Christmas is in the air, Victoria!
If you love getting into the holiday spirit early, this list is for you.
From classic markets to gingerbread showcases and wreath-making classes, the city is buzzing with Christmas activities.
Some are family traditions you’ve been doing for years, but we hope you’ll discover something new!
Here are 12 festive things to do in and around Greater Victoria this November:
Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre
The Bay Centre’s annual Festival of Trees is back!
From decorated Christmas trees to twinkling lights hanging overhead, stepping into the Bay Centre suddenly becomes walking into a winter wonderland.
Each tree, sponsored by a local business, is uniquely decorated to reflect its sponsor’s brand and personality.
This beloved tradition also allows these organizations to give back.
All tree sponsorships support the BC Children’s Hospital, helping local organizations make a difference this holiday seasn.
The Festival of Trees opens on November 14th, but don’t worry! The decorations will be up until the end of the year.
- Where: Bay Centre Shopping Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Friday, November 14th to Wednesday, December 31st – During mall hours
Christmas Vintage Fair Sip and Shop
Sip, shop, and sing at the Christmas Vintage Fair Sip and Shop!
Browse 50 vendors offering everything from vintage clothing to toys, all while enjoying tasty bites from food trucks and drinks from Beacon Brewery and live music from Hank Angel.
On Saturday, November 15th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a special visit from Santa and Rudolph, so make it a family affair!
- Where: Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay Street
- When: Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. & 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holiday Wreath Making Workshops at Bilston Creek Farm
Bliston Creek Farm is back with another season of curated wreath making workshops!
Attendees with be guided by crafting expert, Lise-Lotte Loomer, who will help you create the perfect wreath to give as a gift or decorate your home.
Bring your friends and family and make a new tradition! Get your tickets here!
- Where: Bliston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road
- When: Tuesday, November 18th & Tuesday, November 25th – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Habitat Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase
Habitat Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase is back for its 17th year!
Presented by Peninsula Co-op and hosted at the Hotel Grand Pacific, this premier fundraising event helps local families achieve affordable homeownership.
Professional and home bakers alike spend hundreds of hours bringing the theme to life each year, vying for various categories, like Best First Impression and ‘The People’s Choice Award.’
The gingerbread houses will be on display in the Hotel Grand Pacific starting November 21st.
- Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
- When: Friday, November 21st to Sunday, January 4th – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas Bazaar: Craft & Bake Sale
Need the perfect holiday gift?
Check out the Christmas Bazaar: Craft & Bake Sale, presented by the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary at Mary Winspear Centre.
Shop baked goods, jams and jellies, art, collectibles, christmas décor, jewelry, books, puzzles, toys, and more on Saturday, November 22nd!
Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to supporting hospital patients and residents.
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 22nd – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival
Get ready to double the magic this holiday season as Candy Cane Lane returns to the Saanich Fairgrounds Indoors Main Hall & RCMP Barn!
Wander through aisles of local makers and artisans, brimming with one-of-a-kind Christmas treasures—from stocking stuffers to cozy gifts.
Sip on mulled wine or hot coffee, savour local bites, and soak up the jolly atmosphere as joyful music fills the air.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
Admission is by donation.
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1501 White Road
- When: Saturday, November 22nd & November, 23rd – 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Night of Lights at Hillside
Join Hillside for an unforgettable evening at Hillside Centre’s beloved Night of Lights.
Night of Lights offers the perfect opportunity to kick-off your holiday shopping while having fun with friends and family, plus supporting a worthy cause.
It’s an evening where every ticket, every smile, and every dollar makes a genuine difference in our community. Tickets are available now through participating non profit organizations – view the full listing and select a charity of your choice!
Tickets are available at Hillside guest services.
- Where: Hillside Centre, 1644 Hillside Avenue
- When: Sunday, November 23rd – 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Victoria’s McPherson Playhouse is ringing in the holiday season with the timeless musical, White Christmas!
The musical follows two showbiz buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who team up with the sister act, Betty and Judy Haynes, to save a failing Vermont inn run by their former army general, Henry Waverly.
Together, they put on a dazzling Christmas show to attract guests and ultimately, find love and rekindle the holiday spirit.
Bring your family and sing along to classic songs like ‘Happy Holidays,’ ‘Sisters,’ ‘Blue Skies,’ and the iconic ‘White Christmas’!
Grab your tickets here! The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- When: Friday, November 28th to Sunday, December 7th – 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Swag Making Workshop
Get into the festive spirit at Victoria Butterfly Gardens with their exclusive Holiday Swag Making Workshop!
This is a hands-on workshop where you’ll design and build your own stunning swag using fresh greenery and holiday accents.
Each guest will leave with a unique piece to brighten their home for the season and same-day admission to the Gardens!
Get tickets ahead of time here!
- Where: Victoria Butterfly Gardens, 1461 Benvenuto Avenue
- When: Saturday, November 29th – 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lights of Wonder at Centennial Square Opening
Watch Centennial Square light up on Saturday, November 29th!
At the annual Lights of Wonder ceremony, enjoy delicious food and drinks from local favourites, like Holy Cow Mini Donuts, Aerobic Geisha Coffee, and Poutine 66.
And, catch performances by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club Lion Dancers, as well as musical guests, Stray Cougar, Ianspotting, and The Sidney Brass.
- Where: Centennial Square, 1 Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, November 29th – 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Santa Clause Parade
Victoria’s most iconic Christmas parade returns with a brand new route for its 43rd year!
The Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade takes place on Saturday, November 29th, starting at Belleville & Government Street at 5:30 p.m. and travelling through Victoria neighbourhoods.
Expect road closures at 3:30 p.m. around the BC Parliament buildings for parade set up, and stay tuned for the detailed parade map!
This will be a night full of lights, floats, and holiday cheer!
- Where: The parade starts outside the BC Parliament buildings, Belleville & Government Street
- When: Saturday, November 29th – 5:30 p.m.
Oak Bay Light Up
Don’t miss out on the Oak Bay Light Up’s 25th Christmas Festival!
The lights come up on at 5 p.m., but come before to enjoy the lively atmosphere, as well as a vintage Christmas market, street food, entertainment, and even a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The event starts at 3 p.m., but is four hours of fun!
- Where: Oak Bay Avenue, 1807 Oak Bay Avenue
- When: Sunday, November 30th – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
