Victoria is a magical and beautiful place to spend Christmas, with plenty of lights and events throughout the city. Here are just some of the winter events taking place for Christmas and New Years on the island, including parades, carols, markets, concerts, movies, lights, tours, and brunches with Santa!

Don't forget to check out local coffee shops and restaurants as well for their Christmas specials.

Fun & Games

The Dickens Fair

Where: James Bay Community School Centre, 140 Oswego Street
When: Dec. 1, 10:00am - 4:30pm
Cost: $2, Children free
Website: James Bay Market

Hosted by the James Bay Market Society, the Dickens Fair has something for everyone. From treasures to toys, you will find everything from great homemade foods to uniquely crafted gifts. This is an amazing opportunity to meet and support your local Vancouver Island Artisans, hear their stories and learn first hand how they make, bake and craft their wares. The Dickens Café will be serving up muffins and freshly squeezed apple and orange juice, lunch items made from locally sourced products and even vegetarian options. There will also be tea and coffee served all day to help take the chill off. The kids will have fun in the children’s area where they can create a one-of-a-kind treasure of their own.

Deck the Hall - Winter Lights Festival

Where: Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Ave.
When: Dec. 1, 5:00 - 8:00pm
Cost: Free

Kick off your holiday season at Saanich Municipal Hall with a festive lights display and a variety of seasonal activities. Children’s Christmas Concerts, photos with Santa, arts and crafts station, seasonal games.

Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy & Food Drive

Where: Government St. & Blanshard St.
When: Dec. 1, 7:00 pm
Cost: Free

Owners decorate their trucks and heavy equipment to create this exciting annual spectacle of light. The convoy starts at Ogden Point and heads to the Western Communities via Blanshard and Government Streets. The convoy is expected at Yates and Blanshard at approximately 7:00 pm and moves quickly, so don't miss it! Drop off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank (see the website for a list of all drop-off locations).

If you are watching the convoy from home on the evening of December 1 you can watch the convoy roll by sponsored by CHEK news and Victoria Buzz.

Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair

Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson St.
When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 2, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: By donation
Website: Facebook Event Page

Find unique handmade gifts at this Christmas craft fair for the geeks and nerds in your life. There will be door prizes, Santa visits, and all kinds of great fun from unique gifts to popcorn. Proceeds support Victoria’s Hospital Foundation.

Christmas Floral Design Workshops

Where: Poppies Floral Art, 800 Yates St.
When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 15, times vary
Cost: $45
Website: Poppies Floral Design

Poppies Floral Art is offering workshops in floral design. We will inspire you to create amazing flower arrangements. Instruction provided by Andrea Posno-Walker.

Nautical Wreath Workshop

Where: Maritime Museum of BC, 634 Humboldt Street
When: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22; 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Cost: $39.99 (10% discount for members)
Website: Events Calendar

Get ready for the holidays, while learning a thing or two about knots, at the Maritime Museum of British Columbia`s Nautical Wreath Workshop! A workshop leader will guide you through the process of transitioning a single piece of rope into a beautiful holiday wreath. All supplies are provided and your ticket includes admission to the Maritime Museum of BC (valid for 24 hours).

Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides

Where: Various stops
When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 23, 11:00am – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

Horse-drawn trolleys will circulate through downtown making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of the holidays. The trolleys are free, compliments of the DVBA, and are a unique way to tour the downtown or take a scenic break while you rest your weary feet. Two trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route through downtown with four stops.

Cookies & Cocoa

Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.
When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 27
Cost: Free
Website: Hotel Grand Pacific

Get in the holiday spirit this season at Hotel Grand Pacific! Each day during the holiday season, festive cookies and hot chocolate will be available by donation in the Pacific Dining Room and Lounge. In the hotel lobby, enter the raffle for a chance to win WestJet tickets or a two-night stay package at Hotel Grand Pacific. There’s festive fun for the kids in the hotel lobby too. Find colouring sheets for the holiday colouring contest for kids, which runs December 1 to 25. All proceeds support Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

Christmas In Old Victoria

Where: Burnes House, 26 Bastion Square
When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 30, times vary
Cost: Adults $15, Students & Seniors $13, Children $8
Website: Discover The Past

Enjoy the warm-hearted and sometimes humourous stories of how Christmas was celebrated in Victoria during the Victorian era. A First Nations legend, Christmas Day brawls at Fort Victoria, a touching Gold Rush tale, Christmas store decorations and an amusing memory from Emily Carr’s childhood are featured. Many indoor locations are included.

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Where: Tourism Victoria Information Centre, 812 Wharf St.
When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 31, 7:30 pm
Cost: Adults $15, Students & Seniors $13, Children $8
Website: Discover The Past

During December the Ghostly Walks team will present “Ghosts of Christmas Past,” a spooky route through Old Town that highlights some of the best seasonal ghost stories in their repertoire. Stories included will be: the haunted chocolate shop, a Christmas Eve assassination, the “Lady in White” who first appeared at Christmas 1861, a haunted Christmas book, a First Nations legend, and many others.

Wonderful Wintry Weather

Where: Greater Victoria Public Library, 735 Broughton St. (Dec. 4)
Juan de Fuca Branch, 1759 Island Hwy. (Dec. 7)
Oak Bay Branch, 1442 Monterey Ave. (Dec. 11)
Esquimalt Branch, 1231 Esquimalt Rd. (Dec. 13)
When: Dec. 4, 7, 11, 13; 10:30 - 11:30am
Cost: Free
Website: Event Calendar

For ages 3-5. Celebrate wintry weather with tales of snow and forest friends. Enjoy songs, rhymes and a paper craft. Register at gvpl.ca or call 250-940-GVPL (4875) for more information.

The Polar Express

Where: Royal BC Museum IMAX, 675 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 5 – Dec. 31, times vary
Cost: 2 for $20
Website: IMAX Victoria

Join us for our IMAX® holiday tradition! Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for The Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Pyjama Prance

Where: Rainbow Kitchen, 500 Admirals Rd.
When: Dec. 9, 8:30 - 11:30am
Cost: 5 food items or $10 donation
Website: Event Page

Come be a part of the Annual Pyjama Prance and run/walk through the streets of Esquimalt in your PJ's! There will be a pancake breakfast, live music, silent auction, participant medals (as it's an untimed event) and other surprises! Two distances to choose from, the Pyjama Prance 5km and the Santa's Stroll 2km. Registration for this event is a minimum of 5 items of food and/or a suggested minimum donation of $10. All food/funds raised will go to the Rainbow Kitchen.

Holiday Night Market at Heartwood & Co.

Where: Heartwood & Co., 1402 Broad St.
When: Dec. 13, 5:00 - 9:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: Facebook Event Page

A Holiday Night Market at Heartwood & Co. Join us for an evening of shopping with some of the best local creatives on Vancouver Island. It will be a festive event with perfect holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Sip on some mulled wine, snack on some treats from the Bake House at Heartwood, and get into the holiday spirit!

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy

Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.
When: Dec. 13 & 14, 7:30pm
Cost: $34.75

Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss… Grab your teacups! When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the friends leap into action, finding innovative and hilarious solutions to keep them afloat. Redefining immersive theatre, these masters of physical comedy—with over 20 comedy awards to their name—sweep the audience out to sea in a jolly aquatic escapade brimming with whimsy, action, and ingenuity in a celebration of friendship at Christmas.

Cram the Cruiser

Where: Colquitz Middle School, 505 Dumeresq St.
When: Dec. 14, 9:00 – 11:00am
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

On December 14th please join us from 9am-11am at Colquitz Middle School for our annual Cram the Cruiser event. Each year students and staff from Colquitz partner with Saanich Police to collect donations of non-perishable foods and toys for BGCA’s Christmas Hamper program. The event kicks off at 9am and at 11am police cruisers will deliver the proceeds to the Burnside Gorge Community Centre.

Jolly Jingle Story Mingle

Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street
When: Dec. 14, 7:30 – 8:30pm
Cost: By donation
Website: Event Page

Throw on your PJs and come on down to sit around the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate (please bring your own cup) and enjoy some interactive secular holiday storytelling. This is the first year that Ali’s energetic storytelling paired with “Raw B Dee Art Live” will be showcased as part of our Holiday line-up. The energy is awesome, the storytelling is engaging and the painting is out of this world. These two are sure to get your whole family in the holiday spirit.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Where: Paparazzi Nightclub, 642 Johnson St.
When: Dec. 14, 10:00pm – 2:00am
Cost: $7 cover (Free until 11 pm with an ugly Christmas sweater)
Website: Event Page

Tis the season to party, exams are done and we are bringing the fun! Its a UGLY Christmas sweater theme Party and we have a couple of suprizes for the night!! DJ RonnyB will be in house 10 pm playing those holiday classics along with everyone's favorite club anthems!

Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas

Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 22 – Dec. 31, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Cost: By donation
Website: Royal BC Museum

Step through the doors of the oldest house in British Columbia, still on its original site, and experience what Christmas would have been like in Victoria over 100 years ago. Decorations, music, and first-hand accounts will take you back to Christmas past.

Song & Festivities

Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase

Where: The Parkside Hotel & Spa, 810 Humboldt St.
When: Nov. 17 – Jan. 6, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Habitat For Humanity

Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed from gingerbread. More than just houses, these are detailed sculptures and unique works of art created by professional and amateur chefs. Vote for your favourite and make a donation to Habitat for Humanity Victoria.

BC Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees

Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas St
When: Nov. 18 – Jan. 7
Cost: Free
Website: BC Children's Hospital Foundation

Join us for the 26th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees in support of BC Children’s Hospital. With the help of our sponsors, the festival will transform the halls of The Bay Centre into an enchanted forest celebrating our local community. Bring your family and friends to tour the displays and vote for your favorite to be entered to win great prizes!

Christmas Carollers

Where: Downtown Victoria
When: Nov. 25 – Dec. 16, Saturdays & Sundays, times vary
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks... dressed in holiday style.... Listen for your holiday favourites in downtown Victoria as carolers roam the streets bringing tidings of good cheer.

Little Gems Holiday Art & Craft Exhibition

Where: Victoria Arts Council, 636 Fort St.
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 21, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

The Victoria Arts Council (VAC) is pleased to host another installment of Little Gems at 1800 Store St. This festive event kicks off the holiday season with works by a wide variety of local artists and artisans, including painting, drawing, pottery, craft, and photography. Just in time for holiday shopping; there is a little something for everyone with all pieces priced $300 or under.

Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker

Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 1 - 3, times vary
Cost: $49 and up

Extravagant bejeweled sets and gorgeous costumes created by Emmy-Award winner Zack Brown create a ballet that looks like a wonderfully illustrated children’s book. Be transported back to 19th century Russia with the captivating magic of this beloved holiday classic.

Choirs In The Courtyard

Where: Greater Victoria Public Library, 735 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 1 – Dec. 12, times vary
Cost: Free
Website: GVPL

Treat yourself to an early afternoon seasonal sampling of Victoria's choirs in the Central Branch courtyard – one of the city's sweetest acoustic spots. Details and timeslots for specific choirs are posted on the Greater Victoria Public Library's website.

Free Pictures with Santa

Where: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas St.
When: Dec. 1 - 15, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

Bring your little one, and your camera, and take some FREE photos with Santa! You, and your kids, will be able to sit on Santa’s knee and tell him your Christmas wish, along with snapping a few pictures with him! Santa will be set up on the Upper Level of the Market, in front of Bumble and Hive Play Centre. Please note that each guest will be responsible for their own photos, the Market will not have a camera set up taking photos.

Father Christmas in Old Town

Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 1 – 16, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free with admission
Website: Event Page

Visit with Father Christmas in Old Town; have your photo taken and share your holiday wishes. Included with admission or museum membership (photos by donation).

Winspear Festival of Trees

Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave.
When: Dec. 1 – Jan. 2, 9am - 5pm
Cost: Free

The Winspear Festival of Trees will be open to the public from December 1 – January 2. Visit the Centre to cast a vote for your favourite tree. With more than 20 beautiful and unique Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and community groups it will be hard to choose just one! We are also collecting donations of new unwrapped toys (ages 6 months - 16 years) for the Peninsula Santa's Helpers. Donations accepted until December 15.

Christmas Tree Village

Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre & Archie Browning Sports Centre, 527 Fraser St. & 1151 Esquimalt Rd.
When: Dec. 1 – Jan. 4
Cost: Free

Experience the magic of the holidays at our Fourth Annual Christmas Tree Village.  Trees, decorated by local businesses and community groups will be on display at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre and Archie Browning Sports Centre December 1st to January 4th. See how the spaces are transformed into Holiday heavens teeming with twinkling lights and decorations for all tastes!

The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens

Where: Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Ave
When: Dec. 1 – Jan. 6, 9am - 9pm
Cost: Free
Website: Butchart Gardens

Colourful lights, carollers, ice skating and festive fare—Christmas is a cheerful time of year at The Gardens. Experience the Magic of Christmas. Bundle up and stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display, sing along to the sounds of the season with Traditional Carollers or listen to the Festive Brass, then stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.

Public Menorah Lighting

Where: BC Legislature
When: Dec. 3, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: BC Legislature

Public Menorah Lighting on the Legislature front steps and driveway.

Photos with Santa Claus

Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road
When: Dec. 8, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: Free

Santa is popping into the Recreation Centre for some photo opportunities this year. Photos are taken free of charge and provided electronically via email. Friendly pets are welcome to accompany their humans in their holiday photos. Registration is not required.

Tuba Christmas

Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
When: Dec. 8, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Market Square

More than 200 cities around the world celebrate Tuba Christmas. The first one was in New York City in 1974 and it has grown into a global event because people love it. Tuba players from all over BC and the Pacific Northwest come together to play much loved Christmas songs in a big way. It only happens once a year. Do not miss it!

Naden Band Christmas

Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 10 - 12, 7:30 pm
Cost: $10 and a new, unwrapped toy

The Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy presents the 39th annual Christmas concert in support of The Salvation Army Toy Drive. The festive musical program will include original works and holiday favourites for the entire family.

Tea for Tutu – The Gift

Where: Kirk Hall, 680 Courtney St.
When: Dec. 11 & 12, 2:00 - 3:00pm
Cost: Children & Seniors free, Adults $10
Website: Ballet Victoria

“Tea for Tutu” is Ballet Victoria’s favourite seniors program for creating communities. Ballet Victoria delights seniors and children with 45 minutes of free ballet performances in a friendly community atmosphere with tea donated by our sponsors Thrifty Foods,  Serious Coffee, and Daniel Vokey of Patisserie Daniel. It is an opportunity for the audience to enjoy a preview of the upcoming performances and to interact with the dancers.

Christmas Carol Sing-Along

Where: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 680 Courtney St.
When: Dec. 13, 11:30 am - 1:15 pm
Cost: Free
Website: St. Andrew's Victoria

Join a downtown Christmas tradition: a hearty carol sing-along accompanied by organ, violin, and vocal presentations, and complete with hot apple drinks and cookies.

Miracle on Broad Street

Where: Kool FM, 1420 Broad Street
When: Dec. 14, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Cost: Free

Miracle on Broad Street is about the children whose lives are changed by an act of kindness: gifts under the Christmas tree and food on the table, washing away the trappings of poverty, sadness, or loss, and inspiring them with memories they will keep for a lifetime. During the Miracle on Broad Street radio-thon, the on-air hosts of CFAX 1070 bring you updates on Santas Anonymous, introduce some of our fantastic supporters and past recipients, and invite the Greater Victoria community to lend a helping hand. Staff from CFAX, KOOL FM, and CTV will be on the phones to take your pledges, along with volunteers from our corporate supporters, and every dollar raised goes toward purchasing food for families in need.

Sean Drabitt: Charlie Brown's Christmas

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Dec. 14 & 16, various times
Cost: $20; Children (under 12 years) $15
Website: Event Calendar

Jam to a Charlie Brown Christmas! Featuring Sean Drabitt on Bass, Brent Jarvis on Piano, and John Lee on Drums.

Greater Victoria Concert Band’s Music in Market Square

Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
When: Dec. 15, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Market Square

The sounds of this big concert band fill the square with holiday excitement! Bundle up, swing by a coffee shop to pick up a hot beverage, and head to the Square for this free admission event. Fun for all ages.

Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular

Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
When: Dec. 15 & 16, times vary
Cost: $49

The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of Christmas as well as an extravaganza of music, dance, lights and decorations. Be sure to include a performance of the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular as part of your holiday festivities. This year's singing and dancing extravaganza includes musical tributes to The Beatles, Nina Simone and Rod Stewart, Broadway showstoppers from 'Mary Poppins', hit numbers from 'Top Gun', a country medley as well as many more classical hits and Christmas favourites.

Hermann's Christmas Jazz Jam: Feat. The Tom Vickery Trio

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Dec. 19, 7:30 - 11:00pm (doors at 6:00pm)
Cost: $10
Website: Event Calendar

Sit in on a special Christmas edition of the Wednesday Tom Vickery Jazz Jam!

Dixieland Express - Christmas Jazz Party

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Dec. 23, 3:00 - 6:00pm (doors at 2:00pm)
Cost: $15
Website: Event Calendar

Enjoy a Dixieland Express Christmas Jazz Party with Special Guests.

It's Christmas with Maureen Washington

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Dec. 22 & 23, 8:00 - 10:30pm (doors at 6:00pm)
Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door
Website: Event Calendar

It's Christmas time again! Join Canadian international jazz & blues singer Maureen Washington and her band of Merry Men as they bring all their Christmas Spirit to warm your heart and soul for the beautiful Christmas season!

Home For The Holidays Jam Session

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
When: Dec. 28, 8:00 - 11:00pm (doors at 6:00pm)
Cost: $12, Students & Victoria Jazz Society members $10
Website: Event Calendar

Kelby MacNayr hosts a Home For The Holidays Jam Session at Hermann's Jazz Club.

Ballet Victoria: The Gift

Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 28 – 30, times vary
Cost: $30 and up

A uniquely wonderful Christmas ballat to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker score performed by The Victoria Symphony. Join a flurry of dancing characters and a mischievous young girl who sparks an adventurous world of unexpected wonders when she opens a present early, despite her uncle’s warning.

Food & Drink

S'Mores On The Veranda

Where: Fairmont Empress Hotel, 721 Government St.
When: Nov. 16 - Dec. 23, 4:00 - 11:00pm
Cost: à la carte
Website: Fairmont.com

Enjoy a selection of hot beverages in Christmas spirit and well known Christmas bites while delighting in s’mores around the fire. Please note that availability on the Veranda is walk-in only. No reservations will be taken.

Christmas Craft Beer Show

Where: Save On Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St.
When: Nov. 30, 5:00 – 9:00pm; Dec. 1, 1:00 – 5:00pm
Cost: $40 - $70
Website: Event Website

The best thing about beer is that it can be enjoyed – or celebrated – any time of the year. This event will allow the multitude of fantastic local micro-breweries to gather together to display their seasonal products as well as their brewery favourites to both beer lovers and beverage professionals ahead of the holiday season. Single day tickets $40, weekend tickets $70.

Free Cookie Decorating At The Market

Where: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street
When: Dec. 1 - 15, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Cost: By donation
Website: Victoria Public Market

Bring your kids down to the Market to decorate their very own Gingerbread Man! Cookies, icing and candies will all be provided for free, and we will be accepting donations to CFAX Santas Anonymous! Cookie station will be set up in front of the Community Kitchen.

Bengals & Baubles

Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 7 & 14, 6:00 - 11:00pm
Cost: $99
Website: Fairmont.com

Enjoy a buffet featuring festive classics and well-known Indian flavours. Dinner will be served buffet style. DJ playing from 7-11pm. One bottle of white and red wine is included at your table. Cash bar will also be available.

Holiday Tea Mocktails & Cocktails

Where: Silk Road Tea, 1624 Government St.
When: Dec. 13, 4:00pm
Cost: $15
Website: Silk Road Tea

Discover how easy, fun & delicious it is to make holiday tea based drinks by the pitcher & punchbowl – perfect for serving guests at holiday gatherings. From TEA-tinis, to mimosas, to mulled teas get great recipes for fun concoctions for little ones, & we’ll share our “Happy Hour” combinations for grown-ups too. Plus get tips on healthy seasonal entertaining.

Learn to Make Tea Infused Chocolate Truffles

Where: Silk Road Tea, 1624 Government St.
When: Dec. 14, 4:00pm
Cost: $15
Website: Silk Road Tea

Learn how to make chocolate truffles infused with the flavour of real tea. Receive a fool proof recipe that is dairy-free, vegan & gluten-free!  Better yet, this recipe tastes really decadent & you’d never know it is vegan. Makes a thoughtful gift for anyone with food sensitivities, as well as when you’re entertaining because it’s a great recipe that everyone can enjoy.  We’ll teach you how to use real ingredients only – just fresh, organic tea is used to naturally flavour these divine chocolates!

Kid’s Christmas at the Castle

Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Saturday Dec. 15, 12:00 - 3:00pm
Cost: $75
Website: Fairmont.com

Perfect for parents and their kids. Champagne and canapés for Mom and Dad, Christmas activities and a candy buffet for the kids. There will be crafts and holiday stories will be read to the little ones. Children can write a letter to Santa during the event and we'll ensure Santa writes back!

Fairmont Empress Christmas Eve Dinner

Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 24, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Cost: Adults $109, Children $54.50
Website: Fairmont.com

A festive four-course set menu with optional wine pairing.

Fairmont Empress Christmas Day Dinner Buffet

Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 25, 2:00pm, 4:30pm, & 7:00pm
Cost: Adults $119, Children $70
Website: Fairmont.com

Enjoy the chef attended carving stations, seafood, classic Christmas dishes, and a children’s buffet. Live piano music.

Fairmont Empress Christmas Day Dinner

Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 25, 4:00 – 9:00 pm
Cost: Adults $179, Children $89.50
Website: Fairmont.com

Five-course set menu. Featured offers on select wines.

Empress Room New Year's Eve Dinner & Gala

Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 31, 5:00pm – 1:00am
Cost: Adults $210, Children $105 (Early seating, no gala: Adults $109, Children $54.50)
Website: Fairmont.com

Celebrate the New Year at Q at The Empress. Five-course set menu with wine pairing option served. Choice of appetizer & choice of main; large grand finale dessert buffet in the Lobby Lounge to follow dinner. After enjoying dinner in Q or the Crystal Ballroom, dance in the new year with live music at the most elegant New Year’s Eve party in Canada’s most romantic city, Victoria! Enjoy a live performance by Amanda Woods - a local jazz and pop singer/songwriter. Includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at midnight. Black tie.