Happy holidays, Victoria—the day we’ve been waiting for is nearly upon us!
To celebrate, soak up the last of the holiday-related events while you still can, there are certainly plenty going around, so there’ll be no excuses for boredom.
Wander around downtown and stop by a number of displays such as the Gingerbread Showcase, Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square, and the Festival of Trees in the Bay Centre.
Other Christmasy events include paddling down the Gorge with the Grinch, catching a holiday movie, attending a Winter Wonderland event with the family, and much more!
Without further ado, here’s 14 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—December 23rd and 24th.
Go For a Christmas Drive
Welcome to the 10th annual Victoria Buzz Christmas Lights Tour Map!
It’s time to grab hot chocolates for the family, hop in the car, and tune into 98.5 The Ocean to crank up the Christmas music as you head out on the Christmas trail!
With numerous light displays around the capital region, we aimed to narrow down some of the finest spots to catch the lights in town.
To view the full map or add another point, click here.
- Where: From the Greater Victoria area all the way to Sooke
- When: Anytime—as long as it’s dark, so the lights will be at full glory!
Lights of Wonder
Brightening up Centennial Square for the month of December is the Lights of Wonder, put on by the Downtown Victoria Business Association!
Wander through the impressive light displays, including a 40 foot tree, four interactive light tunnels, and themed light exhibits.
Entertainment offered this weekend includes The Newborns on Saturday and Peter McMaster as well as Follow the Sound on Sunday.
It’s free to attend and is perfect for all ages!
- Where: 1 Centennial Square
- When: Officially lit up on Friday, December 1st and will glow until December 31st
15th Annual Gingerbread Showcase
The 15th annual Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase officially kicked off on November 25th and will run until January 4th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the Hotel Grand Pacific.
The showcase is hosted each year to raise funds to help local families achieve a hand-up into affordable homeownership and has become a tradition in the community for both workers and volunteers and the public!
Professional and amateur bakers spend hundreds of hours creating 100% edible gingerbread displays for visitors to come and donate to vote for their favourite.
There’s a leaflet that you can pick up to read a little more about each!
- Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
- When: Kicked off November 25th and runs until January 4th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation: Festival of Trees
If you haven’t been to the Bay Centre during the holidays yet, it’s not too late!
The entire building has been decked out with over 70 beautifully decorated trees for their annual Festival of Trees with the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation!
They’re all lined up and beautifully decorated for the community to vote on and enjoy throughout the holiday season until January 3rd.
While you wander the Festival of Trees, don’t forget to vote for your favourites and leave a donation if you can.
Any donations that you’re able to make will be going towards a child in need!
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street (2nd and 3rd floor)
- When: Kicked off on November 16th and will be on display until January 3rd during store shopping centre hours
Breakfast with Santa
Join the team at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for a special breakfast buffet with Santa Claus himself!
They brunch will also include house-made cookie decorating and a photo opportunity with Santa—printing by Four Frames Photo Booth.
Menu items include cinnamon buns, freshly baked croissant, muffins and Danish pastries, individual yogurt cups, freshly sliced fruit and berries, smoked salmon, capers, fresh dill and red onions, and much more!
Adult tickets are $99, children 4 to 12-years-old are $59, and kids 3 and under are free.
Reservations and payment must be made in advance, you can do so here.
- Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Drive
- When: Saturday, December 23rd from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Grinch on the Gorge Paddle
The true meaning of Christmas is spreading joy and happiness, and Victoria resident Curtis Becker has found the perfect way to reach as many people as possible, and you’re invited.
This Saturday, on December 23rd from 11 a.m. until 1:15 p.m., chuck on your best festive outfit and join the Grinch on a paddle ride down the Gorge starting at Craigflower Beach!
Whether it’s from a paddle board, canoe, or a kayak, you’re encouraged to arrive with your jolliest smile and help bring the Christmas spirit to lucky onlookers.
- Where: Departing from Craigflower Beach alongside Admirals and Gorge Road
- When: Saturday, December 23rd from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Catch a Holiday Classic
The Vic Theatre is showcasing the 1960s classic, The Sound of Music (special sing-a-long edition)!
You can pick between the “all ages” screening at 3 p.m. or the 19+ screening at 7 p.m. for your own curated movie experience!
Check out their monthly calendar to find a showtime that works for you.
- Where: Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, December 23rd at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Winter Wonderland Family Carnival
Join Panorama Recreation on the ice for some holiday fun for the whole family!
There will be hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy, plenty of kids games, some painting on the ice, and a special visit from Santa in this beautiful winter wonderland. Skating fees apply.
See you there!
- Where: Panorama Recreation, 1885 Forest Park Drive
- When: Saturday, December 23rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Groove Kitchen: Funky Festivus
Join Hermann’s Upstairs in making this the funkiest dance event of the season!
They’ll be playing a packed list of hits to keep you and your pals dancing until everyone’s kicked out.
Make sure you wear your best festive outfit!
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or in-person.
- Where: Hermann’s Upstairs, 753 View Street 2nd floor
- When: Saturday, December 23rd from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Maureen Washington’s Annual Christmas Show
Head downtown to Victoria’s jazz hotspot to listen and bop along to Maureen Washington’s Annual Christmas Show!
This featured Hermann’s Jazz Club performance will include other talented musicians Karel Roessingh, Joey Smith, and Damian Graham.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or in-person.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Saturday, December 23rd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble
The Christ Church Cathedral is thrilled to present their The Night Before the Night Before Christmas concert, the CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble!
Share in the cherished musical traditions of Christmas alongside esteemed musical guests and dear friends, Festive Brass.
Also featured includes Vince Guaraldi’s timeless masterpiece, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
General admission tickets are $35, $15 if you’re a student, and free for children 12 and under.
- Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue
- When: Saturday, December 23rd from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Celtic Yuletide with the Hounds of Cuchulain
Experience the magic of Celtic music and traditions at the Paul Phillips Hall!
Hosted by the Fernwood Community Association, they bring you the Hounds of Cuchulain for a festive Yuletide celebration known as Tibb’s (or Tipsey!) Eve in Newfoundland.
They promise a world of enchantment and merriment brought from the rich sounds of traditional Celtic instruments such as the fiddle, whistle, banjo, mandolin, harp, and the voices of the performers!
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Paul Phillips Hall, 1923 Fernwood Road
- When: Saturday, December 23rd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas Eve Morning Service
The Fairfield United and James Bay United Church will be offering a special Christmas Story presentation!
Join them on Sunday morning for a story of hope, peace, and love.
This event is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend.
- Where: 511 Michigan Street
- When: Sunday, December 24th at 10:30 a.m.
Christmas Eve Service
Everyone is welcome to join the St. George’s Anglican Church in Cadboro Bay for their Christmas Eve service.
There will also be a live reenactment of the Christmas Story!
This event is free to attend.
- Where: St. George’s Anglican Church, 3909 St George’s Lane
- When: Sunday, December 24th from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
