Things to do in Victoria this December
Ho-ho-hold up, it’s December already? That’s right, the holiday season is upon us, and Greater Victoria twinkles a little brighter this time of year. Storybook gardens glow with the hue of a million holiday lights, local farms fuel family dining, and a wide array of holiday markets make finding that perfect gift for that special someone easier than ever, even if it’s a little last minute. Home to Canada’s mildest climate, Greater Victoria extends cozy season from the living room to every nook and cranny of our local communities. This December, you can explore more holiday magic, no matter where it might linger.
Holiday Events
Victoria does Christmas like nowhere else. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking light displays, twinkling Christmas trees, or inspiration for your holiday edible creations, Greater Victoria has it all wrapped up with a bow.
The Magic of Christmas
The Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada, give you more than a month to enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas. The iconic light display takes over much of Butchart’s 55-acres, including the famous Sunken Garden. While you’re there, you’ll wander winding pathways through illuminated garden spaces and discover the different scenes of the 12 Days of Christmas. Don’t miss the carollers or the outdoor ice rink to round out this holiday experience of a lifetime.
Local tip: Stop in at Butchart’s Coffee Shop and warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire following your stroll through the Gardens.
Lights of Wonder
Are you looking for some holiday fun and photos? There’s no better place to capture the magic of the season than at Lights of Wonder in downtown Victoria. This picture-perfect holiday event in Centennial Square offers up live entertainment, a Ferris wheel (starting December 19th), and an incredible holiday light display. And best yet, it’s entirely free. Don’t miss the magic running from November 29th to December 31st.
Festival of Trees
From November 14th – December 30th a holiday forest emerges in the heart of downtown Victoria as the Festival of Trees takes over the Bay Centre. Businesses from across Victoria go head-to-head in this Christmas tree decorating challenge to be named the top tree of 2025. Explore the grand hall of the Bay Centre and see the city’s creative energy on full display for the holiday season, then vote for your favourite tree.
Gingerbread Showcase
The Habitat Victoria Gingerbread Showcase is back for its 17th year at the Hotel Grand Pacific on Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour. This local Christmas tradition is too sweet to miss. Check out the gingerbread creations from an array of bakers ranging from professional to home hobbyist, as they vie for top prize in this festive bake off.
Local tip: While you’re there, don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
2025 IEOA Truck Parade
The IEOA Truck Parade is a Victoria tradition now in its 27th year. For one night, December 6th, 80 commercial truck drivers decorate their rigs in glowing lights and Christmas ornaments and travel a 35km route, spreading holiday cheer throughout Greater Victoria. This is a great one for families with children who love vehicles, as you’ll see dump trucks, crane trucks, fire trucks, coast guard vessels, mixer trucks, military trucks, and just about every other type of truck you can think of! The fun starts at Ogden Point at 5PM before winding its way through Greater Victoria to end in Royal Bay at 8PM.
Christmas Magic
With so much to see and do this holiday season, you don't want to miss the magic that is a Christmas in Victoria. This holiday season, enjoy direct travel from the Olympic Peninsula to downtown Victoria with the Black Ball Ferry Line starting from just $176 USD per person. These overnight packages include ferry, hotel stay, and admission to The Butchart Gardens along with shuttle transportation.
Markets
December is when Greater Victoria’s best local makers flex their holiday might, enjoy exploring local markets as you hunt for a unique gift for your special someone. Ranging from traditional to spellbinding and beyond, you’re certain to find just the gift you’re looking for, and probably a few others too!
‘Local Folk’ Holiday Fair at Sea Cider
The holiday season descends upon the orchard at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse’s ‘Local Folk’ Holiday Fair. This European style market runs December 6-7th and features over 45 hand-selected artisan vendors. While you shop you, you can take in live music, indulge in hot food and drink offerings, and get crafty at one of their wreath-making workshops. Filling out the holiday spirit, you’ll find carollers, festive photo shoots, ornament making stations, fire pits, a gift-wrapping station, and more (we have to leave some surprises for the big day).
Local tip: While you’re there, be sure to pick up a bottle of Sea Cider’s award-winning organic apple cider to help fill out your Christmas gift basket.
Yuletide Market Series
December marks your last shot to explore Bilston Creek Farm’s Yuletide Market Series, featuring a rotating lineup of hand-picked artisans from across our region. Set inside the barn at this picturesque Metchosin farm, you can browse the works our talented local artists, take in live music, and enjoy hot drinks for purchase from The Bilston Café. Every weekend offers something new. With only two market weekends left before Christmas, you won’t want to miss this, Nov 5-Dec 7th and Dec 12-14th.
Looking for a gift that’s a little more personal? Join the festive folks at Bilston for one of their Holiday Wreath Making Workshops at the Farm on December 2nd and 9th. Your host will guide you through everything you need to make an Instagram-worthy holiday wreath, using all natural products harvested sustainably from the property. Tickets are $105 and include your wreath and warm glass of apple cider, this event sells out fast, secure your space before they’re gone.
Orchard Market @ Junction Cidery
When it comes to holiday shopping, whether you’re the early bird who gets the worm, or the second mouse that gets the cheese, Junction Orchard & Cidery has a market for you. Join the folks at the cidery on December 7th, for the Orchard Market, where you can shop from a selection of local vendors, farmers, and makers, while listening to local musicians and maybe even enjoying some bites from local food vendors. Or if you’re one who likes to leave things to the last minute, Junction’s Holiday Market has got your back, where you can pop by for the traditional market experience on December 21st – just in the nick of time for Christmas.
44th Annual Dickens Christmas Fair
If you can’t get enough Christmas, then you don’t want to miss the Dickens Christmas Fair. This holiday staple is Victoria’s oldest and most-beloved holiday craft fair, sharing the handmade and homemade works of artisans from around Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. With over 60 vendors selling everything from toys to jewellery and fashion, you’re certain to check even the particular friends off your holiday shopping list. Join in the joy of the season at the Dickens Christmas Fair, December 6th, at the James Bay Community Centre.
Krampus Market
Bah, humbug! Are you someone naughty who is shopping for your nice list? Then do we have the holiday market for you! The first annual holiday Krampus Market brings over forty local vendors to the Fernwood Community Centre, December 6th, for a folklore infused holiday shopping spectacle. Peruse one-of-a-kind, hand-made goods, enter to win door prizes, and even get your picture taken with Krampus himself at this holiday market that’s perfect for Grinches, or those looking for something a little different this holiday season.
Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair
Tape up those glasses, tuck your shirt in, and grab your favourite argyle vest, because the Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair is back, and this year, it’s geekier than ever! Think video games, anime, comic books, and fantasy adorned goods, all handmade by local artists. Let your inner nerd run wild, December 6-7th in Market Square, as you shop for multi-sided dice, jewellery, crochet, local art, and much more, all while supporting a great cause, as 100% of proceeds from ticket sales support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
Merry Witches Yule Market
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean we have to put our brooms away. The Merry Witches Yule Market invites all for the witchiest holiday market of the season, Saturday, December 13th. So, grab that pointed hat and your best black robes and make your way to the Prospect Lake Community Hall for a Christmas coven. Admission is free, the first 30 guests will receive special spell kits, and witches can enter to win in hourly draw prizes.
Punk Holiday Market
We all have that one person that’s impossible to shop for. They’ve got black leather boots, studded bracelets, and a bright green mohawk… Sound familiar? Then you’re in luck, because the Punk Holiday Market is back and its bigger, louder, and merrier than ever before. This is the perfect spot to find that gift for the hardcore, hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Mosh your way to the Da Vinci Centre on December 20th for a crusty Christmas market like no other.
Music
With sweater weather upon us, there’s no better time to duck into one of Victoria’s concert halls and enjoy Victoria’s vibrant live music scene. Cozy up with those you love and enjoy classical Christmas tunes or grab your buddies and rock out to a Canadian indie icon.
Mac Demarco with guest Vicky Farewell
Island-born, Mac DeMarco returns to his roots as he takes over the Royal Theatre for a one-night show. Mac’s slacker rock style perfectly encapsulates the laid-back energy of Island life. This modern, Canadian rock icon brings his unmistakeable vibes to Victoria, Friday, December 19th. Get your tickets, while you can, as many dates on his world-wide tour have sold out.
Brett Smith-Daniels w/ Very Special Guests
For one night only, the internationally renowned guitarist, praised by some of the music industries finest as “the future of Rock N’ Roll”, takes to the stage to blow the roof off the McPherson Playhouse. What’s more, he’s a Victoria local! Brett Smith Daniels brings his iconic stage show home to Victoria, and he’s brought some friends along including OkGO drummer Dan Konopka, rising star Ayla Tesler-Mabé, Vancouver’s “Chase the Bear”, and a few surprise guests that you’ll have to be there to see. Brett hits the stage December 11th, don’t miss out.
COOKEILIDH Making Spirits Bright!
It’s Christmas gone Celtic at COOKLEILIDH Making Spirits Bright! This heartfelt concert celebrates the season, blending old and new, filling the air with wonder and warmth. Throughout the evening, you’ll experience a blend of traditional carolling, modern music, and Celtic & Maritime favourites that are sure to give you those “back home” feelings you thought only a kitchen party could deliver. Stomp, clap, and sing your way to the holiday season, December 13th at the Mary Winspear Centre with COOKEILIDH.
Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas Concerts
There’s no place like home for the holidays. The historic Royal Theatre welcomes Daniel Lapp for his beloved Home for Christmas Concerts, December 17th and 18th. These 90-minute performances are full of festive cheer, as Daniel Lapp leads a group of student and faculty musicians from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, through an unforgettable night of Christmas music. Supporting Daniel will be the BC Fiddle Orchestra, the Joy of Life Choir, and the Shiny H’ornaments, Swing’n Shepherds, and the Strings of Lights house band.
Performing Arts
December takes centre stage in Victoria with an array of performances ranging from dance to drag. Grab your friends and family and put wonder at the top of your holiday wish list.
Ballet Victoria presents The Gift of the Nutcracker
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the timeless retelling of the Nutcracker. This year, Ballet Victoria returns to the stage with their friends from the Victoria Symphony for a fabulous new take on the classic story. Watch as whimsical ballerinas twist, twirl, and pirouette their way through the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets following Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King.
Little Dickens presented by Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes
Christmas isn’t just for children. If you like your holiday season a little rough around the edges, do we have just the thing for you. Little Dickens hits the stage at the Belfry Theatre from December 2-21st for an R-Rated comedic retelling of the classic Christmas Story. Performed by the Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, the story follows Ebeneezer Scrooge, played by faded theatrical diva Esmé Massengill, who slinks, sulks, and slanders her co-stars throughout the performance. Ronnie Burkett is a Canadian theatre icon, who has won the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.
Gay AF Christmas Spectacular!
Ready for a holi-slay to remember? The Gay AF Christmas Spectacular is decking the halls at The Vicious Poodle with a glitter-bomb of stand-up, drag, and musical comedy (because your funny bone deserves a festive workout!). Snag your tickets quick, before Santa grabs them all and leaves you on the naughty list!
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