Best Christmas Things to Do in Victoria, BC (2026)

Victoria does Christmas in a quietly old-fashioned way: a castle decked out in Victorian style, afternoon tea in a harbourfront hotel, and a famous garden lit up for the season. Here’s our shortlist for 2026, with the essentials for each. Follow the links for full guides.

1. See the Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens

The must-do. The 55-acre gardens are lit up with the Twelve Days of Christmas, carollers and an outdoor rink, December 1, 2026 to January 6, 2027. Dates, tickets and tips.

2. Have Festive Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress

The classic Victoria splurge, served November 20 to December 31 in the Lobby Lounge. Book early for weekends. Christmas at the Empress.

3. Watch the Santa Claus Parade

The 44th Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade starts at Government and Belleville at 5:30 PM on Saturday, November 28. Route and tips.

4. Cheer On the IEOA Truck Light Parade

More than 80 lit-up trucks roll from Ogden Point to Colwood on the first Saturday in December. Bring a food bank donation. More.

5. Take a Sleigh Boat Ride on the Inner Harbour

Victoria Harbour Ferry’s little boats leave from the Empress dock for a cruise past the harbour lights to Fisherman’s Wharf, with hot chocolate or coffee and churros at Puerto Vallarta Amigos. Sailings run December 6 to 21 from 5:00 PM, and booking ahead is recommended.

6. Tour Craigdarroch Castle at Christmas

Victorian toys, traditions and decorations fill the 1890s mansion through December, with holiday music on select days. Christmas at Craigdarroch.

7. Vote at the Festival of Trees and the Gingerbread Showcase

Two free, indoor, charity displays a few minutes’ walk apart: the Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre (November 18 to December 31) and the Gingerbread Showcase at the Hotel Grand Pacific (November 20 to January 3).

8. See the Nutcracker

Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs November 27 to 29, and Ballet Victoria’s The Gift of the Nutcracker runs December 27 to 29, both at the Royal Theatre. Nutcracker and Christmas shows.

9. Shop the Christmas Markets

Bastion Square Christmas Village, Bilston Creek Farm’s Yuletide markets, the Dickens Fair on December 5 and a Krampus Market in Fernwood. All markets by date.

10. Ride a Horse-Drawn Carriage Past the Lights

Tally-Ho Carriage Tours leave from Menzies Street beside the Parliament Buildings, with 30, 45 or 60-minute tours through James Bay. Victoria Carriage Tours offers routes including Beacon Hill Park. Go late in the afternoon to catch the lights.

11. Play Christmas at the Manor

Haunted Manor on Yates Street gives its 18-hole indoor mini-golf course a holiday makeover from mid-November to early January. It’s a fun rainy-day pick with kids or friends.

12. Head Up the Malahat

The Malahat SkyWalk, about 40 minutes from downtown, runs a Santa’s Workshop with ornament making and cookies, alongside the tower and treetop walk.

13. Take a Day Trip Up-Island

Merridale in Cobble Hill and the Ladysmith Festival of Lights make an easy evening out. Further afield, see Milner Christmas Magic and Tofino Winter Nights.

Related: Christmas with kids, Free Christmas events, This weekend, Christmas lights in Victoria, Christmas on Vancouver Island.

Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026