2024 Best Victoria Christmas Activities to Do this Season
Victoria transforms into a captivating festive wonderland during the Christmas season, making it one of the most magical places to celebrate the holidays on Vancouver Island.
With festive lights illuminating historic streets, charming holiday markets, and uniquely Victorian traditions, it’s a destination that blends old-world charm with seasonal enchantment.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in holiday cheer or simply take in the beauty of British Columbia’s capital, Victoria offers endless ways to celebrate.
Here’s a guide to annual Victoria Christmas activities that make this city a top holiday destination.
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1. Butchart Gardens
The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens is truly that…magical. Stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display and marvel at all the colourful lights. You can sing along to the sounds of the season with Traditional Carollers or listen to the Festive Brass. If that's not enough, lace up your skates and enter the outdoor rink under twinkling lights. After all of that, stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.
When: December 1 – January 6, every night from 3:00 – 9:00 pm. Closed Christmas Day.
2. Festival of Trees
Each year, during the holiday season, the Bay Centre transforms into a lush forest of hand-decorated trees supporting BC Children's Hospital. Walk among the creatively decorated trees, and share in the spirit by voting for your favourite. All proceeds support the most urgent healthcare needs of kids in BC.
The trees are displayed at the Bay Centre from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Open during the Bay Centre shopping hours. Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
3. Merridale Christmas at the Farm
Are you looking for the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas?
Head to the Merridale farm this holiday for a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience. You'll be transported into a Christmas wonderland from the moment you arrive. Walk among thousands of twinkling lights (the biggest light display in South Cowichan), decorations, and displays. Then enjoy some festive food and perhaps some holiday shopping. It will be an evening you won't forget!
- Christmas Lightup (free of charge) – November 15 – January 5
- Christmas Night Market (free of charge) – November 16
- Long Table Holiday Meals – Starting November 26
- Merridale’s Santa Experience – Every weekend from November 30-December 22 (This activity must be pre-booked)
- New Year’s Eve Dinner – December 31
- New Year’s Day Brunch – January 1
Dates: November 15 to January 5
Pre-booking is needed for some of the activities mentioned above. Please refer to their website (linked above for more details).
4. Lights of Wonder
Centennial Square in downtown Victoria will be lit up for all to enjoy. The Lights of Wonder outdoor event features light tunnels, themed light exhibits, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and live entertainment. Vendor stands will offer hot chocolate, pretzels, refreshing drinks, and more. Don't miss this free magical light display.
When: November 30 – December 3. The lights turn on at 4:00 pm daily and turn off at 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and after midnight on New Year's Eve.
5. Shop along the Cobbled Streets
There's something extra special about strolling along cobbled streets, especially when they are seasonally decorated. You'll find plenty of unique boutique shops in downtown Victoria, and they are typically far less busy than any mall. While shopping, make sure to take in the sights surrounding you. The city will be decked out in festive displays and pretty lights. (The Parliament building alone offers a great photo-op).
When you are famished or thirsty, head into one of the many restaurants, pubs, or bars for festive treats and delights.
6. The Christmas Lights Across Victoria Harbour
The Inner Harbour in Victoria shines bright during the holidays, with many buildings around the waterfront adorned in Christmas lights. Stroll along the harbour and enjoy the view, or board a holiday-lit harbour ferry to see the decorations from the water. You’ll catch the Empress Hotel and the Legislature Buildings aglow, creating a picturesque holiday scene perfect for photos.
7. Horse-Drawn Trolly Rides
Experience Victoria’s holiday charm from a different perspective with horse-drawn trolley rides through downtown. Offered on select days, these festive rides are a nostalgic way to take in the decorated storefronts, cobbled streets, and historic architecture of the city’s core. Snuggle up under warm blankets and soak in the sights of downtown Victoria as you listen to carolers serenading the streets.
8. Christmas Afternoon Tea
Head to the Pendray Inn for a unique tradition of Christmas Afternoon Tea. You will receive an array of delicious savouries, baked goods, and a wonderful selection of gourmet teas. The Inn and Tea House, with its old-world charm and festive decorations, will put you in the Christmas spirit.
Located in Victoria's Inner Harbour, Pendray Inn is open seven days a week. Reservations are highly recommended.
Or, for a truly magical event, book a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel. Afternoon tea in the historic Lobby Lounge is always an occasion to remember. This season they take the experience to a whole new level with traditional ingredients brightened by festive hues and Christmas carolers.
Available 7 days a week beginning November 24, 2024, until January 6, 2025.
Reservations are highly recommended.
9. Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour
Bundle up for a spooky walk along Victoria's historic streets on the popular 60-minute Ghosts of Christmas Past tour. You'll hear about a Songhees legend, a Christmas Eve murder, and the “White Lady” of Bastion Square, who is said to have first appeared at Christmas in 1861 (to name a few).
Dates: Thursdays to Sundays, from December 1 – 31 at 7:30 pm.
10. Winter on the Terrace
Celebrate the season at Fathom, the onsite restaurant at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Their terrace is transforming into a winter wonderland. Indulge in bubbling cheese and chocolate fondue pots, sea-cuterie boards, and a delightful selection of hot beverages while surrounded by the enchanting ambiance of twinkling lights and cozy firepits.
Available only on the terrace from 4:00 – 10:00 PM, November 10th to January 24th, 2025.
Not available December 24th – 25th.
Reservations are recommended.
11. Gingerbread Showcase
The Gingerbread Showcase is Habitat Victoria’s premier fundraising event. Celebrating its 16th anniversary, this event is held and hosted at the Hotel Grand Pacific.
The Showcase brings together professional and amateur bakers from across Vancouver Island, highlighting their creativity while supporting Habitat Victoria's work.
Dates: November 22 – January 5 from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
12. Musical Performances at the Legislative Building
Weekdays in December (Dec. 2 – 20)
Time: Performances at noon and/or 4:00 pm.
Enjoy musical performances by local community choirs and bands in the Upper Rotunda of the Parliament Buildings. No advance registration is required, but plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before events to pass through security.
There is also a special Light Up event happening on Friday, November 29th, 2024.
- Monday, December 2 (noon) – St. Joseph's Intermediate Choir
- Tuesday, December 3 (noon) – Greater Victoria Police Chorus
- Thursday, December 5 (noon) – Christ Church Cathedral School – Young Choristers and String Ensemble
- Friday, December 6 (4:00 pm) – Vancouver Island Chamber Choir
- Monday, December 9 (noon) – Sing Victoria
- Tuesday, December 10 (noon) – Pacific Edge Chorus
- Wednesday, December 11 (noon) – Victoria Arion Male Choir
- Friday, December 13 (4:00 pm) – Greater Victoria Concert Band
- Monday, December 16 (noon) – South Park Choir
- Tuesday, December 17 (noon) – Voices in Motion Choir
- Wednesday, December 18 (noon) – Lake Hill Elementary
- Thursday, December 19 (noon) – St. Patrick's Elementary School Choir
- Friday, December 20 (noon) – South Island Harmony Chorus
- Friday, December 20 (4:00 pm) – SingYourJoy Children's Choirs
13. Cozy Christmas Food Tour
Get in the holiday spirit on this festive and family-friendly food tour celebrating the best part of the season: the food! Enjoy seven festive items, including decadent cheese, savoury nuts, chocolates, gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate and more. Sights include the Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel, Government Street, Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre, and Fort Street.
The two-hour tour is hosted by Off the Eaten Track. It runs Thursday through Sunday, November 15 to December 31, from 11:00 to 1:00 and 1:30 to 3:30.
14. Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle
Beginning December 1st, experience Christmas in the Castle, complete with traditional decorations recalling Victorian-era seasonal splendour.
On your self-guided tour, you will see many vintage toys, including antique games, wooden blocks and a small cast-iron wood stove under the tree in the drawing room. Mantles are decorated in the bedrooms, and there are several Christmas trees throughout the home to view. The dining table is set for a formal dinner complete with turkey, ham and a boar’s head on a platter.
There are also a few other special festive events you may want to attend. You can check them out by visiting the website linked above.
15. Cozy Up at the Castle
The iconic Hatley Castle is open during weekends in December for touring, holiday photos and family fun (this is the only time during the winter season when the castle is open to the public). Wear your matching PJs or your best sweater, grab a warm drink and see the Castle dressed in the season's beauty.
Warm up or snap a selfie by the roaring main fireplace, tour the museum, and check out the view from the top of the grand staircase (it is not open during summer tours!). Royal Roads University staff will also be on-site to answer your questions.
Available Dates: December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21
One-hour tour time slots begin at 11:00 a.m., with the last tour beginning at 3:00 p.m.
16. Holiday Movie Nights
Enjoy Holiday Movie Nights at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, where you can enjoy dinner at FARO Pizza, followed by a favourite holiday film in the David Foster Foundation Theatre.
Choose from various modern or classic holiday films to attend, including Home Alone, Elf, It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Miracle on 34th Street, and Die Hard.
A concession will also be available for beverage service during the film, and hot buttered popcorn is included with your ticket.
Dates: December 02, 03, 04, 16, 17, 18, 24, 29
Tickets are available to book online here.
17. Esquimalt Christmas Tree Village
Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Christmas Tree Village. The Recreation Centre Atrium and Archie Browning Sports Centre turn into a holiday wonderland, teeming with twinkling lights and delightful decorations.
The free event runs from December 3 to January 3, from 12:30 to 10:00 pm.
Location: 527 Fraser St.
18. Christmas by the Sea
Head to Sidney this holiday season for a twinkling wonderland. The town welcomes the community to celebrate with an assortment of family-friendly activities. Enjoy enchanting decorative lights, festive displays and events, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a live brass band on weekends.
November 14 to January 6. For a full list of events, check the Sidney website.
Spend the Night!
Unless you live nearby, in order to take in all the festive lights, you'll need to spend the night. Use this handy map to help you find great hotel deals in and around Victoria.
In Summary – Best Victoria Christmas Activities
Victoria comes alive with holiday magic each Christmas season, inviting visitors to celebrate in grand style with timeless traditions and unique experiences. From light displays to historic homes, this city offers holiday cheer for everyone.
Enjoy this winter wonderland!
Which holiday activities in the Greater Victoria area are your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
Please let me know if you feel I missed one of your favourite Victoria Christmas activities!
If you are looking for things to do further north, check out the Mid-Vancouver Island Christmas Activities.
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Haunted Manor Mini Golf does a Christmas layover with new holiday soundtracks, lots of decorations and lighting, and some local organic – holiday spice cider !