Christmas Lights in Victoria 2026: Best Light Displays

The biggest change to Victoria’s Christmas lights this year: Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square is not running in 2026. That makes Butchart Gardens the clear headline, but there are still plenty of free and cheap lights around the region, plus two light parades and some of the Island’s best small-town light-ups within an hour’s drive.

Christmas Lights in Victoria 2026 at a Glance

The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens

The region’s biggest light show, in Brentwood Bay. The Twelve Days of Christmas are told in lit displays through the gardens, with carollers, a brass band and an outdoor skating rink. Gates are open 3:00 to 9:00 PM daily from December 1 to January 6, and admission is $41 for adults. Full guide.

Free Lights Downtown

The BC Parliament Buildings are outlined in lights every night, and in December the Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress and the decorated lobbies of downtown hotels make for a free evening walk. Inside the Bay Centre, the Festival of Trees fills the mall with decorated trees.

Light Parades

Victoria has two big ones. The Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade brings lit floats through downtown on Saturday, November 28. The IEOA Truck Light Parade sends more than 80 lit-up trucks on a 35 km route from Ogden Point to Colwood on the first Saturday in December. Smaller community light parades include the Sidney Sparkles Parade, Esquimalt Celebration of Lights and Sooke Santa Parade.

See the Lights From the Water

Victoria Harbour Ferry runs its Sleigh Boat Ride from December 6 to 21, from 5:00 PM. The little ferries leave from the Empress dock, cruise past the harbour lights to Fisherman’s Wharf for hot chocolate or coffee and churros at Puerto Vallarta Amigos, and come back. Book ahead.

Day Trips for Lights

• Merridale, Cobble Hill: 45 minutes. A free courtyard and orchard display.
• Ladysmith: 1 hour. A whole downtown lit up, with a huge Light Up Night on November 26.
• Milner Gardens, Qualicum Beach: 2 hours. Woodland lights on select December nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lights of Wonder happening in 2026?

No. The Downtown Victoria Business Association cancelled it for 2026.

What is the best Christmas light display in Victoria?

The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens, December 1, 2026 to January 6, 2027.

Are there free Christmas lights in Victoria?

Yes: the Parliament Buildings, the two light parades, the Festival of Trees and Merridale’s display are all free.

Related: Best Christmas things to do in Victoria, Christmas on Vancouver Island.

Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026