The holiday season on Vancouver Island is nothing short of magical. From twinkling lights in Victoria BC to charming events in Sooke, Sidney, and beyond, the Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island becomes a special kind of Canadian winter wonderland filled with the Christmas spirit–even with minimal snow! Whether you’re staying in Victoria, enjoying the seaside charm of Sooke, or exploring the quaint town of Sidney, there’s no shortage of festive fun!
For a cozy, memorable holiday experience, EMR Vacation Rentals offers luxurious accommodations across Vancouver Island, perfect for families, couples, and groups! Stay in one of our comfortable homes with a fully equipped kitchen, warm up by the fireplace, or relax in a hot tub after a day of exploring the island’s festive events.
Ready to make this Christmas special? Here’s your guide to the best events and activities happening across Victoria and beyond.
Christmas in Victoria: Festive Events & Activities
Festival of Trees
The Bay Centre | November 15th to January 5th
Cost: Free to view; donations welcome for voting
Good for: Families, couples, anyone looking for a festive activity!
Time: mall opening hours
The annual Festival of Trees at The Bay Centre is a must to see, with beautifully decorated Christmas trees that help raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital. It’s a wonderful way to start the holiday season in the heart of Victoria!
Lights of Wonder
Centennial Square | November 30th to December 31st
Cost: Free
Good for: Families, couples, all ages
Time: 5 PM to 9 PM (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)
In Centennial Square, experience Lights of Wonder, where the square is transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland. Enjoy light displays, including tunnels and a giant Christmas tree, along with live entertainment for the whole family.
Inner Harbour Light Walk
Cost: Free
Good for: Families, romantic strolls, sightseeing
Time: After dark, until sunrise
If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve, this is it! Take a walk along Victoria’s Inner Harbour, where the Empress Hotel, Royal BC Museum, Parliament Buildings, and boats in the harbour are adorned with sparkling Christmas lights. Stop by a local coffee shop for some hot chocolate as you take in the holiday spirit!
Gingerbread Showcase
Hotel Grand Pacific | November 22nd to January 5th
Cost: By donation
Good for: Families, kids, gingerbread lovers
Time: 9 AM to 9 PM
Marvel at elaborate gingerbread creations at the Gingerbread Showcase at Hotel Grand Pacific. This deliciously festive event supports Habitat for Humanity and is a family favourite during the holiday season.
Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel
Fairmont Empress | Throughout December
Cost: $109, children $60
Location: Lobby Lounge
Good for: Couples, groups, those looking for a classic experience
Time: 6AM to 4PM
Indulge in afternoon tea at the iconic Empress Hotel, where you can enjoy a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, and festive treats. This elegant experience is a hallmark of the holiday season in Victoria BC but tables are booked fast so make your reservations today!
Carriage Rides & Carriage Tours
Downtown Victoria | December 1st to 31st
Cost: $165 to $275
Good for: Couples, families, romantic outings
Time: various times
Experience the magic of the season with carriage rides through the twinkling streets of downtown Victoria. Whether you opt for carolling in Saanichton or light tours in Victoria, this is the perfect way to take in the festive charm of Vancouver Island!
Festive Events Outside of Victoria
The Langford Station’s Winter Village Market
Langford Station | December 7th, 2024
Cost: Free
Good for: Families, holiday shoppers, kids, all ages
Time: 3 PM – 8 PM
Highlights: Tree lighting, Santa & Mrs. Claus photo booth, live music, characters like The Grinch and Elsa & Anna from Frozen, cookie decorating, a crafts station, hot chocolate and festive treats!
Get ready for a festive evening at The Langford Station’s Winter Village Market! This family-friendly event, hosted in collaboration with the City of Langford, brings together holiday cheer, local shopping, and live entertainment!
Looking for more Christmas events in Langford? Keep your eye out on the community events calendar!
Handmade Holiday Market
Sooke Arts Council Gallery | November 13th – December 22nd (Wednesday to Sunday)
Cost: free
Good For: anyone looking for unique, handmade gifts!
Time: 11AM to 4PM
If you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list this year, you’ll want to head to this holiday market! With tons of artisans selling handmade goods, you can feel good about supporting local artists and buy quality gifts!
The Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay | December 1st, 2024 – January 6th, 2025
Cost: Admission prices vary; check the Butchart Gardens website for details
Good for: Families, couples, garden lovers, all ages
Time: 3 PM – 9 PM daily
Experience the magic of the holiday season at The Butchart Gardens, one of Canada’s most iconic attractions. During the Christmas season, the gardens are transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays, and the enchanting Twelve Days of Christmas display. Stroll through the beautifully lit gardens, enjoy festive Christmas music, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at one of the garden’s cozy cafes.
Visitors can also glide across the outdoor skating rink or enjoy a special afternoon tea, surrounded by the festive charm of this historic site. With traditional carollers adding to the Christmas spirit, a visit to The Butchart Gardens is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends!
Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade & Sailpast
Downtown Sidney | December 8th
Cost: Free
Good for: Families, parade lovers, all ages
Time: Parade 5 PM, Sailpast 6 PM
Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate and head to downtown Sidney to watch the annual Sidney Sparkles Parade! This festive event features lit up floats and floats and local performers, followed by a Sailpast of boats decked out in Christmas lights. If you’re staying anywhere near Sidney this holiday season, the parade is a must!
Christmas Markets Across Vancouver Island
Deck the Halls at Cowichan Exhibition
Cowichan Exhibition Grounds | November 22nd, 23rd & 24th, 2024
Cost: $5 per person (kids under 12 free)
Good for: Families, holiday shoppers, craft lovers
Time: Friday: 12PM – 6PM, Saturday: 10AM – 4PM & Sunday: 10AM – 4PM
Join the Deck the Halls event at the Cowichan Exhibition for two days of festive fun and holiday shopping! This annual market brings together local vendors, artisans, and crafters showcasing unique handmade gifts, holiday decor, and seasonal treats. Stroll through the market, enjoy festive decorations, and shop for one-of-a-kind items perfect for your holiday celebrations.
With a wide variety of vendors and fun activities for all ages, Deck the Halls is the ideal spot to kick off your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses in the Cowichan Valley. It’s a family-friendly event full of Christmas spirit, and you won’t want to miss it!
Christmas in Parksville & Qualicum Beach
There are lots of holiday events and markets around Parksville and Qualicum Beach this year! Here are two of our favourite markets in the area and if you’re looking for a full list, you can find it here!
A Very, Merry Christmas Market
Qualicum Beach Community Hall | December 1st, 2024
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Good for: Families, holiday shoppers, those who love local artisans
Time: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
Celebrate the season at A Very, Merry Christmas Market in Qualicum Beach! This local artisan market features a variety of handmade goods, live music, and a free raffle—all in support of the Oceanside Hospice Society. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up unique, handcrafted holiday gifts while supporting a great cause. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, meet local artisans, and get into the Christmas spirit with your community.
WinterFest Craft Fair
Qualicum Beach Civic Centre | November 15th – 17th, 2024
Cost: $4 for a three-day pass (portion of proceeds supports local organizations)
Good for: Families, craft lovers, holiday shoppers
Time: Friday & Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
Find the perfect handmade gifts at WinterFest Craft Fair in Qualicum Beach. This event brings together talented artisans offering a wide selection of clothing, jewellery, art, home decor, gourmet food items, and more. Take a break from shopping to enjoy live entertainment, complimentary drinks, snacks, and a student art showcase. This three-day event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and support local businesses while finding special holiday gifts.
Cumberland Museum & Archives WinterFaire Market
Downtown Cumberland | November 16th – 17th, 2024
Cost: $5 suggested donation for a weekend wristband (supports the Cumberland Museum & Archives)
Good for: Families, local shoppers, craft lovers, anyone in the holiday spirit
Time: Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
Get into the holiday spirit at the Cumberland Museum & Archives WinterFaire Market, a two-day celebration of community and creativity! Spread across three vibrant venues in downtown Cumberland, this annual market features over 75 local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, homemade treats, and festive music. It’s the perfect place to find unique holiday gifts while supporting local artisans and the Cumberland Museum & Archives.
With live music, door prizes, and a lively holiday atmosphere, WinterFaire is more than just a market—it’s a celebration of the festive season. Bring your family and friends for a weekend full of shopping, entertainment, and community spirit.
Holiday Performances & Shows
Christmas at the Castle
Craigdarroch Castle | December 1st – 31st, 2024
Cost: Tour ticket prices vary, check the Castle’s website for details
Good for: Families, history lovers, Victorian enthusiasts, music lovers
Time: Check calendar and ticket purchase for specific days and times
Experience the magic of the holidays at Craigdarroch Castle, a Canadian historic site that brings Victorian Christmas traditions to life. From December 1st, enjoy a self-guided tour through the Castle, where you’ll discover authentic Victorian toys, decorations, and traditions that embody the true Christmas spirit.
Special events include Cookeilidh’s Celtic Christmas on December 31st, where you’ll be treated to a festive performance filled with traditional and modern Celtic holiday tunes. Beginning on December 15th, don’t miss A Christmas Carol, where Jason Stevens channels the Dickensian spirit in this enchanting retelling of the holiday classic within the historic Castle walls.
The Nutcracker
Royal Theatre, Victoria | December 28th to 30th
Quick Look:
Cost: $49.50 to $129
Good for: Families, ballet enthusiasts
Time: Friday: 7:30PM, Saturday: 2:00PM & Sunday: 2:00PM
Watch The Nutcracker at the Royal Theatre in Victoria BC, a classic holiday tradition brought to life with stunning performances and dazzling costumes. It’s the perfect outing for the whole family.
Cinderella the Panto
Mary Winspear Centre | December 21st – 23rd & 26th – 28th, 2024
Cost: Adults $25.20, Students/Seniors $19.95
Good for: Families, theatre lovers, all ages
Time: Multiple showtimes
Enjoy the magical holiday tradition of Cinderella the Panto, presented by the Peninsula Players at the Mary Winspear Centre. Written by Ben Crocker, this lively performance features classic pantomime fun, including music, dancing, and plenty of audience interaction. Cheer for Cinderella and the “goodies” while booing the “baddies” in true panto style!
With an enchanting cast of characters, including Prince Charming, Cinderella, and her wicked step-sisters Beryl and Cheryl, this humorous and heartwarming show is perfect for all ages. Don’t miss this delightful holiday performance, filled with magic, mischief, and unforgettable moments.
Get Ready for a Great Holiday Season in Victoria!
From the twinkling lights of downtown Victoria to the festive markets and celebrations in Sooke, Sidney, and Langford, Vancouver Island is the perfect destination for a magical Christmas getaway. Whether you’re enjoying afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, taking a carriage ride through the streets of Victoria, or exploring local crafts at WinterFest in Langford, the island offers something for everyone during the holiday season.
No matter where your holiday plans take you, EMR Vacation Rentals provides the ideal home away from home. With luxurious amenities like fully equipped kitchens, cozy fireplaces, and hot tubs, you can relax in comfort after a day of festive fun. Book your stay today and experience the best of Christmas on Vancouver Island—a Canadian winter wonderland filled with the Christmas spirit.
