If you’re spending the holiday season in Victoria—whether you call the city home or are planning a winter getaway—you’ll find no shortage of festive activities. From lively parades to creative gingerbread displays, the city is full of holiday cheer.
Because Victoria is a year-round destination, it’s smart to book accommodations early for December, especially since the Christmas lights and seasonal celebrations draw plenty of visitors.
In this guide, you’ll discover top holiday events and winter activities around Victoria, along with tips on where to stay, what the weather is like in December, and what to expect if it’s your first time visiting the city in winter.
The Best Things to Do in Victoria at Christmas
There are quite a few events in December in Victoria to get locals and visitors into the holiday spirit. From light displays to holiday shopping, there is a range of activities for all ages.
1. The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens
One of the most popular Christmas events in Victoria, The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens is back for another holiday season. Take in The Gardens’ spectacular display of lights while indulging in copious amounts of hot chocolate. Wander the twelve days of Christmas display, festive greenery and spirit of Christmas vibes.
Tickets: You can buy tickets on arrival or hop on a Butchart Gardens shuttle
Dates: Early December to Early Jan (exact dates TBD)
Location: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay,
How to Get Here without a car: Hop on a motor coach bus in downtown Victoria, and enjoy a 35-minute narrated ride to The Gardens. The shuttle departs from the Fairmont Empress Hotel at 6:00pm daily, and 4:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. More info here
You can also take BC Transit as a cost effective public transportation option. Visit BC Transit for route options.
There are several taxi companies in Victoria (there is no Uber in Victoria currently).
2. Beacon Hill Park Carriage Tours
Horse Drawn Tours in Victoria are one of the most popular things to do at any time of year and even more magical during the Christmas season. Discover the beauty of downtown Victoria on this 45-minute Beacon Hill Park carriage tour. Travel in style along the winding roadways around Beacon Hill Park, discover St Anne’s Academy, the Empress Hotel, and the Church Of Our Lord, and listen as your driver shares tales and folklore from Victoria’s past.
Tours are by carriage and fit between 1 and 6 people.
3. Santa Claus Parade
The parade typically goes north along Government, east on Humboldt and North on Douglas where it will disperse at the Victoria Public Market. Road closures will begin downtown at 3pm for marshalling.
Location: Starts at Belleville & Government. Moves along Government, east on Humboldt and North on Douglas. Finishes at Victoria Public Market.
Date: TBD
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
4. Festival of Trees
Back at the Bay Centre is the Festival of Trees in Victoria for Christmas. It is the official host of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation holiday campaign. The Bay Centre is a great place if you are in Victoria with teens who like shopping! It is one of the best places to find something for the whole family during the holidays.
Location: Bay Centre 1150 Douglas St
Dates: mid Nov to late December
(Photo Credit Brandon McGeachie for Tourism Victoria)
5. Gingerbread Showcase
Check out the work of professional and amateur bakers showing off their creative abilities at the annual Gingerbread Showcase, featuring 100% edible works for art! This annual fundraiser supports Habitat for Humanity Victoria which aims to provide affordable homeownership for families in need. Your donation lets you vote for your favourite gingerbread display!
Location: Hotel Grand Pacific at 463 Belleville Street
Dates: November 21/2025 – Jan 4/2026
Cost: Free (voting by donation)
6. See The Parliament Buildings
Whether you are here for a week, or planning on a 3-day visit in Victoria, a walk or drive-by is a must during the holidays! Great for visitors and locals is the BC Legislature Parliament Building across from the harbour.
Date: Daily in December
Location: BC Legislature Building, 501 Belleville Street
7. Christmas in Victoria at Craigdarroch Castle
Providing a unique glimpse into authentic Victorian traditions, each year Curator Bruce Davies and the museum’s staff at Craigdarroch Castle 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.
This site is not wheelchair accessible or stroller friendly facility.
Location: 1050 Joan Cres
Dates: Dec 1-31st (Closed Dec 25th and 26th) 10:00 – 4:30
8. Go Shopping In Downtown Victoria
Get into the holiday spirit by shopping in Oak Bay Village in Victoria this December. The decorative lights and holiday feel will get you in the mood. Next, stroll down Government Street and you will find iconic shops, such as Rogers’ Chocolates, Murchie’s Tea & Coffee, and many places to shop for souvenirs or Christmas cards. Next, check out Market Square, located off of Johnson Street for local shops.
(Photo copyright Deddeda Stemler for Tourism Victoria)
9. Festive Tea at the Empress
The iconic Empress opened its doors 110 years ago. Today, Fairmont Empress is the most well-known place to have high tea in Victoria. It proudly serves freshly prepared scones and tea pastries to over 80,000 guests per year. The Empress’s signature afternoon tea tier is reimagined for the holiday season to include holiday sweets and treats. It is also something you can enjoy in Victoria on Christmas Day. Enjoy local carolers singing traditional Christmas carol songs beginning late November. (If you are looking for somewhere to have Christmas dinner in Victoria, you can also make reservations here).
Location: Empress Hotel 721 Government Street
Price: $95, children $52
10. Breakfast with Santa at Oak Bay Beach Hotel
He’s making a list and coming to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel this festive season! This family-style brunch service will include cookie decorating at each table, and a visit from Mr. Claus himself. You can get more info on Santa breakfasts in Victoria during the holiday season. Price inclusive of Four Frames Photo Print & Digital images
PRICES: Adult $99.00, Child (3 to 12 years old) $59.00, 2 and under FREE
RESERVATIONS: 2 to 6 guests per table, reservations required, pre-paid and booked online.
DATES FOR 2023: Dec 3rd, 10th, 23rd
LOCATION: 1175 Beach Drive, Victoria, BC
11. Holiday Light Tour with LA Limousines
Looking for something special to do within your bubble this holiday season? What about a holiday light tour! Sit back and relax as we take you through beautifully lit Victoria neighbourhoods and downtown. This is a fun outing for kids and adults alike.
Dates: Various
Contact: LA Limo
Planning to also visit Vancouver? This post on Vancouver at Christmas has things to do on the mainland.
12. A Taste of Victoria Food Tour
Why not take a small group tour around Victoria and enjoy a food tour. The taste of Victoria tour. This 2 hour walking tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes various stops including the Gates of Harminous Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Tournce Alley, Government Stree and the Inner Harbour Causeway. There are 6 to 8 tastings.
How to Book? Click here for online booking
If you are a foodie, check out these Victoria waterfront restaurants, and their holiday menus.
(Photo copyright Brett Ryan for Tourism Victoria)
13. Esquimalt Celebration of Lights
The Esquimalt Celebration of Lights is a family event featuring a light parade and music that gathers at the Esquimalt Archie Browning Sports Centre Plaza.
Esquimalt’s Celebration of Lights is a magical event for the whole family. Lights, Music, Food, Father Christmas and it is FREE to the whole community. It starts at the intersection of Esquimalt Road and Canteen Road, and then heads along Esquimalt Road to the McDonald’s entrance. You’ll get a great view of the parade anywhere along Esquimalt Road. Keep your eyes open for Santa!
Date: December 7th, 2025
Location: Esquimalt Road
COST: Free!
14. Lights of Wonder Downtown Victoria
Enjoy greater Victoria’s largest FREE outdoor lighting display December 1-31 2023. Enjoy live music and entertainement, themed light exhibits, interactive light tunnels and a 40ft festive tree!
Dates: Late Nov to End of Dec (exact dates TBD)
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday – Saturday 4pm-10pm
Location: Centennial Square, Downtown Victoria.
Cost: FREE
15. Truck Parade
The 24th annual IEOA Truck Parade & Food Drive is on Saturday December 2, 2023. See commerical trucks rolling through the streets of Greater Victoria decorated in lights!
The truck parade starts at the Breakwater District and Ogden Point at 5:30pm. The route takes us to Oak Bay, back into Victoria, through Saanich and out to the West Shore communities. It ends in Colwood at 8:30pm
Date: December 6th 2025
Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: various
Cost: FREE (donations accepted)
How Cold Does it get in Victoria at Christmas?
Located in a sub-Mediterranean zone, Victoria enjoys the mildest climate in Canada. However, Victoria’s weather in December is cool and wet and there is often frost in the winter months. Victoria is a popular city in BC and there are so many things to do any time of the year. Ensure you dress appropriately to ensure your visit is comfortable.
There is an average of 18 days of rain, so pack a rain jacket just in case. The average high is 8C and low is 4C (thats 46F to 40F)
Where to Stay in Victoria at Christmas
LUXURY: Delta by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe or Fairmont Empress or Sheraton Victoria
MIDRANGE: Accent Inn or Best Western Inner Harbour or Hotel Zed
BUDGET: Island Travel Inn or Ocean Island Backpackers
Featured Image Photo Credit: Tourism Greater Victoria / Brett Ryan
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!
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