Mid-Vancouver Island Christmas Activities

Embrace the Magic of the Season in the Mid-Vancouver Island area.

As the holiday season sweeps across Mid-Vancouver Island, the region becomes a sparkling wonderland of festive cheer and heartwarming traditions. From enchanting light displays to bustling Christmas markets, this area offers various activities guaranteed to create magical memories.

Whether you’re a local looking to soak up the holiday spirit or a visitor eager to experience the island's unique charm, there’s something here for everyone.

Join us as we explore some of the best Vancouver Island Christmas activities, highlighting the must-see events, family-friendly festivities, and hidden holiday gems across the mid-island.

So, grab a warm cup of cocoa, bundle up in your coziest scarf, and get ready to make this season one to remember!

The following list is a round-up of the best Mid-Vancouver Island Christmas activities and events happening throughout November and December.

This list is updated for 2024

Parksville Qualicum Beach Christmas Activities & Events

Moonlight Madness Qualicum Beach

Location: Downtown Qualicum Beach

When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, from noon until 9:00 pm

Enjoy carolers, pop-up markets, food trucks, Christmas lights, and Santa Claus strolling among the streets. Participating shops are open late for this extra-festive holiday shopping experience.

Holiday Sparkle: Christmas Tree Lighting

Location: Downtown Parksville (Memorial Plaza)

When: Nov. 22, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, featuring a Christmas singalong, free popcorn and hot chocolate, kids’ activities, and a special mailbox for letters to Santa.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a magical appearance to greet children and kick off the holiday season as the downtown Christmas tree lights up the night.

Don’t miss this heartwarming community event to celebrate the spirit of Christmas in Parksville!

Milner Christmas Magic 2024

Location: 2179 West Island Hwy, Qualicum Beach.

When: Dec 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm (with viewing until 8:30 pm)

Cost: Entry is by donation, with a minimum suggested donation of $8.00 per adult, $4.00 per child, or $20 per household.

Head to Milner Gardens to stroll through the beautifully lit pathways decorated with Christmas lights. You also have the opportunity to shop for gifts at the Gingerbread Cottage Gift Shop and stop for a photo opportunity at Santa's Sleigh.

You can view beautiful window displays at the Gardener's Cottage and Milner House. Make sure to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, too!

Enhance your visitor experience by purchasing a pair of Holiday Specs (holographic glasses) that transform lights right before your eyes! They are available at the Welcome Centre and Gingerbread House Gift Shop—$4 for one or $10 for three. 

Knox United Church Christmas Music Events

Location: 345 Pym Street, Parksville

Four upcoming Christmas musical events are happening at Knox United Church.

Oceanside Music presents Oceanside Concert Choir’s winter concert, Christmas Treasures, featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, sung in English.

Join Musical Director Ann Barber-Becqué; accompanist Margaret Nelson; flautist Laurie Dumas, and guest soloists: Andrea Rodall, soprano; Adam Dyjach, tenor; Michael MacKinnon, bass; and Shanté van Horlick, mezzo-soprano, and the choir for an afternoon of festive music.

Tickets are available at Fireside Books (Parksville) and Edge Outdoors (Qualicum) from Nov. 14th – 29th. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. All tickets are $25 each. Cash or cheque only. For more information, visit www.oceanside-music.ca.

When: Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 pm

Enjoy a spectacular celebration of the holiday season with “A Fascinating Christmas” featuring Taylor Kate Mann & Lee Worden, plus a 7-piece band! 

The setting of this fresh and exciting new show begins during the 1950s radio era. Narrated by Steve Lebitschnig, owner of Nanaimo's most famous music store, Fascinating Rhythm. Enjoy the Christmas Music Magic, masterfully performed by a select 7-piece ensemble. There will be special dance performances, toe-tapping songs, laughs and a few surprises.

Tickets are $25.00 each and are available on Eventbrite.

When: Friday, December 6 at 7:00 pm

Oceanside Music presents Oceanside Consort A Cappella Singers’ winter concert, Rejoice and Be Merry, featuring an eclectic mix of traditional and international carols, pop, folk, jazz, and Canadiana, with occasional accompanists, Danielle Markle, cello; Mary Jane Schuler, piano; Ann Barber, piano and double bass.

All tickets are $15 and available at the door. Cash or cheque only. For more information, visit www.oceanside-music.ca.

When: Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 pm.

A very special Christmas concert with Maureen Washington and her band of merry men. Canadian/International Jazz singer Maureen Washington is one of Vancouver Island's most sought-after vocalists. Her rich tones and captivating emotions have cultivated large audiences with her styling that encompasses the soul of Etta James, Carmen McRae and the modernity of Holly Cole.

Tickets are $30 each and are available on Eventbrite.

When: Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:00 pm

Cookies & Carols

Location: 132 Jensen Avenue East, Parksville

Date: Saturday, December 7, from 2:00 to 4:30 pm

Hosted by the City of Parksville, enjoy live music and entertainment as well as a visit from Santa. There will be many festive activities, including crafts, letters to Santa, face painting, cookies, a hot chocolate bar, and more.

This is a FREE event, and everyone is welcome.

Christmas on the Farm

Location: 403 Lowry's Road, Parksville.

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Head to Morningstar Farm for a good old-fashioned Christmas celebration.

Bundle up and take a wagon ride to the farm from Morningstar Golf Course and enjoy a range of kid's activities, live music, hot chocolate and popcorn. Fun for the whole family!

Admission: $5 at the gate, 2 & under free
(cash preferred)

Parking is at Morningstar Golf Course.

It's Christmas…Company's Coming

Location: Christian Fellowship Centre (825 Village Way, Qualicum Beach)

Date: Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 pm

The Tidesmen Chorus and the Rising Tide, All Voices Chorus, invite you to attend one of the joint Christmas season performances in Qualicum Beach or Nanaimo!

Tickets are available at the door or through participating local outlets (listed on their poster). To buy tickets online or to view the poster, visit the Tidesmen Chorus website.

Caroling at the Museum

Location: Parksville Museum

Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 6:00 and 7:00 pm (2 shows)

Sing along to classic Christmas carols, led by local choral director Patricia Plumley, inside Parksville's old Knox Heritage Church on the grounds of the Parksville Museum. Stay warm inside the heated chapel on the brand-new pew cushions, and cuddle up with blankets as you participate in this classic holiday tradition. 

This is a family-friendly event, and admission is by donation. However, due to limited seating, an advanced reservation is required.

Parking is available in the museum/visitor centre parking lot, along NW Bay Road, and in the gravel lot next to Serious Coffee. 

Community Christmas Sing-Along

Location: McMillan Arts Centre –

Date: Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 pm

Join local song leader and ukulelist Sylvia Humble and pianist Chrissandra Unger in this third annual Christmas sing-along event at the beautiful McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville.

Enjoy Christmas favourites, from traditional carols to pop classics, with lyrics projected on the big screen. Special guest pianist and vocalist James Pham, whose version of “White Christmas” is out of this world, will also be featured.

ALL VOICES WELCOME.

Tickets are $20 online or in person at 133 McMillan Street, Upper Level, Parksville.

Winter Wonderland on Ice

Location: Oceanside Place Arena

Dates: Dec 13 – 31, 2024

Enjoy skating around the festive winter wonderland.

(This will be updated as I learn more)

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Port Alberni Christmas Events

Christmas Tree Light Up

Location: Beaver Creek Community Hall (8505 Beaver Creek Road)

Date: December 13, 2024, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Enjoy a full evening of events, including wreath making, Christmas photos, holiday music, food and drinks, and the tree lighting at sunset.

West Coast Winter Wonderland Skate

Location: Alberni Valley Multiplex, 3737 Roger St., Port Alberni

Dates: Select times from November 28th to December 26th.

Embrace the holiday spirit with free ice skating at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors! The rink transforms into a stunning Winter Wonderland during this special event, offering a festive skating experience for all ages.

Please check the schedule before going.

Pictures with Santa

Location: Capitol Theatre (4904 Argyle Street)

Dates: Select dates; see below

Bring a festive smile and your camera to capture a cherished holiday memory with Santa at the Capitol Theatre. The event begins with a cozy reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a sing-along to bring Santa onstage with a cheerful Christmas carol. Don’t forget to bring your furry friends along—Santa loves pets too!

Dates:

• Special Event: Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” Reading: Saturday, December 14th – 7 pm to 9:30 pm

Regular event:

• Sunday, December 15th – 11 am to 4 pm
• Friday, December 20th – 6 pm to 9 pm
• Saturday, December 21st – 11 am to 5 pm
• Sunday, December 22nd – 11 am to 6 pm

Entry is by donation to both events.

Comox Valley & Campbell River Christmas Activities

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

Visit Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens for its fantastic annual Christmas events. The gardens are open daily.

SANTA'S BARN & GARDEN LIGHTS

Every day, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Dates: December 1 – January 2

The daily entry fee is $5.00 per person. Cash only.

SANTA VISITS

Dec. 14 to 23
11 am – 4 pm

Take your own photos with Santa.

CAROL WALKS WITH ISLAND VOICES & FRIENDS

Dates: December 18 & 19
7 pm. Start

$10 per person (13+ years of age); $5 per child (5-12 years old); 4 and under FREE. Cash only.

Comox Valley Christmas Parade

Location: Downtown Courtenay (5th Street)

When: Sunday, Dec. 1, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm

The Comox Valley Christmas Parade brings the holidays to life in Courtenay! Downtown Courtenay will be fully festive as parade participants take to 5th Street to share in the Christmas spirit. This year's theme is ‘Holiday Lights and Music around the World,' so expect to see some creative and fun entries.

Breakfast With Santa

Location: Crowne Isle Resort

When: Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm

Santa will be in the Timber Room and available for photos or hearing your Christmas wish list.

Chef Dan Vogt and the Crown Isle team serve a traditional breakfast buffet with all your favourites and delicious seasonal flavours.

Two seatings are available this year; one at 10:00 am, and the other at noon.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

For more information, please visit the Crown Isle website.

Children's Christmas Party

Location: Lewis Centre (489 Old Island Hwy, Courtenay)

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with Courtenay Recreation.

This event is for children nine years and under, accompanied by an adult, and includes kids' pictures with Santa, live entertainment, and more! Please bring your own camera.

Other activities throughout the event include a Christmas sing-a-long, a special ukulele performance by the Evergreen Seniors, crafts, games and letter-making to Santa.

Admission is free with a non-perishable donation to the food bank.

Santa Skate

Location: Comox Valley Sports Centre (3001 Vanier Drive, Courtenay)

Date: December 16 from 1:15 to 3:15 in Arena #2

Enjoy holiday music, treats, and a skate with Santa at this free community event sponsored by Comox Valley McDonald's! During the first half-hour of the event, you can take your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus in front of the Zamboni.

Regular admission rates apply.

Big Truck Parade

Location: Campbell River – Campbell River Art Gallery – 1235 Shoppers Row and downtown Campbell River.

Date: Friday, November 29, starting at 4:30 pm

The Big Truck Parade is on again in Campbell River and bigger than ever! Giant trucks of the North Island will decorate their vehicles with lights and Christmas magic. Plus, the City is partnering with the Downtown BIA and the Art Gallery during the Parade to offer more fun activities for families. Enjoy holiday crafts, games and more.

Festival of Trees

Location: Museum at Campbell River (470 Island Hwy)

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and enjoy strolling through a gallery full of beautifully and uniquely decorated trees sponsored by local Campbell River businesses. Share what you are grateful for on the Gratitude Tree and celebrate this community tradition with family and friends.

The Festival of Trees is free to attend.

Nanaimo Christmas Activities

Nanaimo Yacht Club's Christmas Light Cruise

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 6:00 pm

The Nanaimo Yacht Club will travel through the Nanaimo Harbour and Departure Bay for their much-loved annual Christmas cruise. Vessels will be fully decorated for this event. Please visit their Facebook page for the exact route.

Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular

Three locations this year!

• Port Theatre (125 Front Street, Nanaimo): 2 pm performance December 20-22
  7 pm performance December 17-21.

• Sid Williams Theatre (442 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay): 2 pm performance on December 11; 7 pm performances on December 9-11.

• McPherson Playhouse (3 Centennial Sq., Victoria): 2 pm performance on December 14 & 15; 7 pm performance on December 14.

The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular celebrates music, dance, lights and decorations. Now in its 16th season, it has become a holiday tradition for many across Vancouver Island. I've been and it's fantastic!

Advance tickets must be purchased.

Santa's Wonderland

Location: Cabela's – 6902 North Island Hwy, Nanaimo.

When: November 13 – December 24, 2023

Enjoy the magic of Christmas inside every Cabela's Canada and Bass Pro store. Visit Santa's Wonderland with the big guy himself. There will be in-store giveaways and an area for writing letters to Santa.

Advance reservations are recommended, as spots are limited. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance.

Winter Wonderland 2024

Location: Frank Crane Arena (2300 Bowen Road)

Dates: Various times between December 24 and 31st.

Frank Crane Arena turns into a West Coast Winter Wonderland! Head in for a FREE family skate and enjoy complimentary helmet and skate rentals.

Drop in during scheduled public times or rent the ice privately for your friends, family or co-workers.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Cowichan Valley

Festival of Lights – Ladysmith

Location: First Avenue

Dates: Thursday, November 28 – Sunday, January 12, 2024

From the last Thursday in November until the second Sunday in January, Ladysmith is ignited with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights.

Drive or walk down First Avenue, take in the magic, and fill your cup with Christmas spirit.

The Light Up Parade kicks off this festival on November 28th.

• 3 pm: Christmas Craft and Artisan Fair @ Aggie Hall
• 4 pm: Street entertainment and concessions
• 4:30 to 6:15 pm: Stage Entertainment
• 6:30 pm: Santa arrives – lights are turned on!
• 6:45 pm: Light Up parade starts from 1st Avenue to Aggie Hall

For more information, visit the Festival of Lights website.

Holiday Storybook Walk

Location: Ladysmith

Dates: December 2 – 31.

Experience a festive holiday adventure in Downtown Ladysmith! Explore the pages of a storybook displayed outdoors on Christmas-themed illuminated signs! You can visit day or night.

Start on High Street by mailing a letter to Santa in the magic mailbox. Then, travel along both sides of 1st Avenue to read a picture book in its entirety.

This year, two books are highlighted: Pip and Posy the Christmas Tree, on display from December 2 to 17th, and The Christmas Crumb, from December 17 to 31. So make sure to go at least twice to enjoy this special walk.

Merridale Christmas Light Up

Location: 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill

Dates: November 15 to January 5, 2024

As dusk approaches in Cobble Hill, Merridale comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights and holiday displays. It’s the perfect place to capture dazzling photos and share moments with friends and family.

Stroll through the courtyard with a mug of mulled cider, or stay a while and enjoy a meal or a cider tasting.

The Christmas Light Up is free and open for all to enjoy. On November 15th, join them for the grand tree lighting ceremony or stop at any time throughout the holidays to see the display.

Christmas Express – SOLD OUT!

Location: BC Forest Discovery Centre – 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan

Dates: Select dates and times starting Nov. 29 to Dec. 23.

The BC Forest Discovery Centre offers sixteen nights of holiday magic this year. Hop on the Christmas Express steam train and enjoy the many festive lights, decorations, and displays.

Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the BC Forest Discovery Centre website.

This article is updated for the 2024 season, but I will continually add more as I find them.

Please email me if you feel I have missed a Christmas event for the Mid-Vancouver Island area, or leave a comment below.

And don't forget about the many Christmas Craft Fairs and Markets happening now, too!

If you are looking for things to do in Greater Victoria, read 15 Fun Victoria Christmas Activities.