Aaah, the holidays. It’s the time of year that conjures up images of large family gatherings, magical snowmen, copious amounts of hot chocolate, decadent food, and endless strings of Christmas lights that twinkle through the long wintery nights. This year in Victoria, British Columbia, the Christmas season kicks off with some exceptional light festivals around the capital city!
Whether you’re visiting Victoria for a winter getaway or exploring the nearby areas, now is the perfect time to book an EMR Vacation Rental and enjoy one of our cozy vacation homes while taking in the holiday cheer!
So, bundle up, grab a cocoa to go, hop in the car, and check out how Victoria is lighting up the magic of the holidays!
The Butchart Gardens
800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC | 1-250-652-4422
Date: December 1st – January 6th, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (viewing until 10:00 PM), closed on Christmas Day
Tickets: $37.00 for adults 18+ | $18.50 for youth (13–17)| $5.00 for children (5–12) | 12 Month Passes & discounts available. Book tickets here!
Pro Tips: Book your tickets early because this festive event sells out quickly! If you’re travelling with kids, feel free to bring strollers and pack snacks and extra layers for those chilly nights and long concession lineups! Pets are welcome after 8pm.
What to Expect: With twinkling lights, a Twelve Days of Christmas display, live carolers, festive brass bands, and an outdoor ice rink, the Butchart Gardens is the undisputed master of Christmas cheer on south Vancouver Island! When you’re done touring the lights (or before you head in) grab a hot drink and a delicious snack and take in this winter wonderland!
The Festival of Trees
1150 Douglas St, Victoria, BC | 250-952-5690
Date: November 17th – January 3rd, 2024
Time: During The Bay Centre’s operating hours
Tickets: Free entry, all donations go to the BC Children’s Hospital
Pro Tip: Travelling with kids? This is a great event for you and your kids to find your favourite tree! Bring cash or use the available QR codes for easy donations to BC Children’s Hospital while voting for your favourite tree!
What to Expect: During the Christmas season the bay Centre is a great place to go for a holiday cheer! The high ceilings drip with twinkling lights, bannisters are decked with garlands and ribbons and the mall is filled with Christmas trees! Decorated by local businesses and organizations, the trees are part of a fundraiser for BC Children’s Hospital, and visitors can vote for their favourite while enjoying the seasonal decor and doing some holiday shopping.
The Lights of Wonder
Centennial Square, 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC | 250-385-5711
Date: November 15th – December 31st, 2024
Time: Thursdays – Sundays 4pm – 9pm, Fridays & Saturdays 4pm – 10pm
Tickets: Free entry
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday evening to avoid the weekend crowds and get better photo opportunities at the light tunnels!
What to Expect: Located in Centennial Square, Lights of Wonder is an interactive and family-friendly holiday light display featuring themed light installations, food vendors, and live music performances! The 40-foot Christmas tree is the centrepiece of the event, and visitors can explore the surrounding light tunnels and displays while enjoying snacks from local food trucks.
The Inner Harbour & Government Street Lights
Inner Harbour, Downtown Victoria, BC
Date: November – January
Time: Sunset – sunrise
Tickets: Free
Pro Tip: For a picture-perfect holiday photo, head to the lower harbour walkway for an unobstructed view of the Parliament Buildings lit up in all their glory!
What to Expect: The Inner Harbour and Government Street are iconic parts of downtown Victoria, and during the holiday season, they are lit up with festive lights that capture the magic of the season. Take a stroll along the harbour, admire the beautifully decorated Empress Hotel, and enjoy the Christmas lights reflecting off the water.
Santa Claus Parade & IEOA Truck Light Convoy
Starts: Belleville and Government | Ends: Victoria Public Market
Date: November 30, 2024
Time: 5:00PM
Tickets: Free entry; donations of non-perishable food items encouraged
What to Expect: The annual Santa Claus Parade is a beloved tradition in Victoria, kicking off the holiday season with a convoy of brightly lit trucks and vehicles! The parade runs through downtown Victoria and ends with a festive holiday plaza where families can enjoy entertainment and take photos with Santa.
Neighbourhood Displays
Date: Throughout December
Tickets: Free
What to Expect: One of the easiest ways to get into the holiday spirit is to take yourself on a Christmas lights tour! Drive or walk through neighbourhoods and check out all the amazing Christmas displays! These homes go to great lengths to set up their elaborate light displays and they’re a must see during the holiday season!
Popular areas include the Downtown core, Royal Oak, Gordon Head, Oaklands, and Fairfield.
Not sure where to start?
The Times Colonist publishes an interactive Christmas lights map each year to show you exactly where to go to see the incredible displays of lights around Greater Victoria!
Here are some of our favourite areas to check out Christmas lights!
- Downtown Victoria
- Royal Oak
- Gordon Head and UVIC area
- Oaklands
- Cadboro Bay
- Fairfield/Oak Bay area
Christmas Light Displays Beyond Victoria
If you’re venturing outside of Victoria, there are some beautiful displays worth checking out:
Sooke & Sidney: Sooke’s Canadian charm shines with an annual Santa Run and displays around the region and Sidney Sparkles parade lights up its waterfront into a holiday wonderland!
Cowichan Valley: Known for its vineyards and farms, the valley features smaller but picturesque light displays that capture the holiday spirit! Check out downtown Duncan and charming Chemainus for Christmas lights and local shopping. If you want a real treat, book tickets for the BC Forest Discovery Center’s Christmas Train and check out Ladysmith’s stunning Festival of Lights for one of the best holiday light-ups on Vancouver Island!
Nanaimo: Visit the Old City Quarter for some classic light displays, checkout the surrounding neighbourhoods (Christmas lights map) and keep an eye on the tourism calendar for more events!
Parksville & Qualicum Beach: Well known for their incredible beaches, during the holiday you can also enjoy some fantastic light up the city events–perfect for the whole family!
Comox Valley: Comox’s charming town centre is filled with twinkling lights, and if you’re looking for a snowy evening walk, the Kitty Coleman Gardens are perfect for a festive stroll!
Where to Stay to Enjoy the Lights in Victoria
Stay close to the action: Book an EMR vacation rental in downtown Victoria, Saanich, or Sidney for easy access to Christmas light displays, holiday markets, and festive events!
Enjoy a warm retreat: With amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and ocean views, you can unwind in style and comfort after exploring the festive lights of Greater Victoria.
Looking for a great Victoria vacation rental? EMR offers a variety of luxurious and comfortable properties perfect for your Christmas getaway! Whether you’re looking for a downtown condo near the Lights of Wonder display in Centennial Square, a cozy property in Sidney for easy access to The Butchart Gardens, or a waterfront retreat near the Inner Harbour’s sparkling lights, EMR Vacation Rentals provides the ideal home away from home!
With fully equipped kitchens, cozy fireplaces, breathtaking views, and incredible locations, our properties make the perfect spots to relax after a day of holiday adventures!
Where to Stay Beyond Victoria
Planning to extend your holiday getaway beyond Victoria? EMR Vacation Rentals also offers stunning vacation rentals all across Vancouver Island! Whether you’re exploring charming holiday light displays or storm watching along the coast, our homes are perfect for a serene holiday retreat! Enjoy cozy evenings by the fire, prepare holiday meals in fully equipped kitchens, and experience the beauty of Vancouver Island in winter!
Check out our property listings in:
and
Lighting Up the Holidays on Vancouver Island
Victoria truly shines during the holiday season! The dazzling array of Christmas light displays will fill your heart with holiday joy.
Whether you’re wandering through the magical glow of The Butchart Gardens, exploring the festive streets of downtown Victoria, or discovering hidden gems in neighbourhoods and nearby towns, everyone can enjoy these light displays!
Make the most of your visit by staying with EMR Vacation Rentals! With us, comfort, luxury, and the magic of the holidays come together. From cozy properties in the heart of Victoria to serene retreats across Vancouver Island, EMR Vacation Rentals ensures that your holiday getaway is both relaxing and memorable. So get ready to come and experience the magic of Christmas on Vancouver Island—your unforgettable holiday adventure awaits!