Christmas in Nanaimo 2026: Events, Markets & Concerts

Nanaimo’s Christmas season is about small, local events: German-style Christmas Village weekends, community hall markets, candlelit concerts and the big light-ups in nearby Ladysmith and Qualicum Beach. Here’s what’s on in and around the Harbour City for 2026.

Coming from Vancouver? Nanaimo is a BC Ferries ride from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen, which makes it an easy Island Christmas getaway.

Christmas in Nanaimo 2026: Quick Picks

Nanaimo Christmas Village

For more than two decades the Nanaimo Christmas Village has brought old-world German Christmas traditions to the Island, with a West Coast twist: food, artisan goods and a cozy indoor setting. The 2026 edition opens November 27. In 2025 it was held at Cavallotti Lodge, so confirm the venue at nanaimochristmasvillage.com before you go.

Holiday Markets

Most weekends from mid-November bring a market somewhere in the Nanaimo area. Cedar’s two markets (the Holiday Bazaar on November 21 and 22, and the Christmas Spirit Market on December 5) are local favourites. The Coombs Christmas Market on December 5 is a good excuse for a drive to Coombs, and the Merry & Indigenous Christmas Market on December 12 features Indigenous makers.

Christmas Concerts and Shows

• Home for the Holidays: An Ella Fitzgerald Christmas: Malaspina Theatre, Saturday, December 5.
• It’s a Wonderful Wunderbread Christmas: The Port Theatre, December 11.
• Candlelight: Christmas Classics: St. Andrew’s United Church, 315 Fitzwilliam Street, December 18.

Christmas Lights Near Nanaimo

• Ladysmith Festival of Lights: about 20 minutes south. Light Up Night is Thursday, November 26.
• Milner Christmas Magic: about 40 minutes north in Qualicum Beach, on select December nights.

Santa in Nanaimo

Downtown Nanaimo has traditionally welcomed Santa with a parade along Victoria Crescent, Commercial Street and Front Street, organized with the Nanaimo Lions Club. The date varies year to year. Check Tourism Nanaimo’s events calendar for 2026 details, or see our Nanaimo Santa Claus Parade page.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Nanaimo Christmas Village in 2026?

It opens Friday, November 27, 2026. Check the organizer’s website for venue and hours.

Where can I see Christmas lights near Nanaimo?

Ladysmith’s Festival of Lights (20 minutes south) and Milner Christmas Magic in Qualicum Beach (40 minutes north) are the two biggest.

Related: Christmas on Vancouver Island, Christmas markets in Victoria.

Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas on Vancouver Island 2026