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, from performances to photos with Santa! Don't forget to check out local coffee shops and restaurants as well for their Christmas specials.

ACTIVITIES & SANTA

Downtown Victoria Lights of Wonder

Where: Centennial Square
When: December 1 – 31
Cost: Free
Website: More info

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.

Habitat Victoria’s 15th Annual Gingerbread Showcase

Where: Hotel Grand Pacific
When: November 25 - January 4
Cost: Free
Website: More info

The Gingerbread Showcase is Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s premier fundraising event, raising funds to help local families achieve a hand-up into affordable homeownership. Each year, professional and amateur bakers spend hundreds of hours creating 100% edible gingerbread displays for visitors to come and donate to vote for their favourite. The creation with the most votes wins the coveted People’s Choice Award!

Holiday Magic

Where: Malahat Skywalk
When: Various dates
Cost: SkyWalk Admission
Website: More info

'Tis the season of Holiday Magic! Enjoy a cozy beverage, warm fire, our massive holiday tree, and cameo visits from Santa on weekends!

The Magic of Christmas

Where: The Butchart Gardens
When: December 1 – January 6
Cost: Garden admission
Website: More info

Christmas is a cheerful time of year at The Gardens. Bundle up and stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas displays, 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.

Cozy Christmas Food Tour

Where: Off The Eaten Track gift shop
When: Various dates
Cost: $65
Website: Tickets 

We start the tour at the Off The Eaten Track gift shop inside the historic Steamship Terminal Building along the Inner Harbour. Here we will sample some Nuts & Bolts, a savory party snack from a recipe that dates back to the 1950s. All tour guests get 10% off anything in our shop that carries locally made goodies. The tour then strolls along the beautiful harbour to the iconic Rogers’ Chocolates to sample some candy cane bark and then to Bon Macaron for some holiday-themed macrons

Festival of Trees

Where: Bay Centre
When: November 16 - January 3
Cost: Free
Website: More info 

Explore over 70 one-of-a-kind festively decorated trees in support of oncology research at BC Children’s Hospital. Festival of Trees is free and open daily during Bay Centre shopping centre hours. Find trees on levels 2 and 3.

All I Wanted for Christmas Was…: A Historical Toy Display

Where: Sidney Museum
When: December 2 - 31
Cost: By Donation
Website: More info 

Dolls, trucks, building blocks and more! Come to the Sidney Museum to see see examples of children’s toys through the decades.

Holiday Movie Nights

Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
When: Various Dates
Cost: $89
Website: Events 

Holiday Movie Nights return to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, where guests will enjoy dinner in FARO Pizza, followed by a favourite holiday film in our David Foster Foundation Theatre and buttered popcorn. Multiple dining reservation times are available to book for each screening. Guests can choose from a variety of modern or classic holiday films to attend.

Jolly Jingle Story Mingle

Where: Esquimalt Rec Centre
When: December 16, 7:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: More info https://www.esquimalt.ca/community-events/events-listing/calendar/jolly-jingle-story-mingle-0

Throw on your PJs, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy a story time! Families can stop by after their swim to relax and enjoy some holiday merriment! Or just come for the stories and singing!

Sleigh Boat Ride

Where: Victoria Harbour Ferries
When: December 16 - 23
Cost: $31.50
Website: Tickets https://victoriaharbourferry.com/tours-services/holiday/

Join us for a one-of-a-kind “Sleigh Boat Ride”. Your adventure will start at the Empress dock. From here you will take a ride over to Fisherman’s Wharf where you will disembark the ferry at Puerto Vallarta Amigos for hot chocolate & churros! You will then board your return ferry back to the Empress Dock while holiday music plays on your journey.

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Where: Starts 812 Wharf Street
When: Various dates
Cost: $21
Website: Tickets https://discoverthepast.com/ghostly-walks/

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 and many others.

Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas

Where: Helmcken House
When: December 16, 12:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/events/calendar/event/helmcken-house-old-fashioned-christmas-1

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

SANTA

Photos with Santa

Where: Esquimalt Rec Centre
When: December 16, 12:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: Donations appreciated
Website: More info 

Santa is popping into the Recreation Centre for some photo opportunities this year. Please bring your camera or smart phone to take your photo, or have our friendly staff take the photo for you. Registration is not required but donations for the Rainbow Kitchen are strongly encouraged.

Holiday Photos

Where: Bay Centre
When: December 16, 1:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: More info 

Delightfully in the best memories of the season with a complimentary holiday photo. Leave with a free digital photo; no appointment necessary. Our photographers are on-site this holiday season to help you and your loved ones build lasting memories. Find them either at our holiday experience in centre court or roaming amidst the Festival of Trees.

Photos With Santa

Where: Garden Court
When: December 16, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: More info 

Hosted by Peninsula Celebrations Society, join Santa on December 16 from 11 am to 2 pm in Sidney’s Winter Wonderland at Garden Court (2360 Beacon Avenue) for free photos, treats, and hot chocolate! Don’t forget to bring your own camera.

Photos With Santa

Where: Uptown
When: Until December 23
Cost: $40
Website: More info 

Cottage visit includes: 10-minute appointment with Santa, two digital photos sent to the email provided, your child(s) name will be featured on The Cottage Nice List. (please provide their names in the booking notes). There is no option to purchase additional photos. If you wish to have more than two photos, please book two appointments. 

Photos With Santa

Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre
When: Until December 24
Cost: Various packages
Website: More info 

Celebrate the magic of the holidays at Mayfair Shopping Centre! Join us for a heartwarming tradition that will create lasting memories for you and your family. Create cherished moments and embrace the holiday spirit with a visit to see Santa Claus. Capture the joy and wonder of the holidays with our annual Santa photo opportunity in partnership with the North Pole Picture Co. Bring your loved ones, young and old, to experience the magic of meeting Santa in a festive and welcoming atmosphere. 

Photos With Santa

Where: Westshore Town Centre
When: Until December 23
Cost: $29.99 plus taxes
Website: More info 

The North Pole is taking over Westshore Town Centre! Visits and photos with Santa are by appointment only. We have two fabulous Santas for photos. 

PERFORMANCES

The Gift of Christmas Music

Where: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
When: December 14, 2:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: More info 

Everyone is welcome to join us for an afternoon of trumpet, piano, flute, harp, carol singing and organ music. This is a free event; donations will be accepted! 

Handel’s Messiah

Where: Farquhar at UVic
When: December 15, 7:30pm and December 17, 2:30pm
Cost: Various
Website: Tickets

“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.” Beginning with those simple words, one of the best-loved musical works continues to inspire, year over year. With the Victoria Symphony led by Associate Conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia and featuring four leading Canadian soloists as well as the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, Handel’s sublime seasonal masterpiece Messiah delivers dramatic choruses and sublime solos. Hallelujah! 

The Triple Threat Performers Christmas Show

Where: Prospect Lake Community Hall
When: December 17, 4:00pm
Cost: $20.50
Website: Tickets 

Get ready to be dazzled by our talented performers as they showcase their skills in singing, dancing, and acting. This holiday extravaganza promises to be a triple threat of entertainment, filled with laughter, joy, and heartwarming moments. Our performers have been working tirelessly to bring you a spectacular show that captures the magic of the holiday season. From enchanting musical numbers to captivating dance routines, this Christmas show is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Lessons and Carols for Christmas

Where: Christ Church Cathedral
When: December 17, 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: More info 

A seasonal staple, the festival of lessons and carols has been celebrated at Anglican churches and cathedrals for well over 100 years. Each year, hundreds of people pack the cathedral to celebrate the season with traditional carols led by the cathedral’s choir and organ. This year, the service includes a new carol by BC composer Tobin Stokes. 

Ken Lavigne – We Need a Little Christmas

Where: Royal Theatre
When: December 16, 7:30pm and December 18, 7:30pm
Cost: Various
Website: Tickets

Vocalist Ken Lavigne has charmed his way into the hearts of concert goers across North America with his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style. From show tunes and popular favourites to arias and Christmas classics, Ken’s lyric tenor voice spreads holiday cheer. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and Ken Lavigne will be sharing his musical gifts in concert with the Victoria Symphony.

Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas Concert

Where: Royal Theatre
When: December 20 and 21, 7:30pm
Cost: Starting at $23.50
Website: Tickets 

Renowned fiddler and jazz trumpeter Daniel Lapp leads this special 75-minute toe-tapping and joy-filled holiday tradition. Performing with Daniel are the BC Fiddle Orchestra, Folkestra! ensemble, the Joy of Life Choir, Shiny H’ORNaments, STRINGS of lights, and special guest Canadian Folksinger icon Valdy. It’s Christmas time for all, with many favourite Canadian tunes to sing along with as we join with family and friends for a wonderful holiday season celebration.

Holiday Soul Party: Shanna Dance and Jonnie Bridgman

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club
When: December 16, 7:00pm
Cost: $25 plus fees/tax
Website: Tickets 

Soul, Motown, and New Orleans style holiday favourites. Victoria Vocalist Shanna Dance and Saxophonist Jonnie Bridgman Team up again with Street Beat New Orleans ensemble to bring you Holiday Soul Party. Unlike more traditional Holiday shows this show brings you all of the holiday favourites you want to hear in a multitude of different styles. From Traditional New Orleans favourites to Smooth Retro Soul, Motown, Blues and many more. This Holiday show is like no other and will keep you on your toes. Put on your favourite Holiday outfit and get ready to sing along!

A Christmas Carol

Where: Belfry Theatre
When: Various Dates
Cost: Pay What You Can
Website: Tickets 

Based on ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens / Created by WONDERHEADS Theatre. Praised by the CBC as “Pure magic” and the Globe and Mail as “Powerful, surprising and moving,” these acclaimed theatrical imagineers have created an astonishing production, featuring glowing ghosts, 10-foot-tall puppets, and not a word of dialogue. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be utterly enchanted!

Candlelight Jazz: Favourite Holiday Classics

Where: St. Ann's Academy
When: Various dates
Cost: From $54
Website: Tickets 

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Victoria. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Favourite Holiday Classics (Malcolm Jazz) at St. Ann's Academy and Auditorium National Historic Site under the gentle glow of candlelight. 

A Christmas Carol

Where: Craigdarroch Castle
When: Various dates
Cost: Various
Website: Tickets 

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. 

Christmas Carol Sing-along Concert

Where: Saint Mary's Church
When: December 22, 7:00pm
Cost: $22.63
Website: Tickets 

The choir will present a few classic choral works, and the audience sings along on traditional favourites like Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Once in Royal David's City. The younger members of the audience are invited to the risers for their own carols, with the choir providing backup harmonies. We do our best to save the front pews for small people and their guardians so the little ones can see the performance.

The Night Before the Night Before Christmas

Where: Christ Church Cathedral
When: December 23, 7:30pm
Cost: $35
Website: Tickets 

Capriccio Vocal Ensemble presents a Christmas Concert for the Whole Family, with special guests Festive Brass. We are thrilled to once again share in the cherished musical traditions of Christmas alongside our esteemed musical guests and dear friends, Festive Brass! Join us for a delightful experience as we revel in the exuberant presentation of Vince Guaraldi’s timeless masterpiece, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” 

Winter Solstice Community Gathering

Where: Victoria Event Centre
When: December 23, 7:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: Tickets 

On unceded lək̓ʷəŋən Territory, we at Co-Parent Productions would like to invite, unite and gather together members of local communities to join us in feasting, celebrating, learning, dancing and have some fun at our Winter Solstice Community Gathering! With a mix of contemporary and traditional Indigenous music and speakers we hope to honour and talk about the way in which, not only Indigenous nations but all cultures, celebrate the Winter Solstice, moon cycles and season.

Celtic Yuletide and Tibb's Eve Show with the Hounds of Cuchulain

Where: Paul Phillips Hall
When: December 23, 7:00pm
Cost: $22.63
Website: Tickets 

Join the Hounds of Cuchulain for a festive Yuletide celebration on December 23rd - known as Tibb's (or Tipsey!) Eve in Newfoundland! Get ready to experience the magic of Celtic music and traditions in person at the Paul Phillips Hall. This lively event will transport you to a world of enchantment and merriment as the Hounds of Cuchulain take the stage, along with traditional Irish dancers. Immerse yourself in the rich sounds of traditional Celtic instruments - fiddle, whistle, banjo, mandolin, harp - and the rousing voices of the performers! From toe-tapping jigs to raucous pub songs to soul-stirring ballads, this show promises to be a memorable celebration of the holiday season. Sing, stamp, dance, and drink along with us - don't miss out on this incredible evening of music and cheer!