Christmas in the Capital – Victoria’s Best Holiday Events

‘Tis the month before Christmas and all through the city
Victoria is gearing up for some holiday pretty.
Craft fairs, Christmas trees, and gingerbread houses, oh my;
Holiday lights, parades, and boutiques with so much to buy!

Victoria is truly a magical place to visit during the Christmas season, and when you stay at the Victoria Regent Hotel you are perfectly situated to walk out your door into a wonderland of festive activities and attractions.

Don’t miss out on the festivities! Book your holiday stay at the Victoria Regent Hotel.

11 Holiday Activities You Won’t Want to Miss

    1. 23rd Annual Festival of Trees
      • Where: Fairmont Empress Hotel (7 min. walk)
      • When: Nov. 19, 2014 – Jan. 6, 2015
      • What: Walk through a lush forest of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, vote for your favourite (by donation), and help raise funds for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

 

    1. On Ice at the Fairmont Empress
      • Where: Fairmont Empress Hotel (7 min. walk)
      • When: Nov. 20, 2014 – Jan. 16, 2015
      • What: Grab a pair of skate rentals for $5 and enjoy gliding on a 60’x90’ covered rink opposite the Inner Harbour. Special seasonal festivities include Sunday Skates with Santa and Christmas Eve Skating with the Elves.

 

    1. National Gingerbread Showcase
      • Where: Laurel Point Inn (5 min. drive / 20 min. walk)
      • When: Nov. 22, 2014 – Jan. 4, 2015
      • What: Feast your senses on works of art constructed from gingerbread by professional and amateur chefs. Vote for your favourite (by donation) to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity.

 

    1. Centennial Square Ferris Wheel
      • Where: Centennial Square (10 min. walk)
      • When: Nov. 23 – Dec 22, 2014 (Fridays 5 – 10 p.m. / Saturdays noon-10 p.m. / Sundays noon – 7:30 p.m.)
      • What: See Victoria from 65 feet up in the air, enjoy holiday entertainment, try out the audio-reactive tree, and more.

 

    1. Christmas Lights Across Canada
      • Where: Parliament Buildings (10 min. walk)
      • When: Nov. 26, 2014 (7:00 p.m.)
      • What: Enjoy festive choral performances and seasonal refreshments. Watch the large sequoia tree in front of the Parliament Buildings light up with thousands of LED lights.

 

    1. Island Farms Santa Light Parade
      • Where: Government St., from Belleville to Chatham (5 min. walk)
      • When: Nov. 29, 2014 (5:45 to 7:00 p.m.)
      • What: Bring your family to see an array of dazzling floats and marching bands, followed by free treats in the Capital Iron parking lot, courtesy of Island Farms.

 

    1. Free Horse Drawn Trolley Tours
      • Where: closest stop is across from Re-Bar at the cross section of Langley St. and Bastion Square (2 min. walk)
      • When: Nov. 29 – Dec. 21, 2014 (Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. / Sundays noon – 4 p.m.)
      • What: Take in all the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations on a free horse-drawn trolley tour. Two trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route throughout downtown with 4 stops, all within a 2-6 minute walk of the Victoria Regent Hotel.

 

    1. 12 Days of Christmas
      • Where: Butchart Gardens (25-30 min. drive)
      • When: Dec. 1, 2014 – Jan. 6, 2015
      • What: Enjoy ice skating, the 12 Days of Christmas displays, an exotic carousel, carollers, festive dining, and thousands of Christmas lights illuminating the gardens.

 

    1. Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker
      • Where: Royal Theatre (6 min. walk)
      • When: Dec. 5-7, 2014
      • What: See this treasured classic, danced to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score by one of Canada’s most beloved ballet companies.

 

    1. Father Christmas in Old Town
      • Where: Royal BC Museum (10 min. walk)
      • When: Dec. 5-21, 2015 (Friday through Sunday)
      • What: Visit with Father Christmas in the wood-cobbled, decorated street of RBCM’s Old Town (circa 1870 to 1920) and marvel at the sights and sounds of Christmas from long ago.

 

  1. Market Square Festivities
    • Where: Market Square (5 min. walk)
    • When: various dates throughout December 2014
    • What: Kiss under Victoria’s biggest mistletoe, listen to Christmas favourites performed by an ensemble of 60+ tubas, search for flea market treasures, and more!

For more Christmas events and activities in Victoria, visit Tourism Victoria: Christmas in Victoria and Downtown Victoria’s Christmas Guide.