2026 details not all confirmed yet. Most restaurants publish Christmas menus in November. The Fairmont Empress has confirmed its 2026 plans. Other listings are based on 2025 and may change. We’ll update this page as 2026 details are announced.
Not cooking this year? Victoria has a good range of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day options, from a ballroom buffet at the Empress to a pub turkey dinner or dumplings in Chinatown. Book early: the best tables go weeks ahead.
Confirmed for 2026: Fairmont Empress
| Christmas Eve | Dinner in Q at the Empress, December 24 |
| Christmas Day buffet | Crystal Ballroom, seatings at 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM. $279 per adult, $70 per child, plus taxes |
| Christmas Day dinner | Q at the Empress, from 5:00 PM |
| Location | 721 Government Street |
The buffet includes chef-attended carving stations, fresh seafood, holiday favourites and festive desserts. In past years the Empress has also sold a Christmas turkey dinner to go. More in Christmas at the Empress.
Hotel Christmas Meals
- Oak Bay Beach Hotel: known for its lavish Christmas Day brunch in the Grand Lobby, with omelet and carving stations.
- Westin Bear Mountain: has offered a Christmas Eve dinner, a Christmas Day buffet and a Christmas Day dinner.
- Hotel Grand Pacific: its restaurant, Fathom, has been among the restaurants open on Christmas Day.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day (2025)
- The Courtney Room (619 Courtney Street): Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners, 4:00 to 9:00 PM, with a chef’s holiday prix fixe.
- Swans Pub (Pandora Avenue): a long-running Christmas menu, with dine-in, takeout and a full turkey dinner.
- Varsha Indian Kitchen (600 Government Street): open on Christmas Day.
- Fatburger (1209 Douglas Street and Langford): open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, for something quick.
- Chinatown: several Chinese restaurants in and around Fisgard Street have been open on Christmas Day. Call ahead.
We’ll add confirmed 2026 menus here as restaurants announce them.
Tips
- Reserve in November for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Many restaurants serve set menus only on December 24 and 25.
- BC Transit runs a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day, so plan your ride home. See What’s open on Christmas Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants are open on Christmas Day in Victoria?
In recent years they have included the Fairmont Empress, The Courtney Room, Swans Pub, hotel restaurants such as Fathom, and several Chinatown restaurants.
How much is Christmas dinner at the Empress?
The 2026 Christmas Day buffet is $279 per adult and $70 per child, plus taxes.
Related: Christmas tea and brunch, New Year’s Eve in Victoria.
Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026
