted locations.
- Description
- Explore Victoria's dark history through spine-tingling ghost stories and tales of true crime, guided by experienced storytellers.
- Where
- Victoria | More Info : Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour
41st Peninsula Co-op Santa Lights Parade
- What to Expect
- Live audio description and hot chocolate distribution.
- Description
- The 42nd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade, presented by Chek, kicks off at 5:00 PM on November 30, 2024, at Government and Belleville. The parade route moves north along Government, east on Humboldt, and north on Douglas, dispersing at the Victoria Public Market. The event includes live audio description, hot chocolate distribution, and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Where
- Saanich | More Info : 41st Peninsula Co-op Santa Lights Parade