Things to Do Christmas Events in Victoria BC- A Locals Guide 2023

Christmas and the holiday season, because of the many varied events in and around Victoria BC is magical. The small city atmosphere, combined with a long traditioned practice of gathering for community “light ups” and other Christmas events throughout the season in Victoria BC allows for a warm, festive vibe. There’s a bustle of people on Government Street, Fort Street and downtown around the Bay Centre, either shopping or simply out enjoying the mild temperatures. If you’re looking for things to do for Christmas in Victoria BC events, you’ve come to the right place!

The Victoria harbour is beautiful during the day, and especially gorgeous in the evening with dazzling lights on display. There are many great things to do in Victoria and nearby during Christmas time, and with a wide variety of holiday themed events in Victoria at Christmas time, it will be easy to find your holiday spirit!

We are pleased to summarize the events below to make it easier for you to plan your holiday season. As you can see, some events begin very soon! We’ve attempted to keep it all in date order (soonest first) for ease of reference. Enjoy the greater Victoria area at Chirstimas time! You will undoubtedly create lovely family memories.

Legend:

Holiday Concerts, Plays, Music, Ballet, Dance = Blue

Holiday Parades = Green

Christmas/Festive Lights = Purple

Fun with Santa events = Red

Movies and Cinema = Brown

Other Christmas/Holiday Themed Events = Yellow

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Christmas In The Haunted Manor

Where: 711 Yates Street, Victoria
When: Now until January 1, 2024
Cost: $24.95 or ages 15 & under $17.95 Details

2023 Light up the City!

Where: Throughout the City of Victoria
Dates: November 1 – December 15, 2023
Cost: Free to attend. Details

O Christmas Tea – A British Comedy

Where: Mary Winspear Centre – 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: Tue, Nov 14, 3:00 pm to Wed, Nov 15, 7:30 pm
Cost: Visit box office on website for pricing Details

Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre

Where: Bay Centre 1150 Douglas Street, Victoria
When: November 16, 2023-January 3, 2024
Cost: Free, donate to vote on favourite tree, proceeds to BC Childrens Hospital raising funds for diabetes Details

Located in the heart of downtown Victoria the annual Festival of Trees is a must see for your family!

WINTERLURE – Dinner Dome

Where: 100 Harbour Rd, Victoria (Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel)
When: November 17, 2023 – March, 2024 Reservations required, Two hour duration
Cost: $99/guest to enjoy Chef Curtis’ seven course tasting menu, while in a dome, overlooking harbour views. Deposit of $50/person required for booking. Details

Are you staying in the Victoria area over the Christmas Holidays? We recommend booking your stay at Delta Ocean Pointe Hotel. Overlooking the harbour just across the Johnson Street Bridge from downtown, you’ll enjoy the luxury and location of this beautiful hotel.

Christmas on the Farm Milk and Cookies with Santa Mini Photoshoot

Where: Ponies & Pipsqueaks – 6044 Oldfield Road Saanich
When: Nov 18 &19, 2023 Various times By appointment only
Cost: $225 (up to 5 digital pictures) Details

O Christmas Tea – A British Comedy

Where: Royal Theatre – 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: November 19, 2023, 3:00PM and 7:30PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $54 Details

Boney M Featuring Liz Mitchell

Where: Royal Theatre 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: November 20, 2023, 8:00pm
Cost: Tickets starting at $83.75 Details

Christmas with the Tenors

Where: Royal Theatre 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: November 23, 2023, 8:00pm
Cost: Tickets starting at $70.50 Details

41st Annual Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade

Where: Starting at Belleville and Government
When: Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 5:20 p.m.
Cost: Free Details Donations of food and cash for the Mustard Seed Street Church and Food Bank being accepted

The Storybook Nutcracker – Ballet Etoile Canada 

Where: Mary Winspear Centre – 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: Sat, Nov 25, 2:00 pm to Sun, Nov 26, 2023 7:00 pm various times
Cost: $35 adults/$25 senior&student/$15 children Details

Gingerbread Showcase Display

Where: Hotel Grand Pacific Address: 463 Belleville Street Victoria
When: November 25, 2023 to January 4, 2024
Cost: By donation, to vote for your favorite display Details

Christmas on the Farm Santa Visits

Where: Ponies & Pipsqueaks – 6044 Oldfield Road Saanich
When: weekends November 25 – December 23 By appointment only
Cost: 1 child, up to 2 adults $75.00, 2 children, up to 2 adults $120.00, 3 children, up to 2 adults $165.00, 4 children, up to 2 adults $210.00. Add tax to all prices noted Details

Oak Bay Christmas Festival

Where: Oak Bay Village Estevan Village and Haultain Corners
When: Sunday, November 26, 2023 – 2:00pm
Cost: None Stated Details

Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas Lights Display

Cherck our post on the amazing Butchart Gardens Magic of Christmas Lights Display

Where: Butchart Gardens – 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC
When: December 1, 2023 – January 6, 2024 3PM-9:00PM (viewing until 10:00PM (closed Christmas Day)
Cost: $35 for adults, $17.50 for youth (13 – 17), $3 for children (5 – 12) and free for those under 5 years old. Children 12 and under are invited to make a snowflake at home on 8.5×11 sheet of paper, and exchange for a cup of hot chocolate at the coffee shop.
If you’re a guest of an annual membership holder, tickets may be reduced (up to 4 people). Check website for Details

Live in or visiting Vancouver and always wanted to visit Butchart Gardens during the Magic of Christmas display? Here’s a Victoria and Butchart Gardens Christmas Tour we recommend! As an added bonus, you‘ll experience the scenic ferry ride through the gulf islands travelling from Vancouver to Victoria, see the lights on Government Street in Victoria, and the stunning light display at the Butchart Gardens.

Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in the Nutcracker

Where: Royal Theatre 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: Dec 1 7:00PM – Dec 3, 2023, 1:00PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $49.75 Details

Candlelight Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and more

Where: Christ Church Cathedral 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria
When: Dec 1 – Dec 8, 2023 5:45 pm -8:00
Cost: Tickets starting at $34. Age requirement 8 years old plus, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult Details

Christmas Express Train – Duncan

Where: BC Forest Discovery Centre – 2892 Drinkwater Road, Duncan
(located off the #1 highway, it’s one hour north of Victoria, BC, 35 minutes south of Nanaimo)
When: December1-23, various days and times, check website for details
Cost: Adults/Seniors/Youth $16, Children (3 to 12 years old) $14, Children 2 and under Free Details

Lights of Wonder

Where: 1 Centennial Square, Victoria
When: Dec 1-31, 2023 Sunday – Thursday: 4 pm – 9 pm, Friday-Saturday 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Free to attend Details

Horse Drawn Carriage Tours

Where: 9851 Seaport Place (Outside of The Surly Mermaid) Sidney
When: Saturdays & Sundays Dec 2 to Dec 24 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm from
Cost: $55.00 per carriage and seat up to 6-people 20 Minute tour Details

Annual IEOA Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive

Where: Starts at Breakwater District & Ogden Point, ending at Royal Bay
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 starting approximately 5:00 PM – approx 8:00 PM
Cost: Free There will be designated drop-off areas along the route to donate non-perishable food items the evening of the event (for local food banks) Details

Langford Annual Light Up and Winterfesst

Where: The Langford Station, 720 Station Ave. and across the Street at Veterans Memorial Park for festivities, market and more!
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 3:00-7:00 pm, festivities continue beyond this time at Veterans Memorial Park
Cost: Free Details

Big Hank’s Christmas Blues Show featuring The Smokin’ Hot Toasters

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club – 753 View Street, Victoria
When: Sat. December 2, 2023 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM 
Cost: $25 + fees  Details

Lions Skate with Santa Esquimalt

Where: Archie Browning Centre 1151 Esquimalt Rd, Esquimalt
When: December 2, 2023 – 2:30PM to 4:00PM
Cost: Free The Esquimalt Lions’ Club will be providing hot chocolate for all the skaters
Details

The Peninsula Singers, The Gift/Spirit of Christmas

Where: Mary Winspear Centre – 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: Fri, Dec 2, 7:30 pm to Sun, Dec 4, 2023 9:30 pm various times
Cost: $35 adults/$18 children Details

A Wonderheads Christmas Carol

Where: Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria
When: December 2-23, 2023 various times
Cost: Starting at $23.60 Details

Victoria Children’s Choir – Songs for a Winter’s Night

Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall – The Entrance for this Concert is at The Victoria Conservatory of Music 900 Johnson Street 
When: December 2 & 3, 2023 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: $23 Details

Royal BC Museum Winterfest (First annual)

Where: Royal BC Museum Outdoor semi tented event, dress accordingly
When: December 2 & 3, 2023 from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Cost: Free Details

Breakfast with Santa

Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel 1175 Beach Dr, Victoria
When: Dec 3, 10, 23, 2023 varying times
Cost: Adult $99.00, Child (4 to 12 years old) $59.00 + tax, Infant (3 and under) complimentary Details

The Carillon Carol-Along Royal BC Museum

Where: Royal BC Museum Carillon Tower
When: December 3, 2023 from 4:15-5:00 PM.
Cost: Free Details

Esquimalt 16th Annual Celebration of Lights Parade

Where: Esquimalt Road from Canteen Road to McDonalds (ending at arena for food and live entertainment)
When: December 3, 2023 at 5:00/5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free Details

The Esquimalt Celebration of Lights parade is a local favorite.

Sidney Sparkles Christmas Parade

Where: Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: December 3, 2023 from 5:00pm-6:00pm
Cost: Free to attend Details

Naden Band Salvation Army Toy Drive
Christmas Concert

Where: Royal Theatre 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: Dec 4 7:30PM – Dec 5, 2023, 7:30PM
Cost: Tickets are $12.00 plus an unwrapped toy at the door Details

Esquimalt Christmas Tree Village

Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre Atrium and Archie Browning Centre
When: December 4, 2023 – 12:30PM to January 6, 2024 – 10:00PM
Cost: Free

View the Esquimalt Parks and Recreation facebook page to vote for your favorite tree online between Monday, December 11th to Friday, December 22th, winner to be announced Wednesday December 27, 2023

Celebrate the Season Performances

Where:  Parliament Buildings – 501 Belleville Street, Victoria Upper Rotunda (2nd Floor)
When: Beginning Dec 5 – Dec 21, 2023 – weekdays, some 4:00 pm performances, some 12:00 noon performances – refer to website (details)
Cost: Free to attend, arrive early as must pass through security first Details

Holiday Movie Nights

Where: Oak Bay Hotel 1175 Beach Dr, Victoria (David Foster Foundation Theatre)
When: Dec 5 Elf, Dec 6 A Christmas Story, Dec 12 A White Christmas, Dec 13 Home Alone, Dec 19 Miracle on 34 Street, Dec 20 National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Dec 26 Diehard, Dec 27 It’s a Wonderful LIfe Multiple times starting 5:00 pm Reserve on website
Cost: $89/ticket, includes pizza, salad, dessert, drink, popcorn & movie Details

Planning on staying in the Victoria area over the Christmas Holidays? If you want to vacation spot a little out of the downtown core, Oak Bay Beach Hotel may be perfect for you! Still close enough to grab a bus or rent a car to take in the festivities of Victoria, and yet remain in quieter, still vibrant Oak Bay area.

Arbutus Singers Christmas Concert

Where:  St. Patrick’s Church in Oak Bay (2060 Haultain St.)
When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023, 7:30 pm
Cost: $20 or $50 for family pack Details

Wavelengths Community Choir A Celtic Christmas 

Where:  Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: December 6, 2023, 7:30 pm, December 10 – 2:00PM
Cost: $34.65 Details

Winter Lights Across Canada

Where: Parliament Buildings – 501 Belleville Street, Victoria
When: December 7, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Cost: Free Details

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall – 907 Pandora Avenue, Victoria
When: December 8 from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Cost: By Donation Details

Jon and Roy Holiday Special 

Where: Royal Theatre – 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: December 8, 2023, 8:00PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $30.75 Details

Winter Harp Victoria 2023 – 30th Anniversary

Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall – 907 Pandora Avenue, Victoria
When: December 8 from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Cost: $45.46 Details

IMAX – Polar Express

Where: IMAX located inside Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
When: December 8-10, 15– 31 (some are 3D, some are not 3D)
Cost: $15.95/adult, $13.50/senior and youth, $14.00/student, $8.65/child
Annual membership will pay less Details

IMAX – Elf

Where: IMAX located inside Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
When: December 8-14
Cost: $15.95/adult, $13.50/senior and youth, $14.00/student, $8.65/child
Annual membership will pay less Details

Jens Lindemann Christmas Pops (Victoria)

Where: Royal Theatre – 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: Dec 9 7:30PM – Dec 10, 2023, 2:30PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $29 Details

YO HO HO 2023!! A Thirrrsty Barrr Fundraiser

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club – 753 View Street, Victoria
When: Sat. December 9, 2023 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM doors at 9:00 PM (No Minors)
Cost: $33.28  Details

Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular

Where: McPherson Playhouse – 3 Centennial Square, Victoria
When: Dec 9 2:00PM – Dec 10, 2023 2:00PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $57 Details

Big Band Jazz Annual Christmas Charity Fundraiser: Island Big Band

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club – 753 View Street, Victoria
When: Sun. December 10, 2023 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM (All Ages)
Cost: $20 plus fee Details

Holly Jolly Christmas

Where: McPherson Playhouse – 3 Centennial Square, Victoria
When: December 11, 2023, 7:30PM
Cost: Tickets are $59 Details

Jens Lindemann Christmas Pops (Qualicum Beach)

Where: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones St Qualicum Beach BC
When: December 11, 2023, 7:30PM
Cost: All tickets are $45 sold through the Mulberry Bush Bookstore in Qualicum Beach, cash or cheque only. To pay be credit card, call the VS box office directly Details

Festive Brass present Reindeer Games

Where: Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: December 14, 2023, 7:30PM
Cost: $43.05 Details

23rd Annual Sing Along Messiah

Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall – 907 Pandora Avenue, Victoria
When: December 14, 2023 from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost: $27.11/adult, $22.79/senior, $13.08/student, free for children Details

Laila Biali – Wintersongs

Where: McPherson Playhouse – 3 Centennial Square, Victoria
When: December 15, 2023, 7:30PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $53.25 Details

IMAX – The Grinch

Where: IMAX located inside Royal BC Museum 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
When: December 15-21
Cost: $15.95/adult, $13.50/senior and youth, $14.00/student, $8.65/child
Annual membership will pay less Details

The Festive Brass Ensemble Presents Holiday Horns

Where: Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: Thursday, December 15, 2022 – 7:30pm
Cost: $39.90 Details

The Attila Fias Quartet – Swinging Into The Season!

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club – 753 View St, Victoria
When: Fri. December 15, 2023 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM (All Ages)
Cost: Livestream + In Person $35 plus tax and fees, walk-ins welcome Details

Handel’s Messiah

Where: The Farquhar at UVic – Jamie Cassels Centre, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria
When: Friday December 15 2023 to Sunday December 17 2023
Cost: Adults: $76/Seniors $73/Student $56. Details

Big Hank’s Christmas Blues Show

Where: Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
When: December 15 7:30pm
Cost: $30.00 Details

Photos with Santa

Where: Sidney’s Winter Wonderland at Garden Court (2360 Beacon Ave) Sidney
When: December 16, 2023 11:00 AM -2:00 PM
Cost: Free, bring own camera Details

Candlelight Jazz – Favourite Holiday Classics

Where: Auditorium at St. Ann’s Academy 835 Humboldt Street, Victoria
When: December 16, 2023 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets starting at $49.50. Age requirement 8 years old plus, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult Details

Ken Lavigne We Need a Little Christmas

Where: Royal Theatre – 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: December16, 2023, 7:30 PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $29.00 Details

Holiday Soul Party: Shanna Dance and Jonnie Bridgman

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club – 753 View St, Victoria
When: Sat. December 16, 2023 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM (All Ages)
Cost: Livestream + In Person $25 plus tax and fees, walk-ins welcome Details

Lorraine Nygaard Quartet: Cozy Winter’s Night

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club – 753 View St, Victoria
When: Sun. December 17, 2023 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM doors at 5:30 PM (All Ages)
Cost: Livestream + In Person $25 plus tax and fees, walk-ins welcome Details

Festive Brass Presents Reindeer Games

Where: The Farquhar at UVic – Jamie Cassels Centre, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria
When: December 17, 2023 from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Cost: Starting at $46 (You will pay less if you have a membership with Victoria Symphony) Details

Ken Lavigne We Need a Little Christmas

Where: Dogwood Auditorium, Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Rd, Victoria
When: December 18, 2023, 7:30 PM
Cost: Tickets are $60.00 Details

Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas -20th Annual Concert

Where: Royal Theatre – 805 Broughton St, Victoria
When: December 20, 2023, 7:30PM – December 21, 2023, 7:30PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $23.50 Details

Holiday Pianist – Lobby Lounge Oak Bay Hotel

Where: Oak Bay Hotel 1175 Beach Dr, Victoria
When: December 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 – 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Cost: Enjoy live music by local pianist Michelle Ginting , while enjoying drinks (festive cocktails) and snacks from the lounge menu (for purchase). Details

Sean Drabitt presents a Charlie Brown Christmas

Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club – 753 View St, Victoria
When: Dec 21 & 22 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM (4 shows)
Cost: $35 plus fees/tax  Details

Snow White the Panto

Where: Mary Winspear Centre 2243 Beacon Avenue Sidney
When: Dec 22 -Dec 29, 2023 various times
Cost: Adult $22.05, Senior/Student $17.85 Details

The Gift of the Nutcracker

Where: Royal Theatre – 805 Broughton Street, Victoria
When: Dec 28 7:30PM – Dec 30, 2023, 2:00PM
Cost: Tickets starting at $34 Details

Shopping on Government and Fort Streets

There are many small and unique shops along Government and Fort Streets. Sidewalks are wide and there are several pedestrian friendly areas. There’s an awesome ambiance and the people ae friendly.

Whether strolling, shopping, or enjoying the eateries and pubs in downtown Victoria, you’ll likely find the pace of your chosen activities to be slower than you may be accustomed to. Our guess is you won’t mind at all.

If you haven’t already visited our Christmas Markets in Victoria post, this will add to your local holiday shopping experience!

Check our our main Victoria travel tips page for more inspiration on things to do while you’re visiting Victoria BC!