10 Ways to celebrate Christmas in Victoria, BC
In a city that does the holidays as well as Victoria, it can be tough to choose which events you need to see, here’s our guide to a few of our favourite holiday happenings around the city.
4-minute read
Updated October 9, 2026
The Christmas season has arrived with bells on, and Victoria, BC, is the ideal place to enjoy a festive holiday experience. While there are dozens of Christmas events taking place in Victoria this month, here are ten spirited ideas to get you started.
1. Explore a festive castle
During the holiday season, Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum, in Victoria's historic Rockland neighbourhood, rolls out the festive splendour. This opulent bonanza castle bursts into the holiday season with garland, wreaths, bows, and Christmas trees, and it's truly a a sight to behold. Explore restored rooms with heirloom furniture as you discover the many stories that lie within the walls.
2. Feast (your eyes) on tempting gingerbread treats
Check out the annual Gingerbread Showcase at the Hotel Grand Pacific, on Belleville Street, where everything is made from 100-percent edible materials and you can vote for your favourite gingerbread creation. This is a fun way to see Victoria's creative spirit come to life, while supporting a good cause. This sweet celebration runs November 20th to January 3rd.
3. Join in the festive light ups and parades
There's no better way to get in to the spirit than watching a festive parade! Kick off the holiday season with the Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade presented by Chek Media on November 28th. See Santa, Mrs. Claus, trucks decked out in holiday lights, and marching music on display at the community celebration of the season. The parade starts at 5:30PM, but you'll want to get down a little earlier to find your spot.
4. Enjoy stress-free boutique Christmas shopping
Christmas shopping doesn't need to be a chore! Take a leisurely stroll through Victoria's boutique shopping district, Lower Johnson, or "LoJo" as it's known by locals. There, you'll find an array of shops ranging from clothing to jewellery, wellness, and more. Just across the way is Market Square, which is loaded with a mix of eclectic shops and restaurants, to fuel up for your shopping spree.
Local tip: Discover a treasure trove of quirky boutiques on Fan Tan Alley, Canada's narrowest street.
5. Take a sleigh boat ride
Every Christmas the Victoria Harbour Ferry Co. decks their vessels out in holiday cheer, when their fun little Pickle Boats are wrapped in holiday lights and set out on evening tours to explore the Inner Harbour. This is a wonderful way to see Victoria's dazzling holiday light displays, through a different lens, out on the water, where the city's charm twinkles across the waves.
6. Take a yuletide walking tour
Learn about ghosts of Christmases past and how the festive season was celebrated in the mid-1800s Victoria on a walking tour with Ghostly Walks. Bundle up for a spooky walk along Victoria's historic streets on the popular 90-minute Ghosts of Christmas Past tour. You'll hear about a Songhees legend, a Christmas Eve murder and the "White Lady" of Bastion Square who is said to have made her first appearance at Christmas in 1861.
Local tip: If getting scared isn't your thing and you would rather enjoy a spook-free walking tour, opt instead for the Christmas in Old Town walking tour.
7. Lace up your skates
All throughout December, the Magic of Christmas at The Butchart Gardens, in Brentwood Bay, features fabulous illuminations, live holiday music, ice skating and festive dining. Be sure to explore some of The Gardens signature spaces glowing with millions of festive lights as the space takes on a 12 Days of Christmas holiday theme, before hitting the rink.
Local tip: No car? No problem! Hop aboard Gray Line Sightseeing's Butchart Gardens experience which includes round-trip transportation to the Gardens as well as your admission.
8. Sip a festive libation
If you're looking for a distinctive gift for a spirit connoisseur, try Sheringham Distillery's "Akvavit." It's a Nordic spirit created using BC organic white wheat, malted barley and local botanicals including hand-harvested winged kelp from Vancouver Island. A favourite Sheringham stocking stuffer for dad is their Single Grain Canadian Whisky.
Local tip: Head out to Sheringham's Langford distillery at 4832 West Shore Parkway, or find them on the shelves of most local liquor stores.
9. Indulge in seasonal treats
Indulge in the Fairmont Empress' famous festive themed Tea at The Empress. This decadent festive tea features sumptuous seasonal favourites such as mini Christmas fruit cake with marzipan butter frosting, candy cane macarons and zesty almond Florentines. Or, settle in on their Veranda next to a fire table, roasting s'mores, indulging in rich fondue, and sipping winter themed cocktails.
10. Stop for a photo op at the Parliament Buildings
Make it a picture perfect holidays that's fit for a postcard with a stop at the BC Parliament Buildings. Located right on the Inner Harbour, along Belleville Street, these iconic buildings are adorned with thousands of holiday lights come Christmastime. Be sure to stop by to snap a few holiday photos for the photo album at one of British Columbia's most iconic landmarks.
Want even more?
If you’re still looking for more great ideas, check out the Christmas events calendar or our things to do page. There’s no shortage of fun, holiday activities for the whole family in Victoria.
Alleviate some holiday stress and make your Christmas merry and bright, with the help of a local restaurant! Here are some eateries in Victoria who are offering dine-in or take-out for one of the most special meals of the year.
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