The holidays are a wonderful time of the year to see and experience all that Victoria has to offer. With such a wide range of activities, events and special sights to see, we have curated a list of Greater Victoria’s best holiday events for families.
Here are 26 things to do around the region this Christmas. For more things happening around town, check out our events calendar.
VICTORIA
Island Farms 2015 Santa Light Parade
What: The Annual Santa Parade along with festive entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. Watch decorated floats and bands as they make their way through downtown. Don’t miss out when Santa officially declares Christmas in Victoria at the Capital Iron post parade. Make sure to bring an item for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
When: Saturday November 28, 2015, Parade begins 545pm
Where: Government St & Belleville St – parade lasts approx 60mins
15th Annual Bear Wear
What: A beloved holiday tradition and annual fundraiser for the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. A wonderful festive display of cuddly bears dressed up in costumes by local sponsors, business, organizations and individuals.
When: Tuesday November 24, 2015 – Sunday January 3, 2016
Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St
Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase
What: More than just a house, these “sweet” masterpieces are created by professionals & amateur chefs. Vote for your favourite and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria. The gingerbread houses leave a lasting impression and your mouth watering – a perfect excuse to stop in at AURA for a festive Gingerbread Tea (a portion of the proceeds from Gingerbread Teas will be donated to Habitat for Humanity).
When: Saturday November 21, 2015 – Sunday January 3, 2016
Where: Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal St
IEOA Truck Light Convoy & Food Drive
What: About 80 trucks will travel throughout the capital region lit up for the season. Gather at Western Speedway for the conclusion of the event. Admission to the Speedway is by cash or non-perishable food item. Coffee, hot dogs and hot chocolate are available by donation in support of the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Westshore Christmas Hamper Fund Society and Sidney Lions Food Bank.
When: Saturday December 5, 2015, Parade begins 545pm at Odgen Point
Where: View map for time estimates
Festival of Trees
What: Sponsors, local businesses, organizations and individuals come together and decorate trees in a fun, wacky & beautiful display all in the support for children. The festival invites visitors to browse through the holiday displays and to vote – a small donation to the BC Children’s Hospital.
When: Friday November 13, 2015 – January 5, 2016
Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas St
8th Annual Centennial Square Christmas Tree Light-Up
What: Witness the magic of lights when the switch is turned on at 5pm. Then hop on the ferris wheel and see the lights of Centennial Square and Downtown Victoria with a view from 20 meters up. Enjoy holiday entertainment, photo opportunities and more.
When: Saturday November 28 – December 20, 2015
Where: Centennial Square, Downtown Victoria
DVBA Ferris Wheel
What: The DVBA ferris wheel is back in Centennial Square for four weekends this holiday season!! Enjoy a ride 20m above the sparkling lights of the Square. While you’re there enjoy live music and don’t forget to take a photo at the ferris wheel backdrop! Rides are $2 per person. Riders must be over 2 years old and at least 36 inches to ride.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov 28th to Dec 20th (Hours Open)
Where:Centennial Square, beside the McPherson Playhouse
Free Horse-Drawn Carriage Trolley Tours
What: Compliments of the DVBA – Two free horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations.
When: Saturday November 28 – Sunday December 20. Date and times here
Where: Pre-set trolley routes throughout the downtown with 4 stops at:A: Store St. at Chatham St. – In front of Ocean River Sports
B: Johnson St. near Wharf St. – In front of Willie’s Bakery
C: Langley St. at Bastion Sq. – Across from Re-Bar
D: Government St. at Fisgard St. – In front of CRD Plaza
50th Annual Carolling Week
What: An annual tradition which showcases choirs from Greater Victoria schools performing favourite Christmas carols at Victoria City Hall. Rod Berod on keyboard and Al Ferraby of CFAX 1070 will be the Master of Ceremonies. Taking place from noon to 1pm, so bring your lunch, listen & enjoy.
When: Monday November 30 – Friday December 4 (except December 3)
Where: Victoria City Hall Antechamber, 1 Centennial Square
Christmas At The Castle
What: A Christmas display for all to enjoy. There will be daily tours, children’s entertainment and evening performances. Calendar of events here
When: Tuesday December 1 – Thursday December 31
Where: Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
A Christmas Carol
What: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. A story of love, generosity and second chances, it takes us through the darkness and into the light of true joy and celebration. Suitable for ages 8+.
When: Tuesday December 1 – Sunday December 20. Showtimes here
Where: Belfry Theare, 1291 Gladstone Ave
Father Christmas in Old Town
What: Visit with Father Christmas in Old Town between 11am to 3pm to have your photo taken and share your holiday wishes.
When: Friday December 4 – Sunday December 20 (weekends only)
Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville St
Deck the Hall – Winter Lights Festival
What: Start off your holiday season at the Saanich Municipal Hall with a festive lights display and a variety of seasonal activities. Children’s Christmas Concerts, photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides, food and refreshments.
When: Saturday December 5 from 5pm-830pm
Where: Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Ave
27th Annual Lighted Ship Parade & Market
What: The Ship Point will be full of light and life when the GVHA launch 25 decorated boats from the Ship Point. Enjoy music, artisan vendors, hot apple cider and over 3000 square feet of heated tents. Food trucks on-site. Prizes will be given out for the boats with the best decorations. Santa will make an appearance. All in support of the Victoria Cool Aid Society.
When: Saturday December 5, 2015
Where: Ship Point full of light and life between 5-9pm
Annual GVCB Market Square Christmas Concert
What: Come out and enjoy holiday music performed by the Greater Victoria Concert Band Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Big Band. Donations are greatly appreciated and will go to C-FAX Santas Anonymous
When: Saturday September 5 from 1pm-4pm
Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson St
Oak Bay
Christmas Festival Light Up
What: Join in the activities and witness Christmas light up in the Oak Bay Village at 5pm. Family entertainment will start at 2pm with a bouncy castle, street games, craft stations and lighted trucks. Enjoy roasted chestnuts and Canada Post will be collecting letters to Santa. Music entertainment starts at 3pm.
Onstage. Santa Claus arrives by fire truck to really get things started!
When: Sunday November 29 from 2pm-6pm
Where: Oak Bay Avenue
Esquimalt
Celebration of Lights
What: A community celebration to welcome in the Christmas Season. Enjoy the parade, light up, entertainment, visit from Santa and refreshments.
When: Sunday December 6 from 6pm-8pm
Where: Esquimalt Plaza, 1153 Esquimalt Rd
Live Christmas Tree Village
What: Experience the magic of holidays in our living Christmas Tree Village. where dozens of trees are decorated by local businesses and community groups. After the holidays, the trees will be planted in Esquimalt parks. Vote for your favourite – your vote also doubles as a draw prize entry. The winning tree receives an Esquimalt Recreation prize packages valued at $500. Christmas Café will be featuring live music in the atrium on Tuesday, December 15th and 22nd from 1pm– 230pm. Coffee and cookies provided. Everyone welcome.
When: Sunday December 6 – Sunday December 26
Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre and Archie Browning Sports Centre,
WESTSHORE, METCHOSIN & SOOKE
Colwood Christmas Light Up
What: City Hall will officially light up for the Christmas season. Fun craft activities for the kids, led by volunteers from West Shore Parks and Recreation to keep them busy while they eagerly await Santa’s arrival by fire truck. Keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate provided by Bitez Sandwich Bar. Enjoy a hotdog from The Red Barn Market BarnBQ and the Royal Bay Bakery will be serving up their mouthwatering apple fritters.
When: Wednesday December 9 from 6pm-730pm
Where: Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Rd
9th Annual City of Langford Christmas Light Up Celebration
What: Witness Langford light up for the Christmas season. Enjoy music performed by the Westshore Community Band, shopping and crafts for the kids. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate. At 745pm watch as the Island Equipment Owners Truck Light Convoy & Food Drive passes by.
When: Saturday December 5 from 5pm-745pm
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, corner of Goldstream Ave at Veternas Memorial Parkway
Annual Metchosin Christmas Parade & Open House
What: Fire Trucks and Emergency Services vehicles will be decorated for the Christmas season with bright lights and decorations as they make their way through the streets of Metchosin. Parade starts at 6pm beginning at the fore hall and will take about 90 minutes to complete.
When: Sunday December 14 from 6pm-8pm
Where: Metchosin Fire Hall, 4440 Happy Valley Rd
Sooke Santa Claus Parade
What: Parade begins at 5pm, leaving from Sooke Elementary to the Royal Canadian Legion. After the parade everyone is invited to gather in front of the Legion for the tree lighting ceremony performed by the District of Sooke. Refreshments available. Please bring a non-perishable donation for the Sooke Christmas Bureau.
When: Sunday November 29
Where: Sooke, see here for road closures and detours.
THE PENINSULA
The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens
What: Christmas lights, holiday wreaths, carollers, festive dining & skating all taking this at the gardens this coming holiday season. The Magic of Christmas Light Up Ceremony takes place December 1 at 5pm – watch the gardens light up for the season. Magic of Christmas calendar here
When: Tuesday December 1, 2015 – Wednesday January 6, 2016
Where: 800 Benvenuto Ave
Christmas in the Village at Heritage Acres
What: For 6 days the Heritage Acres is transformed into a Christmas Village. Ride Santa’s train, see the Christmas displays, enjoy storytime, and experience more great Holiday entertainment. $10 per car load, to make things easy.
When: Friday December 4 – Sunday December 6 and Friday December 11 – Sunday December 13 from 5pm-8pm
Where: Heritage Acres, 7321 Lockside Dr
Sidney Sparkles Santa Parade and Lighted Boat Parade
What: Parade starts at 5pm, make sure to keep your eyes open for Jolly Old Elf-Santa riding atop the Sidney Fire Department truck. Once the parade completes its route, head down to the Sidney waterfront and view the Lighted Boat Parade that will make its way along the coast from Sidney Harbour to Tulista Park.
When: Sunday December 6
Where: Beacon Avenue and Second Street; Sidney Waterfront
3rd Annual Christmas Light Kayak Parade
What: Enjoy a different Christmas experience this year touring the bay. This community event is in support of the Big Brothers Big Sister of Victoria. A potluck dinner will be served following the parade at our kayak shop that’s on the water. The event will go rain or shine. RSVP details here
When: Saturday December 12 from 330pm-630pm
Where: Pacifica Paddle Sports, 789 Saunders Lane
Suggest an event or thing to do in the comments below!
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