Christmas 2026 in Victoria, BC starts in mid-November with the first markets and runs into the first week of January, when the Butchart Gardens lights switch off. This guide brings it all together: the big events, the lights, the markets and the best things to do, plus Christmas across Vancouver Island.
One big change this year: Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square is not running in 2026.
Start Here: Our Victoria Christmas 2026 Guides
- Best Christmas Things to Do in Victoria (2026): our shortlist of the season’s best outings.
- Christmas Lights in Victoria 2026: every light display, with dates and prices.
- Christmas Markets in Victoria 2026: holiday markets and craft fairs in date order.
- The Nutcracker and Christmas Shows: ballet, concerts and holiday shows.
- Christmas on Vancouver Island 2026: town-by-town, from Sidney to Tofino.
Victoria Christmas Planning Guides
- Christmas Events This Weekend (2026 weekend-by-weekend)
- Where to See Santa in Victoria
- Christmas with Kids
- Free Christmas Events
- Christmas Tree Lighting and Light-Up Events
- Christmas Light Tours and Neighbourhood Lights
- Ice Skating at Christmas
- Christmas Dinner: Restaurants Open Christmas Eve and Day
- Christmas Afternoon Tea and Brunch
- Christmas Concerts and Holiday Theatre
- Christmas Church Services and Carols
- Hanukkah in Victoria
- What’s Open on Christmas Day
- Boxing Day in Victoria
- New Year’s Eve and Polar Bear Swims
Victoria Christmas 2026 at a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 6 to Dec 20 | Yuletide Market Series, Bilston Creek Farm |
| Nov 18 to Dec 31 | Festival of Trees, Bay Centre |
| Nov 20 to Dec 31 | Festive Afternoon Tea, Fairmont Empress |
| Nov 20 to Jan 3 | Gingerbread Showcase, Hotel Grand Pacific |
| Nov 20 to Dec 31 | Tofino Winter Nights |
| Thu Nov 26 | Ladysmith Light Up |
| Nov 27 to 29 | Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker, Royal Theatre |
| Sat Nov 28 | Santa Claus Parade, 5:30 PM, and Bastion Square Christmas Village weekend |
| Dec 1 to Jan 6 | Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens |
| Sat Dec 5 | Dickens Christmas Fair and Krampus Market; Sea of Lights in Tofino |
| First Sat of Dec | IEOA Truck Light Parade |
| Dec 6 to 21 | Sleigh Boat Rides, Victoria Harbour Ferry |
| Dec 27 to 29 | The Gift of the Nutcracker, Ballet Victoria |
Christmas Events in Victoria
- Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens 2026
- Victoria Santa Claus Parade 2026
- IEOA Truck Light Parade 2026
- Festival of Trees Victoria 2026
- Gingerbread Showcase 2026
- Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle 2026
- Christmas at the Fairmont Empress 2026
- Lights of Wonder 2026: Not Running This Year
Christmas on Vancouver Island
- Sidney Sparkles Parade 2026
- Sooke Santa Parade 2026
- Esquimalt Celebration of Lights 2026
- Malahat SkyWalk Holiday Magic 2026
- Nanaimo Christmas Village 2026
- Nanaimo Santa Claus Parade 2026
- Christmas at Filberg, Comox
- Merridale Christmas Light-Up, Cobble Hill
- Ladysmith Festival of Lights 2026
- Christmas in Nanaimo 2026
- Milner Christmas Magic, Qualicum Beach
- Tofino Winter Nights 2026
Planning Tips
- Book early: Butchart timed tickets, Empress tea, Christmas Day meals and Craigdarroch’s evening tours all sell out.
- Weather: Victoria rarely gets snow, but it rains. Waterproof shoes beat winter boots.
- Darkness: sunset is around 4:20 PM in December, so light displays are at their best from about 5:00 PM.
- Ferries: reserve BC Ferries sailings for holiday weekends, especially December 23 and 24 and January 2 and 3.
We update these guides as organizers confirm 2026 details. Spotted a change? Get in touch.
3 Comments
Pingback: Sooke Santa Parade 2026 - Victoria Christmas
Pingback: Christmas on Vancouver Island 2026: Town-by-Town Guide - Victoria Christmas
Pingback: Hanukkah in Victoria 2026: Menorah Lightings & Celebrations - Victoria Christmas