Victoria is a magical and beautiful place to spend the holidays, with plenty of lights and events throughout the city. Here are just some of the events taking place for Christmas, including parades, markets, performances, lights, tours, and brunches with Santa!

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

Please note that events can still be cancelled or moved online, so please check the event website for the latest up to date information.

SANTA

Pet Photos With Santa

Where: Westshore Town Centre
When: December 5 and 12, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost: $27.99 + Tax
Website: Calendar

Paws up!  Santa is back at Westshore Town Centre and is excited to host photos with pets once again. Visits and photos with Santa are by appointment only. Well behaved pets only please.  Enter and exit the shopping centre using the entrance by Coast Capital Savings and Romeos only.

Visits With Santa

Where: Westshore Town Centre
When: November 27 - December 24
Cost: $27.99 + Tax
Website: Calendar

Visits and photos with Santa are by appointment only. A plexi-glass shield sits between Santa and his guests and is set up such that it is minimally noticeable seen in photos. Guests will not be permitted to sit on Santa’s lap, but will be sitting on their own bench beside Santa (if children are unable to sit on their own, please come prepared to be in the photo with them)

Breakfast With Santa - Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00am – 11:45am
Cost:  $68 Adult, Child $36
Website: Info

He’s making a list and coming to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel to check it twice! Breakfast with Santa returns to the David Foster Foundation Theatre at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel. This family-style brunch service will include cookie decorating at each table, a visit from Mr. Claus himself, as well as on-site photo printing by Four Frames Photo Booth to bring the merry memories home.

RBCM@Home (Kids) with Father Christmas

Where: Online
When: December 21, 6:00 – 6:30pm
Cost: Free
Website: Zoom

Father Christmas is making a special visit to the Royal BC Museum this season, and you can join with him digitally through this festive RBCM @ Home (Kids) session. We'll learn a little bit about Father Christmas through stories of his life and adventures he has had. For those joining on Zoom, after we end the recording of the session, you'll be invited up on the screen with Father Christmas for a photo.

ACTIVITIES

Christmas at the Butchart Gardens

Where: The Butchart Gardens
When: November 26 – January 6, open 3:30pm – 9:00pm
Cost:  Adults $33, Youth (13 – 17) $16.50, Child (5 - 12) $3. Free for pass holders.
Website: Butchart Gardens

To make your experience memorable, bundle up for a festive stroll along pathways festooned with traditional garlands, view the illumination of thousands of lights, and enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas displays throughout, then stop in the Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.

Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle

Where: Craigdarroch Castle
When: Friday – Sunday 10:30am - 4:00pm
Cost:  Adults $18.52, Students (13+) $12.69, Child (6 - 12) $7.91. Free for members.
Website: The Castle

It’s time for seasonal splendour at Canada’s historic Christmas site. The holidays are a magical time at the Castle, and the Christmas season is quickly approaching. Beginning December 1, visitors will experience a unique glimpse into authentic Victorian traditions as part of their self-guided tour.

Winter Wonderland At The Bay Centre

Where: The Bay Centre
When: November 16 – December 29
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

Take comfort in our Winter Wonderland, Victoria’s largest indoor living forest, featuring an interactive light tunnel. Explore in your own way while marking the occasion with a holiday picture with your loved ones.

39th Island Farms Santa's Light Parade

Where: Government Street
When: November 24, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: Route

The much loved parade is the Miracle on Government Street and kicks off Christmas on the Westcoast ! This year, together with the IEOA truck convoy and Esquimalt Light Parade we are working together as a community to Light Up The City! We will be extending the parade route a few blocks for 2021 as recommended by our friends at Vancouver Island Health Authority. Masks are recommended but not mandatory and we ask that this year, take the time to respect each other, be kind, be polite and enjoy the event together.

The 30th Annual Festival of Trees 

Where: The Bay Centre
When: November 18 – January 4
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

Experience a cherished community tradition that has become the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in Victoria. Stroll through over 70 one-of-a-kind decorated Christmas trees in support of mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital during the Festival of Trees.

The 13th Annual Gingerbread Showcase

Where: Various Locations
When: November 20 – January 2
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s premier fundraiser the Gingerbread Showcase, in partnership with our Build the Future Founding Partner, The Victoria Real Estate Board is now open! Gingerbread creations are now on display at The Parkside Hotel & Spa, The Chateau Victoria, The Marriott Inner Harbour and The Doubletree.

Lights of Wonder

Where: Downtown Victoria
When: December 16 - 31
Cost: Free
Website: Event Page

Downtown Victoria is transforming the square into a holiday wonderland. This outdoor event features themed light exhibits, four interactive light tunnels, and a 40-foot festive tree. With free admission and for all ages, Lights of Wonder offers live entertainment, warm nibbles, and magical light displays.

Ghostly Walks - Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour

Where: Starts in front of the Visitor Information Centre, 812 Wharf St 
When: Various dates starting December 3
Cost: Adults $20, Seniors and Students $15, Children (6-11) $10
Website: Book Now

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 include: 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.

Virtual Christmas Tree Village

Where: Online and Recreation Centre Atrium and Archie Browning Sports Centre
When: December 1 – January 4
Cost: Free
Website: Esquimalt Township

Experience the magic of the holidays at our eighth annual Christmas Tree Village. Join us as we transform the Recreation Centre Atrium and Archie Browning Sports Centre into a holiday wonderland, teeming with twinkling lights and delightful decorations.

2021 Esquimalt Celebration of Lights

Where: 600 Canteen Road
When: December 5, 5:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: Esquimalt

Esquimalt’s Celebration of Lights is a magical event for the whole family. There are many places to watch the parade as it runs along Esquimalt Road from Esquimalt Rd and Canteen Rd to the McDonald’s Entrance. Don’t forget to say hello to the Jolly Old Fellow himself at the end, as Santa loves to wave to the crowd. After the parade, there will be Hot Dogs by donation to the Lions, Music by Lorraine Nygaard, Local Schools and a special guest or two and of course, there will be Santa, who would love for you to stop by and say hello.

Christmas in Old Town – Royal BC Museum

Where: Royal BC Museum’s Old Town
When: November 20 - January 7
Cost: Museum Admission (Adult $26.95, Senior $18.95, Youth (6-18) $16.95, Child (5 and under) free)
Website: Event page https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/events/calendar/event/110466/christmas-old-town

Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Visit the wood-cobbled streets lined with festive garlands and see the shops decked in seasonal finery.

VIP Holiday Movie Nights

Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
When: Various Dates
Cost:  $45
Website: Calendar

VIP Holiday Movie Nights return to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in the David Foster Foundation Theatre, with favourite holiday films accompanied by freshly popped popcorn, holiday sweets, bottled water, and complimentary parking. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation

Christmas at the Empress

Where: Fairmont Empress Hotel
When: Various Dates
Cost:  Various
Website: Calendar

The most joyful season of the year has arrived! Christmas Canada’s Castle on the Coast! Celebrate the festive season in your home-away-from-home here at Fairmont Empress. Beautiful ornaments, twinkling lights and presents beneath the tree. Discover our offers and dining events to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

SHOPPING

Esquimalt Community Arts Hub Winter Market

Where: 901 Esquimalt Road
When: December 1 - 21
Cost: Free
Website: Vendor Info

Shop in a COVID-safe environment and find holiday gifts, handmade products and unique artisanal finds. Featuring 50 different artisans from Esquimalt and neighbouring cities, the Esquimalt Community Arts Hub will be creating a winter wonderland inside their arts centre for the first three weeks of December.

The 40th Annual Dickens Fair

Where: James Bay Community School Center
When: December 4, 10:00am – 4:30pm
Cost: $3
Website: Info

Celebrating its 40th year in 2021, the Dickens Fair is one of Victoria’s oldest and best-loved Holiday craft fairs. Our curated Vancouver Island artisans offer a great variety of handmade and homemade products at affordable prices. The Dickens Fair is getting ready to “Deck the Halls” and we’d love to have you join us. With the variety of vendors there will be something for everyone!

Fair Trade Fair

Where: Online
When: Ongoing
Cost: Free to browse
Website: Vendors

Every year, for over 20 years, VIDEA has gathered with other socially conscious community members to put on the Fair Trade Fair. This Fair is an opportunity for Fair Trade vendors to talk about their work, the importance of fair trade, and show off their beautiful, high-quality fair trade goods.

Indigenous Pop Up Shop YYJ Christmas Market

Where: Fernwood Community Association
When: December 5, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: YYJ

Lots of great Christmas gifts at the Indigenous Pop Up Shop YYJ. Come out and show your support for local Indigenous artists gratefully gathering on the Lekwungen speaking Traditional Territory. Indigenous Art and Beadwork, Bannock, Silverwork, cedar bark weaving, herbal botanicals and gemstone candles, artwork, stickers and prints, jewelry, herbal medicines.

Shop Online – Downtown Victoria

Where: Online
When: Always
Cost: Free to browse
Website: Shop Directory

This year, more than ever before, it’s vital to support local during the holidays. Not only do these small retail businesses have to compete for business with big box stores and services like Amazon, but they also must combat the effects of COVID-19.

Don’t let the fact that you are at home deter you from shopping local! Many downtown Victoria businesses have gone online to stay afloat, meaning you can shop local from the comfort of your couch.

Last Chance Christmas Craft Fair

Where: Mary Winspear Centre
When: December 11 + 12, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $5
Website: Info

Offering something for the art connoisseur in us all ~ from pottery, metal works, sculptures, wood working, glass and yarn works, weaving, body & skin care, jewelry and sweet & savoury treats.  Meet the artists, enjoy the atmosphere and find that perfect gift!

PERFORMANCES

Candy Cane Cabaret 2021

Where: Victoria Conference Centre
When: December 11, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: From $30
Website: Eventbrite

Local dance company, Passion & Performance, is taking the stage to bring you their Candy Cane Cabaret! Watch dancers from beginner-level to advanced perform holiday-themed dance numbers that will have you smiling ear-to-ear and cheering your heart out. This is a 19+ event, as the performances may contain partial nudity, coarse language, mature themes, and lots of jiggles

A Christmas Carol

Where: Craigdarroch Castle
When: Various Dates
Cost:  From $32.79
Website: Eventbrite

We are pleased to welcome the return of one of our favourite holiday traditions, the one-man version of A Christmas Carol, performed by actor Jason Stevens. Charles Dickens himself toured Europe and North America delivering staged readings of his famed tale, A Christmas Carol, and now actor Jason Stevens channels the Dickensian spirit within the historic walls of Craigdarroch Castle and brings the world of Victorian England to life with his perennially sold-out performances. The performance is recommended for ages 13 and up. This event ticket does not include a tour of the Castle. 

New Orleans Christmas Show f. Shanna Dance & Jonnie Bridgman

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club - Livestream + In Person
When: December 11, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: $25
Website: Book

Vocalist Shanna Dance and Saxophonist Jonnie Bridgman present "Christmas in New Orleans", in Victoria! Christmas classics with a Nola twist! Shanna and Jonnie are back at Hermann's with a dynamite band for another tribute to the music of New Orleans, this time with a festive twist! You'll hear Christmas and New Orleans Classics in the style of Louis Armstrong, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Aaron Neville, the Meters, Sharon Jones, Stevie Wonder and more! The last show at Hermann's by this all-star band was a complete sell-out so get your tickets soon right away!

Sean Drabitt Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club - Livestream + In Person
When: Various Dates
Cost: $30
Website: Book

Join Sean Drabitt as he returns to the Hermann's stage for his annual concert series of music from the Charlie Brown Christmas Special! Featuring: Joe Poole on drums and Brent Jarvis on piano.

A Cozy Winter's Night II

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club - Livestream + In Person
When: December 21, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Cost: $22
Website: Book

Join singer Lorraine Nygaard for a fabulous night of music and merriment, warming you through the longest night of the year. With a satisfying selection of seasonal tunes, jazz standards, Lorraine’s originals, and some modern classics, your heart will smile wide. Ashley Wey on piano, Louis Rudner on bass, Damian Graham on drums, and a few special surprises. Big hugs for the soul, come to the club.

The Huron Carole Virtual-Angels Without Wings

Where: Online
When: December 11, 7:00
Cost: $15
Website: Eventbrite

Huron Carole is coming to Victoria, virtually! Join us from the comfort of your own home. The Huron Carole is a seasonal music tradition spanning more than 3 decades touring from coast to coast to coast. As the entertainment community eases back to live performances where permissible, this renowned concert series will once again Zoom to your favourite screen.

Ballet Memphis in Nutcracker

Where: Online
When: December 9-12
Cost: Free
Website: RMTS

Experience the magic of Ballet Memphis in Nutcracker, an enchanting, made-for-TV holiday classic, filled to the brim with joy. Follow Clara in her adventures battling the Mouse King, and in the magical Land of Sweets where dancers from faraway lands entertain her and her dream Prince. This HD presentation was filmed at the historic Mallory-Neely House in the Victorian Village district of Memphis, Tennessee. The whole family can enjoy this heartwarming film from the comfort of their home this season!

Cookeilidh - We Need A Little Christmas

Where: Charlie White Theatre (Mary Winspear Centre)
When: December 18, 7:30pm
Cost: $35
Website: Book

A festive feast of Celtic and holiday favourites featuring Cookeilidh. From nostalgic, traditional carols, to whimsical, modern day tunes of the season, this performance will leave you filled with the holiday spirit! Cookeilidh has been delighting audiences for years with their high energy traditional, and modernized Celtic tunes. Comprised of 12 string guitar, fiddle, Irish flute, electric bass, bodhran and vocals, they define their music as “Trad with Attitude” and “Pot O’ Gold Folk”.

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy

Where: Royal Theatre
When: December 19, 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Cost: From $29
Website: Book

Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss… Grab your teacups! It’s time to reunite in-person, and in laughter, as Off-Broadway Comedians and London's 3-time IMPRESARIO Award-Winners, James & Jamesy, bring their outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive Christmas comedy classic O Christmas Tea tour to a theatre near you this holiday season! Don't miss this astonishing show that is already a tradition for thousands of theatre-goers each year, returning after "the year that shall not be mentioned" with more laughs and surprises than ever.

Passion and Performance Presents Eliza: An Adaptation of A Christmas Carol

Where: SilverCity Victoria Cinemas
When: December 15, 7:00 – 9:30pm
Cost: $18
Website: Eventbrite

Eliza Scrooge, a local tech mogul based out of Victoria, BC, is cruel, greedy and self-centered. Estranged from her sister Alice, frustrated by her cheerful niece Freddy, and tyrannical toward her new hire Brianna Cratchit, Eliza embraces a cold life of solitude. But, this Christmas Eve she is visited by the ghost of her old business partner Joanne Marley, who has come to warn her that she will be visited by three spirits. Join Eliza as she learns about the value of forgiveness, the power of kindness and the strength of community.

From all of us at Madsen Langlois have a very Merry Christmas!