2020 Holiday Activities in Greater Victoria

This year’s celebrations may look a little different, however, you can still embrace seasonal cheer! Here’s what’s on offer this holiday season in Greater Victoria.

Please note that all businesses mentioned have taken the necessary steps to adapt their business to safely serve you during this time. Please check directly with the business you wish to visit for their COVID-19 safety protocols.

Now is the time for us to stay local and support local businesses with your immediate household or bubble.

12th Annual Gingerbread Showcase

November 21 – January 3

Check out the work of professional and amateur bakers showing off their creative abilities at the annual Gingerbread Showcase, supporting Habitat for Humanity Victoria. This year’s theme is “Coastal Living.” This year’s showcase will be hosted at ten locations around the community. Find more here. 

Christmas on the Veranda

November 20 – January 2  | Friday, Saturday & Sunday | 4:00 p.m.

Overlooking the sparkling Inner Harbour, gather around the fire and enjoy seasonal beverages, festive treats and s’ mores at the Fairmont Empress! Outdoor heaters and blankets will keep you toasty.

Christmas Cocktails in the Q at The Empress

November 20 – January 2 | Monday-Sunday | 11:00 a.m.

Unwind and taste the curated holiday bar menu, bursting with modern versions of classic holiday cocktails at the Q Bar in the Empress Hotel.

Festive Tea at The Empress

December 5 & 12 | Daily December 19 – January 2 |

The Empress’s signature afternoon tea tier is reimagined for the holiday season to include holiday sweets and treats. Enjoy local carolers singing traditional holiday songs on select dates in December from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle

December 1 – 31 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Providing a unique glimpse into authentic Victorian traditions, each year Curator Bruce Davies and the museum’s staff assist long-time decorator Sherry Kerr to meticulously evoke Christmases past in the Castle’s period rooms. You’ll spot vintage toys tucked under the tree, festively decorated mantles throughout the home and a Christmas feast setting fit for Canada’s own royal family, the Dunsmuirs.

Festival of Trees

November 19 – January 5

Get into the Christmas cheer and walk through the forest of lush trees at The Bay Centre, all decorated by local businesses. Vote for your favourite and maybe cross a few names off your holiday shopping list while you’re there.

Wreath Making at Gardens at HCP

November 25 – December 6, 2020 | 10:00 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

Create a holiday wreath at the Gardens at HCP in a safe and fun environment. You will have access to a wide variety of beautiful materials, step by step instruction and a festive environment. Find out more here.

Wreath Making with Kids at Gardens at HCP

November 28, December 3 & 5 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Join this fun wreath-making session at the Gardens at HCP with your child and work together to craft a beautiful evergreen creation. Find out more here. 

Festive Brunch at Oak Bay Beach Hotel

December 1-22 | 10:00 a.m.

Indulge in a private brunch experience with your household at Oak Bay Beach Hotel. Alternatively, let the Oak Bay Beach Hotel prepare a decadent festive brunch to-go for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Christmas Eve at The Bard & Banker

December 24 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Have a traditional Christmas dinner at The Bard & Banker on December 24 accompanied by live music from 7:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

New Year’s Eve at The Bard & Banker

December 31 | 5:00 -10:00p.m.

Ring in the new year (at 9:00 p.m.) at The Bard & Banker for a New Year’s Eve dinner. Reservations are recommended. 

New Year’s Day Pajama Breakfast at The Bard & Banker

January 1 | 9:00 a.m.

Head to The Bard on New Year’s Day for a breakfast buffet in your jammies. Embrace your inner child and indulge in the cereal bar and cartoons to ring in the new year.

Merridale’s Christmas at the Farm

November 20 – January 3

Located 50-minutes from downtown Victoria, discover the delights of Christmas at the Farm. Customers can wander through the orchard on the faerie walk and watch the courtyard come alive with twinkling lights and holiday displays. Savour festive farm-to-fork meals throughout the season in their eatery.

Nordic Boulevard at Uptown Shopping Centre

November 28 – January 3

This season, find 300 feet of holiday activities taking place along Uptown Boulevard. Discover the synthetic outdoor nordic inspired skating rink, road mural, igloos, A-frame chalets, a 52-foot tree and more!