With the end of another year in sight, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to ring in the New Year in Victoria, Canada! Whether you want to keep it low-key, have kids to consider or ready to start the next year with a bang, we’ve got the perfect list of options to make your New Year unforgettable!
New Year Classics
No matter what, these activities are a great way to say goodbye to last year and start the new year on the right foot!
Cozy Coffee Hangout
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend New Year’s Eve, this is a great option! There are lots of charming and funky cafes in Victoria to explore that offer incredible coffees, teas and delicious, fresh, locally made treats. Go out of your way to try a new coffee shop or go to your Victoria favourite and spend an afternoon enjoying the New Year atmosphere. Alone or with friends, this is a great way to spend the afternoon!
Walk along the Inner Harbour and Dallas Road
Whether you’re looking for a festive daytime stroll or an evening ramble where you might catch a glimpse or two of the fireworks, this is a great route! Starting at the Inner Harbour, head through the causeway and loop onto Dallas Road and turn around to head back to the Inner Harbour. It’s a flat, paved walk and you’re sure to soak up the celebratory atmosphere of the day on New Year’s Eve, and have the ocean to yourself on New Year’s Day as everyone sleeps in!
Visit Butchart Gardens
Even though Butchart Gardens is known for its beautiful blooms, it is also one of the most popular places on the Island to visit in the winter! With lights all though the gardens and festive scenes set up around every corner, this light display is a local favourite during the season!
New Year’s Day Brunch
If there is one thing that Victoria restaurants do really well it’s brunch! On New Year’s Day, when everyone else is sleeping off their late nights, why not grab a seat at one of the awesome brunch spots in the city? Many local cafes and restaurants will be offering special New Year’s Day brunch menus so call ahead and make sure they’re open, make a reservation and kick off the New Year on a delicious note!
Hike in Goldstream Provincial Park
Whether you want to say farewell to the year or start the new one on the right foot, a hike at Goldstream is a perfect Vancouver Island way to celebrate the holiday! With frosty paths, rushing waterfalls, and beautiful views, if you want to get out in nature, this is a great place to do it near downtown Victoria!
Visit the Royal BC Museum
Located right downtown Victoria near the Inner Harbour, the RBCM is one of the most fascinating museums in the Province! Here you can spend your New Year’s Eve Day exploring the exhibits to learn about the history and culture of British Columbia!
Visit Craigdarroch Castle
Built by one of Victoria’s most prominent historical figures, Craigdarroch Castle is one of the city’s oldest and most impressive buildings. With rooms decorated in the Victorian style that was popular at the time of its construction and knowledgeable staff that can show you around the castle and tell you all about the Dunsmuir family and the history of Victoria, this is a great way to spend New Year’s Day!
Attend a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim
If you’re looking to test your bravery, why not join in on this New Year’s Day tradition! There’s no registration, you can join locals who gather at beaches like Willows Beach or Gonzales and run into the freezing waters for a refreshing dip! Many people swear by this tradition as being the best way to ring in the New Year!
New Year’s Eve in Victoria 2023
Fireworks & Family Activities
Festival of Trees
November 2023 – January 2024
The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street, Victoria
Free
The Festival of Trees at The Bay Centre is back! For 30 years, this has (unofficially) been known as Victoria’s kick-off to the holiday season! As trees are assembled throughout the Bay Centre, you know that it’s time to turn up those carols and start Christmas shopping! Come by to see the trees and donate and vote on your favourite!
Esquimalt Christmas Tree Village
December 4, 2022 – January 6, 2023
Recreation Centre Atrium and Archie Browning Sports Centre, Esquimalt
Free
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!
Lights of Wonder
December 1 – 31, 2022
Centennial Square, Downtown Victoria
Free
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.
New Year’s Day Celebration
Sunday, January 1, 2024 | 2:30 PM
Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria
Ticket price: $29.00
Start off the New Year with a program every bit as effervescent as a glass of bubbles! All-star guests will be dropping by to share delightful highlights from favourite operas, operettas and musicals. Join us for one of the season’s most anticipated and playful traditions!
A Merridale Craft Christmas
Daily, November 17, 2022 – December 31, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Merridale Cidery & Distillery, 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill
Free
This holiday season, embrace the magical moments of joy and festivities with us. Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at the Merridale Farm.
Sleigh Ride
December 13 to 31, 2022
Corner of Belleville and Menzies Streets, Victoria
$125 – $230 per sleigh
Reservations Required
As you meander through Victoria’s charming heritage district of James Bay, enjoy the gentle sounds of your horse’s footfalls and ring of sleigh bells. Guests are encouraged to warm up their vocal cords and delight residents with their own renditions of their favourite holiday songs!
New Years Eve for Adults | Parties, Dinner & Dance
New Year’s Eve Gala
Sun, Dec 31, 2023 6:00 PM – Mon, Jan 1, 2024 2:00 AM
Leonardo da Vinci Centre | 195 Bay Street, Victoria
Door Open | 6:00 PM
Antipasto
Dinner | 7:00 PM
Late evening snacks
Countdown to the New Year with champagne
Ticket price: $125/person
Enjoy a an elegant New Year’s Eve Gala at the Leonardo da Vinci Centre. The theme is black, gold and silver with a delicious dinner, dancing after dinner and champagne and party favours at midnight.
Small Gods’ New Year’s Eve
Sun, Dec 31, 2023 8:00 PM – Mon, Jan 1, 2024 1:00 AM
Small Gods Brewing Co. | 9835 Third Street, Sidney
Join us as we ring in the New Year with an intimate evening of food, drinks, and live music at Small Gods Brewing! We will also be featuring our Late-Night Happy Hour pricing which means all full-pour beers for $6, as well as $10 draught cocktails, glasses of white wine, and full-pour ciders.
Uncle Whiskey & the Salty Nutz
Sunday, December 31, 2023
8:00pm – late
Big Bad Johns | 919 Douglas St, Victoria
No cover
Come on down for a late night jam sesh and a laid-back New Year’s Eve party. We’ve got cheap beer on tap, peanuts galore, and of course, Unkle Whiskey, keeping the good times rolling!
New Year’s Eve Champagne Dinner
Sunday December 31, 2023
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel | 1175 Beach Dr, Victoria
Ticket price: $349.00/guest
Groups of 2 to 6 guests. Reservations required, 19+.
Celebrate the last evening of the year with a New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Guests are invited to join Executive Chef Kreg Graham as he presents and pours his favourite wines from the past year, inspired by our Winemaker’s Dinner Series. Beginning with a toast of locally sourced sparkling wine, the evening will feature a 5 course tasting menu, each accompanied with thoughtful wine pairings with a different culinary delight using locally sourced ingredients. Accompanied by a live jazz band during dinner, each guest will receive a take home gift at the end of the evening.
New Year’s Eve at Hermann’s Jazz Club
Hermann’s Jazz Club | 753 View St 2 floor, Victoria
Early NYE 2023: Pablo Cardenas presents “Afro-Cuban Jazz Explosion”
Sunday, December 31
4:00pm – 6:00pm doors at 3:00pm
Ticket price: $35 advance / $40 door
New Year’s Eve: Pablo Cardenas presents Club Havana
Sunday, December 31
9:00pm – 12:30am doors at 8:00pm
Ticket price: $40 advance / $45 door
Hermann’s Upstairs: Footwork Entertainment: Three Room DJ Electronica Event
TBA
9:00 PM – 3:00 AM Doors At 9:00 PM
Not on sale yet
NYE Double Header – Jojo Mason & Whiskey Business
Sunday, December 31
9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Duke Saloon | 502 Discovery Street, Victoria
Buy tickets for express entry before 10pm!
We’re honoured to have JOJO MASON grace our stage this year to help us celebrate NYE!
Get your tickets early, we’re going to ring in the New Year with a proper barn burner! Then we have your favourite resident band Whiskey Business to close things out!
In his six years since breaking into the Canadian Country music scene, multiple CCMA Award nominee JoJo Mason has been on a mission to find his own unique voice. The release of his newest EP “Sky Full of Stars” shows fans exactly what kind of artist he wants to be.
JoJo’s career thus far has seen many incredible highlights, including five Top 10 tracks, numerous notable national media appearances, and countless major festival and tour plays. Over the last two years JoJo performed on the 2020 & 2021 CCMA Awards broadcast, received a BCCMA award for Entertainer of the Year, and got the news that his single “Better On You” had earned CRIA Gold-certification.
Even with so many accolades to celebrate, some of the moments that mattered most to JoJo were the ones spent with his fans. Now, with the release of his newest single “Let Me Down Easy”, JoJo is looking forward to getting back on the road and making those memorable connections once again.
New Year’s Eve in the Bengal Lounge
Sunday December 31, 2023
8:00pm – 12:30am
The Crystal Ballroom at the Empress Hotel | 721 Government St, Victoria
Ticket price: $199 per adult, plus 20% service charge and taxes
Fairmont Empress is reopening its doors to the Bengal Lounge for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. The beloved and nostalgic venue is ready to welcome guests with the grandeur of the past and the excitement of the present.
Upon arrival, attendees will be treated to a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. Throughout the evening, discover culinary stations placed around the room featuring the best of Pacific Northwest cuisine, and a curated selection of dishes inspired by the former Bengal lounge menu. Crafted cocktails and holiday spirits are available for purchase from the full service bar. Savour the flavours and mingle with old and new friends as anticipation builds for the countdown.
As the clock nears midnight, the celebration will move into Palm Court & Lobby Lounge, where bubbles will flow to revel in the final moments of 2023. Raise your glass and toast to future possibilities!
New Year’s Eve Black Tie Party at the Bard & Banker
Sunday, December 31, 2023
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Bard & Banker | 1022 Government St, Victoria
Ticket price $75 per person
Reservations required
We’ll be offering a curated 3-course NYE menu that includes one complimentary glass of bubbles, access to the photo booth, and party favours! Dinner guests wishing to stay past 7 all night can, with an additional charge of $20 for cover.
3 or 5 Course Dinner at the Villa Eyrie Resort
$137 per person for three course menu
$179 per person for five course menu
Both options include bread, amuse bouche and petit four
This elegant New Year’s Eve three and five course tasting menu is the perfect, upscale way to ring in the new year! Reservations required.
