The holidays are a wonderful time to relax and spend time with loved ones, whether you’re planning to keep up existing traditions or make some new ones. Here are some ideas for things to do in Victoria this Christmas Day. 

Please note: Restaurants in Victoria are usually very busy on Christmas Day! If you are planning to eat out, please call ahead and make a reservation if possible. 

1. Start with Brunch 

Victoria’s brunch culture doesn’t take the day off for Christmas. This year, enjoy an elevated brunch experience at Lure Restaurant or a west coast-inspired buffet brunch at The Pacific Restaurant with lots of fresh, local ingredients. Aura Waterfront Restaurant and Patio is another holiday favourite; their brunch is already sold out but they will be open for breakfast between 8:00 am and 10:00 am! 

Image: Brunch at Lure, by @themarcsmith on Instagram

2. Attend a Christmas Service

Visit Christ Church Cathedral for a Christmas service at 8 am or 10:30 am. The second service is especially for families and will include a special Children’s Talk.

Images: Christ Church Cathedral

3. Have Lunch Out

Who says you have to eat turkey on Christmas? Head to Victoria favourite Don Mee Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown for some epic dim sum, and follow your meal with a meandering walk through Chinatown’s colourful alleys and shops. 

Image: @clemjdb on Instagram

4. Enjoy an Afternoon at The Butchart Gardens

The Magic of Christmas is in full swing right now at The Butchart Gardens, so now is the perfect time to visit. They’ll be open on Christmas Day from 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Start with afternoon tea in the Dining Room, followed by a leisurely stroll through the Gardens to see thousands of lights, hear festive brass and traditional carollers (from 5 pm), and maybe even take a spin on their outdoor skating rink.

Tip: The 12 Days of Christmas Display is placed throughout the Gardens – see if you can spot all of them as you explore!

Image: The Butchart Gardens

5. Hit the Beach…

There aren’t many places in Canada where you can visit the beach on Christmas Day without being bundled up in snow gear. In Victoria, many locals and visitors choose to take advantage of our temperate weather and gorgeous scenery with a stroll along Dallas Road or Willows Beach. For families, Cadboro-Gyro Park is a great place to let the kids burn off some energy from all those holiday treats.

Image: Winter sunset at Willows Beach

6. …Or the Slopes

Vancouver Island’s own Mount Washington Alpine Resort has just opened for the season, and they’ve got tons of snow already! About a three-hour drive north of Victoria, you can opt for a  day trip or choose to skip the business of Boxing Day with an overnight visit on Christmas. With lots of open, mellow terrain for beginner skiers and riders and some more challenging areas for those who are more advanced, a visit to Mount Washington is a great way to be active and enjoy the best of winter on the island.

Image: Mount Washington Alpine Resort

7. Skip the Dishes

There’s no need to feel guilty if you don’t want to cook a Christmas dinner! This year, let the professionals handle the cooking with a festive meal at Clive’s Classic Lounge, Nautical Nellie’s Steak & Seafood House, or 10 Acres Bistro. The Fairmont Empress Chrismas Day dinner is already sold out, but Q at the Empress will be open, so you can sip on a festive cocktail while enjoying their beautiful holiday decorations. Remember: Reservations are strongly recommended at all restaurants in Victoria on Christmas Day!

Image: Fairmont Empress

#FindChristmasHere