Christmas Events In Victoria
Posted by Niels Madsen on
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
Vibes Fitness Santa's Anonymous Fundraiser
Where: Vibes Fitness Downtown, 623 Broughton Street
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 5
Cost: Free
Website: CFAXSantas.com
Vibes Fitness Downtown will be offering trial workouts by donation. All proceeds raised will go towards Santa's Anonymous. Come in for a fun 15 minute workout with a certified trainer! To book your session please call 250-590-5644 or email downtown@vibesfitness.ca.
Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy & Food Drive
Where: Government St. & Blanshard St.
When: Dec. 5, 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Website: IEOA
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 6:30-7:00 pm and it moves quickly so don't miss it! Drop off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
Annual Lighted Ship Parade
Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
When: Dec. 5, 7 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Victoria Harbour Festival
After the Truck Light Parade passes the Inner Harbour, the Lighted Ship Parade begins. Boats of all sizes sail through the harbour, festooned with bright lights and surrounded by the backdrop of the Harbour Lights in a magical Christmas show.
Nautical Wreath Workshop
Where: Maritime Museum of BC, 634 Humboldt Street
When: Dec. 6, 8 & 12, 1 - 4 pm
Cost: $35 ($10 for each additional wreath)
Website: Facebook Page
Join in to learn a thing or two about knots as you transform a piece of rope into a beautiful holiday wreath. Cost includes rope, instruction and a light festive snack. Bring a pair of light work gloves – gardening gloves will do just fine in a pinch!
Christmas In The Village
Where: Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Drive
When: Dec. 4 - 13, 5pm - 8pm
Cost: $10 per car
For six days this December, Heritage Acres transforms into a Christmas village. Come by and ride Santa's train, see the wonderful Christmas displays, enjoy a story or two and experience more wonderful holiday entertainment.
Elves Workshop + Annual Christmas Fair
Where: St Peter's Anglican Church, 3939 St. Peter's Road
When: Dec. 5, 10am - 2pm
Cost: Free
Children are assisted by Elves to buy low priced gifts for family and friends and to wrap and label them, while their parents enjoy perusing and purchasing the amazing crafts, baking etc., throughout the church.
Deck the Hall - Winter Lights Festival
Where: Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Ave.
When: Dec. 5, 5pm - 8:30pm
Cost: Free
Website: Saanich.ca
This event features: school christmas concerts, photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides around the Saanich Hall, seasonal entertainment on the plaza, food and refreshments.
Holiday Drive-In Movies
Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road
When: Dec. 4 - 18, 6:30pm - 11pm
Cost: By donation
Website: Esquimalt.ca
Holiday Drive-in Movies are Back! All movies start at 6:30pm in the rear parking lot of the Archie Browning Sports Centre. An area for lawnchairs will be available (bring blankets!) FREE Admission with a non-perishable food donation for the Rainbow Kitchen. The Esquimalt Lions Club will host a concession, part of a fundraising effort for the Esquimalt Splash Park. Movies will take place when weather Permits. Heavy rain, wind & snow may result in a cancellation.
Christmas Starlight Cinema 2015
Where: Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa, 100 Harbour Road
When: Dec. 1 - 16, 6 pm
Cost: By donation
Website: DVBA
Bundle up and bring the family down to the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe to enjoy one of Victoria's great Christmas traditions – Christmas movies under the stars in the beautiful Inner Harbour. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening in Dec., cuddle up to your loved ones and watch your favourite movies. Movies are FREE but donations to Santas Anonymous are appreciated. Bring a lawn chair and extra blankets, the hotel will supply heaters! (In the event of rain, movies will be screened inside).
Lethal Christmas
Where: Intrepid Theatre, 1609 Blanshard Street
When: Dec. 16 - 19, 8 pm
Cost: $15
Website: Eventbrite
Action movies and holiday season make for some explosive fun in Paper Street Theatre's second show of the season. Inspired by 1980s films like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon, make sure you strap in and hold onto your seat for this unrelenting action-packed holiday show!
Santa Scoot
Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
When: Dec. 19, 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Market Square
A parade of Vespas and vintage scooters will be making their way through city streets collecting donations. Then rallying at Market Square for a pizza party! $1 from every pizza sold at Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria will go to charity.
Ferris Wheel in Centennial Square
Where: Centennial Square
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 20, times vary
Cost: $2
Website: DVBA
Experience the spirit of the holidays with a whimsical ride on the DVBA Ferris Wheel. Come see the lights of Centennial Square and Downtown Victoria with a view from 20 meters up and enjoy the festivities during four weekends this season. Riders must be over 2 years old and 36 inches to ride with an adult. Ferris wheel will not operate in inclement weather.
A Christmas Carol
Where: Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave.
When: Dec. 1 - Dec. 20, times vary
Cost: $24 - $49
Website: Belfry Theatre
A ghost story for Christmas, the Belfry’s acclaimed 2012 production returns, along with some of the best-loved Dickensian characters of all time. A story of love, generosity and second chances, it takes us through the darkness and into the light of true joy and celebration! Kid-friendly: 8 years old and up!
Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides
Where: Various stops
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 20, 12 - 3 pm (4pm on Saturdays)
Cost: Free
Website: DVBA
Every weekend, horse-drawn trolleys will circulate throughout downtown, making it easy to take in all of the sights and sounds of Christmas downtown. The trolleys are free of charge, compliments of the DVBA, and are a unique way to tour the downtown or take a scenic break while you rest your weary feet.
The Polar Express
Where: Royal BC Museum IMAX, 675 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 4 - 26, times vary
Cost: 2 for $20
Website: IMAX Victoria
Each year, people love to settle into their seats and relive this inspiring holiday adventure on the biggest IMAX screen in Western Canada. Join them. Get your ticket, climb aboard the Polar Express, and enter a world where the wonder of life never fades.
Christmas In Old Victoria
Where: Burnes House, 26 Bastion Square
When: Dec. 6 - 26, times vary
Cost: Adults $15, Students & Seniors $13, Children $8
Website: Discover The Past
Get into the Christmas Spirit and discover how Christmas was observed in early Victoria on this 90 minute leisurely historical walking tour through Old Town. Start inside a heritage building for a short history of Christmas traditions, then head out through the festive streets to hear true stories about the season, including reminiscences of Emily Carr as a little girl. No reservations needed.
Ghosts of Christmas Past
Where: Tourism Victoria Information Centre, 812 Wharf St.
When: Dec. 4 - Jan. 2, 7:30 pm
Cost: Adults $15, Students & Seniors $13, Children $8
Website: Discover The Past
As we approach the longest night, the team from Ghostly Walks is ready to tell their favourite yuletide haunting stories on this 90-minute walking tour. A Songhees legend, a Christmas Eve murder, the “White Lady” of Bastion Square (who first made her appearance at Christmas 1861), and many more spooky stories will send shivers down your spine. No reservations needed.
Chinatown Walks
Where: Outside Starbucks Coffee, 1689 Government Street
When: Dec. 5 - Jan. 2, 10 am
Cost: Adults $15, Students & Seniors $13, Children $8
Website: Discover The Past
This 90 minute historical walking tour travels through Canada's oldest Chinatown, including a visit to the Chinese temple. No reservations needed.
Parkside Snow Globe
Where: Parkside Hotel & Spa, 810 Humboldt Street
When: Nov. 27 - Jan. 4
Cost: Free
Website: Parkside Hotel & Spa
You're invited to take a journey through a living snow globe, all within the hotel's atrium! Be sure to notice their tree of snowflakes – all snowflake ornaments will be available for purchase by donation (suggested $15 minimum), with all proceeds raised going to The Cridge Centre for the Family. Another fantastic perk - all donors will be entered for a chance to win a complimentary stay at the hotel in the New Year!
Helmcken House Old-Fashioned Christmas
Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 20 - Jan. 4, 12 - 4 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. This year, you can also visit St. Ann's Schoolhouse – volunteers from the Society of Friends of St. Ann's Academy will be on hand to share the history and accomplishments of the Sisters.
Song & Festivities
Christmas Lights Across Canada
Where: BC Legislature, 501 Belleville St.
When: Dec. 3, 7 pm
Cost: Free
Join special guests and children's choirs to celebrate the annual cross-country light-up. The giant sequoia on the front lawn of the Parliament Buildings will be illuminated with thousands of lights, followed by hot cocoa and seasonal treats for everyone.
50th Annual Carolling Week
Where: Victoria City Hall Antechamber, 1 Centennial Sq.
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 4, 12 - 1 PM
Cost: Free
Website: DVBA
Bring a lunch and join the City of Victoria every day (except Dec. 3rd) through the first week of Dec. for this annual tradition which showcases choirs from Greater Victoria schools performing favourite Christmas carols at Victoria City Hall.
Wish Day
Where: Kool FM, 1420 Broad Street
When: Dec. 4, 6 am - 6 pm
Cost: Free
Website: CFAXSantas.com
Tune into KOOL FM 107.3 for Wish Day, a 12 hour radio-a-thon where listeners hear local children's wishes for Christmas and call in to purchase that gift. KOOL will also be on location at Uptown Shopping Center all weekend (Dec. 4-6) for the Uptown Toy Drive. Look for the KOOL tent next to the Christmas tree.
The Owl Designer Fair
Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Avenue
When: Dec. 4, 6 - 10pm; Dec. 5, 10 - 6pm
Cost: $3
Website: Facebook Page
The Owl Designer Fair is Victoria's most creative holiday fair. All items are handmade or upcycled by local artists and designers. Live music from local musicians, food trucks and free craft workshops from The MakeHouse and Luz Gallery along with unique gifts make this show a must for anyone looking for some style in their Christmas shopping.
Central Middle Christmas Craft Fair
Where: Central Middle School Gym, 1280 Fort Street
When: Dec. 5, 9am - 3pm
Cost: Free
Free admission and ample parking, raffle prizes, food/drinks and bake sale. Money raised supports students at Central.
Ruth King Christmas Craft Fair
Where: Ruth King Elementary School, 2764 Jacklin Road
When: Dec. 5, 10am - 3pm
Cost: Free
Website: Facebook Page
Among our vendors Ruth King has many local artisans, crafters, gourmet bakes, chefs, photographers and more. They will also have a bake sale, basket raffles and a 50/50 draw. For the kids there will be face-painting, glitter tattoos, sweets, a kid’s craft area with child-minding (so parents can shop) and of course Santa!
The Dickens Fair
Where: James Bay Community School Centre, 140 Oswego Street
When: Dec. 5, 10am - 4:58pm
Cost: $2, Children free
Website: James Bay Market
The Annual Dickens Fair is a festive, seasonal market and craft event hosted by the James Bay Market Society. They host handmade and homemade items to provide an appealing array of quality vendors with gift choices at affordable prices for the public. A children’s craft space, music, a café and artisanal food products complement this traditional event.
Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 4 - 6, times vary
Cost: $29 and up
Website: RMTS
Be prepared to be transported to 19th century Russia with the captivating magic of this beloved holiday classic. Accompanied by the Victoria Symphony. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at the Royal Theatre box office, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.
Merry Kissmas! + Music in Market Square
Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
When: Dec. 5, 12 - 4 pm
Cost: By donation
Website: Market Square
Enjoy a grand performance of holiday favourites by the Greater Victoria Concert Band from 1 - 4pm, or share the love with a kiss or a hug under the city's biggest mistletoe from 12 - 3pm. For a $5 donation to United Way, get your photo taken under the giant mistletoe hanging from the main gate archway to Market Square. Your photo will be posted to United Way's Facebook page for a chance to win a trip to Seattle aboard the Victoria Clipper.
Christmas Beauty for All
Where: University of Victoria Legacy Art Gallery, 630 Yates Street
When: Dec. 5, 1 - 4 pm
Cost: Free
Website: UVAC
Come into the Legacy Art Gallery for a break from your holiday shopping hullabaloo! Enjoy live music, light refreshments, and a festive art-making activity related to the Arts and Crafts exhibition, Beauty for All.
Ship Point Christmas Night Market
Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
When: Dec. 5, 5 - 9 pm
Cost: Free
Before the Truck Light Parade and the Lighted Ship Parade, head down to Ship Point for a covered Christmas Market featuring local vendors of food and handcrafted items, festive music, hot apple cider, and mulled wine. Santa says he's going to be there too!
Miracle on Broad Street
Where: C-FAX Radio, 1420 Broad Street
When: Dec. 11, 6 am - 6 pm
Cost: Free
Website: CFAXSantas.com
Stop by Miracle on Broad Street, an annual 12 hour radio thon hosted by CFAX Radio. Join us for a day of Miracles, hearing stories of those touched by CFAX Santas Anonymous over 38 years, entertainment throughout the day by local artists, and collecting donations to purchase the groceries for over 1,500 families this Christmas.
Choirs In The Courtyard
Where: Greater Victoria Public Library, 735 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 1 - 12, 12 - 1 pm
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.
Tuba Christmas
Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
When: Dec. 12, 1 - 3 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Market Square
A tradition that began in New York City's Rockefeller Centre some 40 years ago; more than 65 tuba players from BC and the Pacific Northwest come together to play much loved Christmas songs in a big way.
A Sentimental Christmas
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 11 - 13, times vary
Cost: $30 and up
Website: RMTS
Celebrate the season with the Victoria Symphony's traditional concert of Yuletide cheer, featuring soprano Eleanor McCain. Maestra Tania Miller and the Victoria Symphony will be joined by the choristers from the Victoria Choral Society for a concert full of Christmas favourites, including the chance for the audience to join in with sing-a-long holiday carols.
Naden Band Salvation Army Christmas Concert
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 14 - 16, 7:30 pm
Cost: $10 and a new, unwrapped toy
Website: RMTS
The Naden Band concert has become a Christmas staple for Victorians over the past 30 years. Experience musical merriment while supporting The Salvation Army's Toy Shoppe. Donations at these concerts support hundreds of local children with holiday gifts.
Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Where: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 680 Courtney St
When: Dec. 17, 12 - 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.
Carols and Cocoa
Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 17, 7 pm, 7:30 pm & 8 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Bear Wear
Let the bright sound of the Alumni Company from the Canadian College of Performing Arts fill your heart with joy, as they perform beloved Christmas carols and jingles. Lyrics will be provided to you so you may join in. Complimentary cocoa and hot drinks will be provided to warm your fingers and toes.
Christmas with Holly Cole
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 19, 8 pm
Cost: $40 and up
Website: RMTS
Juno-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Holly Cole returns to the Victoria Symphony to delight audiences with her versatile and distinctive voice. Mixing jazz, pop, and your favourite holiday music, her unique interpretations and original music are applauded as being highly musical, intensely innovative, and refreshingly witty.
Christmas Carollers
Where: Downtown Victoria
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 20, times vary
Cost: Free
Website: DVBA
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks ... dressed in holiday style.... Listen for our Carollers roaming the streets, bringing tidings and good cheer.
Father Christmas in Old Town
Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 4 - 20, 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: Free with admission
Website: Royal BC Museum
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).
Government Street Grand Giveaway
Where: Government Street
When: Nov. 13 - Dec. 24
Cost: Free
Website: DVBA
Fill out your Government Street Holiday Passport and enter to win the Amazing Grand Prize Draw and other fabulous prizes. Passports are available at 34 participating stores, identified by a window sticker; copies are also being mailed out in the Money Saver envelope at the end of Nov., so check your mailbox! The last day for entries is Dec. 24.
Cocktails & Carols
Where: Bear Mountain, 1999 Country Club Way
When: Dec. 3 - Dec. 25, Thursdays & Fridays, 6pm - 9pm
Cost: Free
Website: Bear Mountain Resort
Music soothes the savage beast or at the very least the stressed Christmas Shopper! Come unwind in Masters Lounge and listen to some of Victoria’s most talented musicians.
Ballet Victoria: The Gift
Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
When: Dec. 27, 28, & 29, 2 pm
Cost: $30 and up
Website: RMTS
The Victoria Symphony will whisk you away to a fantasyland where nothing exists except you, the music, and the wonder filled story of The Gift, Ballet Victoria's interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker at a family Christmas Eve party.
Pile Up The Prezzies
Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
When: All Dec.
Cost: Free
Website: Market Square
Please help Market Square deliver a mountain of toys, trinkets, treats, and treasures for kids of all ages to C-FAX Santa's Anonymous. Stop by Oscar & Libby's in Market Square to drop off unwrapped gifts. Don't know what to donate? For a list of needed gifts, swing by the shop or visit Oscar & Libby's on Facebook.
Annual Spirit of Giving
Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
When: All Dec.
Cost: By donation
Website: The Bay Centre
Step into a winter wonderland set under a canopy of twinkling lights surrounded by beautiful live fir trees in centre court. While you are here, help spread the spirit of giving to families and the working poor supported by the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Drop off your financial or non-perishable food donations or have your gifts wrapped at the by-donation gift wrapping station. Don't forget to stop by the mistletoe in Centre Court before you go for the chance to win a $100 Bay Centre gift card.
Canada's National Gingerbread Showcase
Where: Inn at Laurel Point, 680 Montreal Street
When: Nov. 21 - Jan. 3, 9 am - 9 pm
Cost: Free
Website: Laurel Point
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.
Bear Wear
Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
When: Dec. 17 - Jan. 3
Cost: Free
Bear Wear is a beloved holiday tradition—a festive display of cuddly teddy bears dressed up in fabulous costumes by local sponsors, businesses, organizations, and individuals. Vote for your favourite bear as many times as you like - the more times you vote, the better your chances at winning that bear in the raffle!
Winspear Festival of Trees
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave.
When: Dec. 4 - Jan. 3, 9am - 5pm
Cost: Free
A beautiful collection of decorated trees. Stop in and vote for your favourite tree. Donations accepted for the Sidney Lions Food Bank. Drop off new unwrapped toy for ages 6 months - 16 years.
Annual Festival of Trees
Where: The Bay Centre, 1250 Douglas St
When: Nov. 18 - Jan. 5, 12 - 4 pm
Cost: Free
Website: BC Children's Hospital Foundation
Every year, Victoria Festival of Trees creates a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Sponsors, local businesses, organizations and individuals come together and decorate trees in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion. The festival invites visitors to browse through the holiday displays and donate to vote for their favourite trees.
The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens
Where: Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Ave
When: Dec. 1 - Jan. 1, 9am - 9pm
Cost: Free
Website: Butchart Gardens
All throughout December the Magic of Christmas features fabulous illuminations, holiday wreaths, carolers, brass bands, ice skating and festive dining, making for an exciting and memorable experience. Kids are invited to get creative and bring a decorated paper snowflake from home to deck out the Coffee Shop; they will receive a cup of hot chocolate as a thank you!
Food & Drink
Santa's Pancake Breakfast
Where: Burnside Gorge Community Centre, 471 Cecelia Road
When: Dec. 5, 9 - 11:30 am
Cost: Family of 4 $10, Individuals $5
Website: Burnside Gorge
Join us for a delicious pancake breakfast, craft activities, a toddler play area, musical entertainment for the whole family and an opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa.
Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
Where: Vista 18 Westcoast Grill & Wine Bar, 740 Burdett Avenue
When: Dec. 5, 9 - 11:30 am
Cost: By donation (min. Adults $20, Children $10)
Website: Vista 18
This much-loved Christmas tradition helps local families, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Experience the true Christmas spirit by helping those less fortunate. Reservations required – call Yvonne at 250-361-5660.
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea
Where: The Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 1 - 6, 12 pm - 3:45 pm
Cost: Adults $53, Children $26.50
Website: Fairmont.com
Inspired by the Nutcracker ballet, the Fairmont Empress culinary team has created an enchanting version of their classic Afternoon Tea tier. As you sip your tea tier, let Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite (performed by a live piano player) bring you into the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.
Brunch With Santa!
Where: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street
When: December 6 - 13, 10 am - 3 pm
Cost: Unknown
Website: Victoria Public Market
Victoria Public Market is pleased to announce that The Ruby will be serving brunch out of the Community Kitchen every Sunday from 10 am - 3 pm. Come to the Market and check them out! They will be spinning vinyl throughout brunch. It's a perfect venue for small and large groups.
Fairmont Empress Santa Brunch
Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 13, 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: Adults $55, Children $27.50
Website: Fairmont.com
Join Santa and his elves for a brunch in the Crystal Ballroom and Palm Court. A sumptuous holiday brunch of delectable seasonal offerings under the glistening crystal chandeliers and stain-glassed dome. Santa's face painting workshop will be holiday fun, and you'll take home photos for good little boys and girls.
Santa Claus Sunday Brunch Series
Where: Aura Restaurant, 680 Montreal Street
When: Dec. 6 - 20, 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: Adults $44, Seniors $35, Children 6-11 $22
Website: Aura Restaurant
Back by popular demand, at the Santa Claus Brunch, kids can eat, meet, and snap a photo with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself. Start a new tradition by bringing the whole family down to relax and spend some time together on the ever-gorgeous harbour-side Terrace Ballroom. Children will enjoy their own special buffet as well as their own area to watch their favourite Christmas movies. All children will receive a complimentary photo with Santa. These events sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your seat.
Fairmont Empress Festive Dinner
Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 23 & 24, 6pm
Cost: Adults $75, Children $37.50
Website: Fairmont.com
Delight in a three course, farm-to-fork, Christmas dinner featuring perfectly roasted, free range turkey. WIth the warm glow emanating from the fireplace, and delicious food, you'll feel perfectly relaxed on the nights leading up to Christmas when you let the Fairmont Empress do the cooking.
Christmas Day Brunch
Where: Aura Restaurant, 680 Montreal Street
When: Dec. 25, 10am - 2pm
Cost: Adults $67, Children 6-11 $33.50
Website: Aura Restaurant
Create a wonderful Christmas memory this holiday season and treat your family and friends to our Christmas Day Brunch buffet. Executive Chef Takashi Ito has thoughtfully prepared this one-of-a-kind Christmas spread for you and your loved ones to enjoy and remember for years to come. This event sells out every year so make your reservations early.
Empress Room New Year's Eve Dinner & Dance
Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Dec. 31, 7pm
Cost: Adults $200, Children $100
Website: Fairmont.com
Ring in the New Year at the Fairmont Empress! Starting in the intimate ambiance of the Empress Room and featuring live entertainment, indulge in a decadent six-course dinner. After dinner, dance the night away in the fabulous Crystal Ballroom. The evening is topped off with a glass of bubbly to celebrate the New Year.
Bengal Seasonal Spice Buffet
Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
When: Nov. 30 - Jan. 1, times vary
Cost: Lunch $34, Dinner $36
Website: Fairmont.com
Have a festive office party that no-one will forget. Enjoy The Fairmont Empress's traditional curry buffet with the addition of perfectly roasted turkey, and finished with a festive dessert buffet.
Aura Gingerbread Tea
Where: Aura Restaurant, 680 Montreal Street
When: Nov. 21 - Jan. 2, 11 am - 5 pm
Cost: $10
Website: Aura Restaurant
After you have marveled at the most magnificent Gingerbread display in town, join the staff at Aura for a festive gingerbread tea. The pastry team will be offering gingerbread inspired desserts for you to enjoy with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate before you brave back out into a chilly winter's day.