During the holiday season, Victoria lights up with old-fashioned charm. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best that Christmas in Victoria has to offer.
Oak Bay Christmas Festival Light Up
Nov 29th – 4pm
Kick off the holiday season with an evening of fun in Oak Bay Village. Join the Oak Bay locals for musical entertainment, street entertainment, roasted chestnuts and hundreds of lights throughout the Village. Listen to the Town Crier read the official proclamation and have your picture taken with Santa Claus as he listens to your Christmas wishes.
27th Annual Out of Hand Artisan Fair
Nov 27th-29th
Held in the beautiful Crystal Gardens, the Out of Hand artisan fair presents fine crafts, artisan foods, and one-of-a-kind fashions from some of BC’s most creative artisans. Special events may include fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, author signings, mini-makeovers, and live entertainment. From food and fashion to home décor and art, the Out of Hand Fair has a little bit of everything for the seasonal shopper. Tickets cost $8 at the door and seniors and students receive a $1 discount and kids under 16
GO FREE!
Christmas Starlight Cinema
December – Tues & Wed evenings, 6pm
Pull up a lawn chair and a blanket at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe for an evening of Christmas-themed movie action underneath the stars! Movies are free (although donations to Santa’s Anonymous are appreciated), heaters are provided, and in the event of rain, the showing will be moved indoors. Don’t miss this opportunity to cuddle up to your loved ones and enjoy some Christmas cheer on the Inner Harbour.
December 1 – A Christmas Story
December 2 – Ice Age
December 8 – Elf
December 9 – Home Alone
December 15 – Polar Express
December 16 – It’s A Wonderful Life
2015 IEOA Lighted Truck Parade
Dec 5th – 5:45 pm
A parade of lighted trucks, decorated by their owners! The convoy will drive from Ogden Point all the way to the Western Communities, and is expected at Yates and Blanshard at approximately 6:30-7:00 pm. It moves quickly so don’t miss it! Drop off points along the route will collect food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
Winter Farmer’s Market
Wednesdays – Ongoing
The Victoria Public Market hosts a Farmer’s Market all winter from November to April, providing artisans and local growers opportunities to promote and sell produce and handcrafted goods in a vibrant atmosphere. Come on down to get your fresh veggies or a gift for that special someone on your Christmas Gift list!
Driving Tour of Victoria’s Christmas Lights
Dec – early Jan
During the holiday season, Victoria lights up as its residents bedeck their dwellings with decorations of all kinds. Some streets even collaborate to create stunning Christmas displays. A self-guided driving tour of the city’s lights can make for a perfect holiday evening. Streets of note include Alan Road, Ponderosa Crescent, and Tuxedo Drive.
Father Christmas in the Royal BC Museum’s Old Town
Fri-Sun, Dec 4th-20th
Where better a place to whisper your wishes in Father Christmas’s ear than the decorated street of Old Town? The Royal BC Museum is inviting you to share your holiday wishes and have your photo taken to preserve the special moment. You can also stop in at the museum’s special exhibition for the Christmas season – Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015.
Craigdarroch Castle presents A Christmas Carol
Dec 3rd-23rd
Craigdarroch Castle is a magical place, but during the holidays it lights up with Christmas cheer. Adorned for a traditional Victorian Christmas, it is the perfect setting for a reproduction of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Back by popular demand, Jason Stevens presents a one-man adaptation of the classical holiday tale.
Slightly farther out of town are two holiday must-see events! If you have a car, they are well worth the extra drive:
Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas
Dec 1st – Jan 6th
Christmas lights, holiday wreaths, caroling, ice skating, festive dining—it’s a magical time to visit Butchart Gardens. Enjoy the traditions of the season with the special Twelve Days of Christmas displays placed throughout the gardens. Evenings can get quite cool, so make sure to dress warm. Kids can even exchange a homemade paper snowflake for a cup of hot chocolate!
Sidney Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 6th – 5:30pm
Every year, hundreds of people flock to the shoreline of Sidney to view a parade of lighted ships. It’s one of the most special (and sometimes the funniest) sights of the season, as each boat’s crew strives to out-do the next with fantastical Christmas decorations and lights bedecking their beloved boats. It’s a great night out for all ages!
For other things to do for Christmas in Victoria, check out the following:
A Christmas Carol, Belfry Theatre (Dec 1-20)
Canada’s National Gingerbread Showcase, Inn at Laurel Point (Nov 21-Jan 3)
DVBA Ferris Wheel, Centennial Square (Fri-Sun, Nov 23-Dec 22)
Festival of Trees, The Bay Centre (Nov 18-Jan 5)
Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour (Fri/Sat, Dec 1-31)