There’s just something magical about the holidays in British Columbia when the region turns into a true Winter Wonderland. It’s as close to Santa’s workshop at the North Pole as you’re likely to get. Take advantage of the myriad of holiday activities and enjoy favorite snow sports this holiday season.

Victoria for the Holidays

From Nov. 20 through Jan. 6, the Bay Centre transforms for the annual Victoria Festival of Trees. The Victoria Festival of Trees is a cherished holiday tradition and the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in the city. The event supports kids from the community who need the care only BC Children’s Hospital can provide.

The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens, set Dec. 1 through Jan. 6, greets the season with colorful lights, carolers, ice skating and plenty of holiday festivities. Stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display and stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with hot cocoa and gingerbread.

Set up your home away from home at our Barkeley Manor Executive duplex with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths that sits atop Gonzales Hill and offers stunning panoramic views. Or stay in downtown Victoria at our one-bedroom condos.

Holidays in Vancouver

Ride the Christmas train to see the Bright Nights in Stanley Park as the Train Plaza sparkles with three million twinkling lights. Experience the lights, breathtaking displays and live performances along the train route or view the displays at the Train Plaza by donation ($5 suggested).

Heritage Christmas is celebrated from Nov. 23 to Jan. 3 at Burnaby Village Museum in Burnaby, just east of Vancouver. Stroll through the Village streets to see wreaths, cedar swags and vintage-themed displays. Visit with Father Christmas and enjoy street characters, musicians and theatrical performances.

For winter sports enthusiasts, head to Grouse Mountain in Northern Vancouver for Peak of Christmas from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. Stroll through the light tunnel and skate on the mountaintop ice pond, surrounded by snow-topped trees. Watch Christmas movies at the Theatre in the Sky or visit Elf Headquarters and create your own Christmas craft. Christmas activities are all complimentary with a mountain admission ticket or lift ticket.

Vancouver Island

The 4th Annual Tofino Winterlights Festival celebration of light and art at the Tofino Botanical Gardens runs nightly from 5-9 p.m. from Nov. 29 through Jan. 5. This family-friendly festival features live entertainment and children’s activities. Experience the magic of Tofino Winterlights all month long with the purchase of a Winterlights Pass.

Christmas in Whistler

Each Monday and Wednesday beginning Dec. 9, you can celebrate a great day on the slopes with a Family Apres at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Activities include snow sculpting, ice skating, musical and dancing performances, face painting, hula hooping, characters in costume, arts and crafts, popcorn, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more. Adults can sit back and sip a warm beverage while watching the kids play.

 Start a new Yuletide tradition with a stay in a region that will greet you with bells on.

Getting geared up for Christmas means shopping, lots of shopping. Fortunately, Victoria and Vancouver feature plenty of shopping districts for finding the perfect something for everyone on your list.

In Victoria, start at Bay Centre with dozens of brand-name stores and specialty shops. It’s also the home of the annual Festival of Trees, set Nov. 20 through Jan. 6, and it’s just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit.

For the reader on your list, browse Munro’s Books just steps from the Bay Centre on Government Street. The shop has been a destination for book lovers for 50 years and occupies a historic building in Victoria’s Old Town. In fact, it’s been named one of the world’s top 10 book stores by National Geographic.

Pick up the delicious present or stocking stuffers for chocoholics at Chocolats Favoris, a block down from Munro’s, or Rogers’ Chocolates, which has been creating gourmet sweets since 1885. Charles “Candy” Rogers created the original Victoria Cream, and became Canada’s first chocolatier.

Head over to Market Square on Johnson Street and “Fabulous” Fort Street where you’ll discover art galleries, trendy boutiques, jewelry and accessories. And all along the way there are cafes, and coffee and tea shops for taking a break and refueling.

In Vancouver, the shopping season kicks off Nov. 20-Dec. 24 with its 10th Annual Christmas Market, a holiday tradition featuring more than 80 huts of authentic German sweets, treats and treasures. The market is held at Jack Poole Plaza where shoppers can stroll through a Christmas wonderland perusing the myriad of vendors.

Gastown is THE place to shop in Vancouver. A diverse mix of retail and restaurants, Gaston covers 12 city blocks in what was the city’s original downtown. It’s a thriving fashion district with decor boutiques, galleries, and boutiques of locally made products.

In West Vancouver, browse the 280 stores and services at Park Royal indoor and outdoor shopping mall in West Vancouver. There are all your favorite brands as well as local merchants.

For your Christmas shopping vacation, base yourself out of one of our hand-picked accommodations that range from condos in downtown Vancouver to private waterfront homes in Victoria.