10 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Victoria, B.C.
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.
The Christmas season has arrived with bells on, and Victoria, B.C., 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 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, 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.
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 29th.
On December 6, don't miss the IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive where you'll see a procession of trucks and heavy equipment looking pretty with hundreds of glittering lights and Christmas ornaments winding through Greater Victoria.
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.
Tip: Discover a treasure trove of quirky boutiques on Fan Tan Alley, Canada's narrowest street.
5. Frolick on a Ferris Wheel
After a long day's shopping, hop aboard the Christmas Ferris Wheel at Centennial Square (behind City Hall) for a well-earned rest with the best views in town. Thanks to the Downtown Victoria Business Association who put on this event each year, you'll also be able to enjoy festive entertainment and delicious local fare.
Tip: Try the audio-reactive tree, meet Santa, snap a picture with a polar bear, savour food from Victoria's local food trucks and wash it down with a local craft beer or cider.
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.
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 features fabulous illuminations, live holiday music, ice skating and festive dining.
Tip: Ice skating is a great choice for a romantic winter date!
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 B.C. organic white wheat, malted barley and local botanicals including hand-harvested winged kelp from Vancouver Island.
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, stuff your stocking with some sweet holiday treats from Martha's Delectables, who serve up some of Victoria's finest cookies.
10. Enjoy Festive Family Time in Sidney
Discover Christmas in Sidney on the Saanich Peninsula. This pretty town is transformed at Christmas: shop windows are dressed with intricate seasonal displays, carol singers stroll the streets singing holiday favourites and horse drawn carriages take guests on festive rides.
Don't miss the Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade on December 4 with colourful floats and live music followed by a procession of illuminated boats gliding through the harbour.
Bring your preschooler to the Shaw Cenrtre for the Salish Sea for a morning of fun during Tot Tuesday: Polar Adventures on Tuesday December 2nd, from 10:30-11:15AM. During this adventure you'll dive into a world of ocean themed stories, craft, and activities.
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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