2023 Best Victoria Christmas Activities to Do this Season
Greater Victoria has plenty of ways to get you into the holiday spirit. Here are several great reasons to visit Victoria this Christmas season.
The Victoria Christmas activities and events listed below are ongoing (not just one-day events).
#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 on display at the Bay Centre from November 16 to January 3. 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!
And for 2023, the Holiday Lightup is free of charge!
Dates: November 17 to December 31, from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
#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: December 1- 31 from 4:00 – 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and 4:00 – 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
#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).
And when you are famished or thirsty, head into one of the many restaurants, pubs or bars for festive treats and delights.
#6. Horse-Drawn Trolly Rides
Hop on one of the FREE horse-drawn trolleys starting December 1, from 12:00 – 2:30 PM (weekends only). The trolleys will circulate downtown, making it easy to take in all the sights and sounds of the holidays and a great way to rest your weary feet.
Two trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route through downtown with four stops. Check-in with the DBVA for up-to-date information.
#7. 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 will bring you in the Christmas spirit with its old-world charm and festive decorations.
Located in Victoria's Inner Harbour and is open seven days a week. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Mon – Fri: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Sat-Sun: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Closed December 25, 2023
#8. 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.
Head to Discover the Past to view their online calendar and to book tickets.
#9. Gingerbread Showcase
The Gingerbread Showcase is Habitat Victoria’s premier fundraising event. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, this event is at a new location and hosted at the Hotel Grand Pacific.
The Showcase brings together professional and amateur bakers from across Vancouver Island and highlights their creativity while supporting the work of Habitat Victoria. This year's theme is “Building a Diverse Community.”
Dates: November 25 – January 4 from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
#10. Musical Performances at the Legislative Building
Weekdays in December (Dec. 1 – 21)
Time: Performances at 12:00 pm 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.
There is also a special Light Up event happening on Thursday, December 7th.
Check the website for more details.
#11. 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 tour is 2 hours long and hosted by Off the Eaten Track. Tours happen Thursday to Sunday, November 18 to December 30, at 1:30 pm.
#12. 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.
#13. Haunted Christmas Manor
If you want a fun activity, head to the Haunted Manor for some good old-fashioned mini-golf with a haunted twist. This 18-hole course is decorated for Christmas but still includes immersive and interactive twists of the original Haunted Manor mini-golf.
#14. Esquimalt Christmas Tree Village
Experience the magic of the holidays at this ninth 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 4 to January 6, from 12:30 to 10:00 pm.
Location: 527 Fraser St.
#15. 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 18 to January 6. For a full list of events, check the Sidney website.
In Summary – Best Victoria Christmas Activities
For an unforgettable holiday season, Victoria offers a blend of traditional charm and contemporary festivities. Enjoy the 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.
Haunted Manor Mini Golf does a Christmas layover with new holiday soundtracks, lots of decorations and lighting, and some local organic – holiday spice cider !