Holiday Shopping

Whether you’re shopping for friends and family, or simply treating yourself, there are still some unique holiday markets that won’t disappoint. From local favourites like Moss Street Holiday Market to the highly anticipated Etsy Artisan Market, there is a bounty of places to shop for Island treasures this season.

Alternatively, explore Victoria’s quaint streets to discover local shops filled with one-of-a-kind offerings. Check out the boutiques lining Lower Johnson, the trendy shops along Government Street, or Victoria’s cool commercial spaces like The Bay Centre, Uptown and Mayfair Mall.

Image by @uptownvictoria

Celebrating Christmas

If you’re celebrating Christmas Eve or Christmas Day in Victoria, why not linger over a delicious holiday brunch, indulge in Christmas dinner at one of several local restaurants offering up holiday feasts, and then wander around The Butchart Gardens to take in The Magic of Christmas.

Image by @thebutchartgardens

Festive Events & Activities

Victoria lights up with Christmas cheer during the holiday season. From sipping hot cocoa at The Butchart Gardens and making s’mores on the veranda of The Empress, to taking in the Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square, Victoria is an enchanting place to spend this festive season.

Insider tip: find more holiday events and activities on our calendar of events.

Image by @__stephaniemj via @fairmontempress

Get Cozy

Although Victoria experiences the mildest year-round temperatures in Canada, we’re firm believers in taking advantage of the temperature shift to curl up in some of Victoria’s coziest spaces and intimate places. From wandering around intimate bookstores like Munro’s Books, to sipping warm beverages at the cozy window seat in Nourish, Victoria is filled to the brim with hyggelit spaces. Find some of Victoria’s coziest spaces rounded up here.

Image by @mybookbath

Uncover the Mysteries of Ancient Maya

Closing December 31, this is your last chance to uncover the mysteries of the Ancient Maya at The Royal BC Museum. Explore this powerful culture that rose in the tropical rainforests of Central America. While you’re there, take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago and discover Old Town decked in Christmas cheer!

Image by @royalbcmuseum

Storm Watch

Embrace the energy of the coast and take part in a favourite west coast past time: storm watching. Get close to the action walking along the Ogden Point Breakwater, hit the waves on a surfboard at Jordan River or observe from a cozy café like The Breakwater Bistro. Storm watching is a Vancouver Island experience not to miss.

Image by @bcrobby 

New Year’s Eve

Welcome the New Year in style at one of Victoria’s enchanting New Year’s Eve soirées. Whether you choose to go black tie at the Fairmont Empress, classic elegance at Midnight in Paris at Vis-à-Vis or enjoy the count down from a luxurious hotel room, Victoria is an elegant place to ring in 2020.

Insider tip: Find our round-up of parties and events to ring in the New Year here.

Image by Christian Gagnon of the @fairmontempress

Holiday Tea

A classic tradition steeped in British history, Victoria is rich with afternoon tea culture. During the holiday season, this city-wide tradition gets a festive twist at the White Heather Tea Room, where you can indulge in the Holiday Muckle –three tiers of joy. Find this hidden gem tucked in Oak Bay and enjoy this cheery tea December 4-31.

Image by @whiteheathertearoom

Twinkling Lights

If you’re looking to snag the ultimate festive photos for your social feed, be sure to check out the Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square. New this year, this holiday wonderland is transforming downtown Victoria December 20 – January 4 between 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Visit The Bay Centre to discover the Festival of Trees,  their twinkling lights and an interactive light tunnel. Uptown Victoria is also a magical sight with a huge Christmas tree in the square and lights adorning the walkways.

Image by @stephsnelling