Christmas in Tofino comes with rain gear. The surf town on Vancouver Island’s west coast celebrates the season with Tofino Winter Nights, a month of mostly free community events, and visitors combine them with storm watching, beach walks and a cozy lodge stay.
Tofino Winter Nights 2026 runs November 20 to December 31, 2026. Here are the dates announced so far, from Tourism Tofino.
Heading across the Island? Our Christmas on Vancouver Island guide covers the stops along the way.
Tofino Winter Nights 2026: Quick Facts
| Season | November 20 to December 31, 2026 |
| Jingle Into Christmas | Friday, November 20, 2026 (evening and weekend) |
| Tofino Winter Market | Saturday, November 21, 2026, Tofino Community Hall |
| Daily Advent Calendar | December 1 to 24, 2026, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Sea of Lights | Saturday, December 5, 2026 |
| Cost | Most events are free |
| Official site | tourismtofino.com |
Jingle Into Christmas
The season kicks off with Jingle Into Christmas, a Tofino tradition where shops and galleries stay open late and locals walk store to store, rain or shine. It’s the weekend to shop small for holiday gifts. The Hot Cocoa Trail launches the same weekend.
Tofino Winter Market
The next day, the Winter Market at the Tofino Community Hall brings together local artisans. In 2025 it featured more than 50 makers, family workshops, live music and festive food.
Sea of Lights
On December 5, Tofino’s Sea of Lights celebrates the season on the waterfront. Watch Tourism Tofino for the time and the full schedule.
More Winter Nights Events
Recent seasons have also included Breakfast with Santa, a community dance, Poetree Night at the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, a gingerbread house contest and New Year’s Eve fireworks. Tourism Tofino adds 2026 events to its calendar as they are confirmed.
Make It a Trip
- Tofino is about 4.5 to 5 hours from Victoria by car, or about 3 hours from the Nanaimo ferry terminals, on Highway 4. Check DriveBC for Highway 4 conditions and closures before you go.
- December is storm-watching season. Oceanfront resorts book up for Christmas and New Year’s.
- Pack waterproof everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tofino Winter Nights 2026?
November 20 to December 31, 2026.
When is Jingle Into Christmas in Tofino?
Friday, November 20, 2026.
Are Tofino Winter Nights events free?
Most of them are. Some, like special dinners, are ticketed.
Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas on Vancouver Island 2026
