Victoria is a great city for a family Christmas: short distances, lots of free events, and attractions that work in the rain. Here are our top picks for kids, grouped by age and budget.
Top Picks for Families
| Activity | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Butchart Gardens lights and rink | All ages | Child $5, under 5 free |
| Santa Claus Parade | All ages | Free |
| Gingerbread Showcase | All ages | Free |
| Sleigh Boat Ride | Ages 2+ | Ticketed |
| Santa photos | Little ones | About $25 to $40 |
| Skating | Ages 4+ | From about $3 |
| The Nutcracker | Ages 5+ | Ticketed |
For Little Ones (Under 6)
- Meet Santa: mall visits at Mayfair, Hillside and Uptown, or free at the light-ups. See Where to See Santa.
- Festival of Trees: a free, warm, stroller-friendly walk at the Bay Centre.
- Gingerbread houses: the Gingerbread Showcase at the Hotel Grand Pacific is a hit with toddlers.
- Light-up nights: Oak Bay’s Santa-on-a-fire-truck arrival and Langford’s carousel. See light-up events.
For School-Age Kids
- Butchart Gardens: follow the Twelve Days of Christmas, then skate. Children 5 to 12 are just $5.
- Sleigh Boat Ride: a short harbour cruise with hot chocolate and churros at Fisherman’s Wharf, December 6 to 21.
- Christmas at the Manor: holiday-themed indoor mini-golf on Yates Street.
- Craigdarroch Castle: Victorian toys and Christmas traditions in a real castle (lots of stairs). Details.
- Home Alone in Concert: the Victoria Symphony plays the score live to the film, December 19 and 20 at the Royal Theatre.
For Teens
- Skating under the lights at City Centre Park in Langford.
- The IEOA Truck Parade and the Krampus Market in Fernwood.
- The Malahat SkyWalk’s spiral tower and Santa’s Workshop. More.
Rainy-Day Plans
Festival of Trees, the Gingerbread Showcase, Christmas at the Manor, indoor rinks, a matinee of the Nutcracker and the Royal BC Museum’s IMAX theatre.
Family Day Trips
- Merridale: free lights and Santa visits in Cobble Hill.
- Ladysmith Light Up: a parade, fireworks and Santa on November 26.
- Milner Christmas Magic: woodland lights in Qualicum Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can kids do at Christmas in Victoria?
Visit Santa, see the Butchart Gardens lights, skate, take a Sleigh Boat Ride, watch the Santa Claus Parade and see the Gingerbread Showcase.
What is free for families at Christmas in Victoria?
The Santa Claus Parade, IEOA Truck Parade, Festival of Trees, Gingerbread Showcase and community light-ups are all free. See our free events guide.
Related: Free Christmas events in Victoria, Best Christmas things to do.
Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026
