Victoria Christmas — A Season of New Traditions

Christmas in Victoria is a magical time. Admire the festively Victorian Christmas decorated 19th-century storefronts that line downtown streets, decked with garlands, hanging Christmas baskets, and colourful lights and listen to strolling carollers. From November into early January, Victoria celebrates Christmas as the most wonderful time of the year with a dazzling array of special events and activities.

The Butchart Gardens:
Christmas Time
From December into January, these world-renowned gardens are highlighted by the spectacular glow of thousands of coloured lights and seasonal entertainment.

Heritage Treasures
Traditional Victorian decorations and seasonal entertainment are available at many of the city’s heritage sites including Helmcken House, Point Ellice House and Carr House.

Christmas Tours
Special tours are available throughout the season and include city tours to view the colourful glittering lights downtown, Victoria neighbourhoods, and Esquimalt Dockyards, where the ships in port are beautifully decked with lights.

The Lighted Ship Sail Past and Holiday Market
This year make the Lighted Ship Sail Past part of your family's Christmas traditions. Ship's Point will be magically transformed with a Holiday Market with holiday wares made by local artisans. There will be free hot chocolate, coffee and candy canes, carolling and brass entertainment, and a wonderful view of the Lighted Ships Sail Past.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel:
Festival of Trees
As an annual fund raiser, local businesses sponsor and decorate dozens of trees that deck the halls of this magnificent hotel.

Shopping
Victorians love to shop for special gifts, novelties, and decorations during the festive season; the city even has shops that focus on Christmas all year long. Christmas is also the season for craft sales offering hundreds of unique gifts.

Craigdarroch Castle:
Victoria Christmas
This 1890's castle comes to life with Victorian decorations, hundreds of lights, carollers and entertainment.

Horse-Drawn Carolling Tours
Enjoy the Christmas season and sing festive songs while seeing the city sights from a horse-drawn carriage.