Mark your calendars, Vancouver Island!
Holiday parades are rolling in, and we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of where to catch the twinkling lights, festive floats, and Christmas cheer across the island.
Make these parades part of your holiday traditions and soak up the seasonal magic!
Here are 9 festive parades happening across Vancouver Island this holiday season:
BIA Big Truck Parade
Get ready, Campbell River!
The annual BIA Big Truck Parade and “Deck the Downtown” starts Friday, November 28th, kicking off a full weekend of celebration.
Head to downtown Campbell River for an evening of holiday cheer, unique shopping, and fun for the whole family!
Can’t make it to the parade in person? Livestream it here!
- Where: Downtown Campbell River
- When: Friday, November 28th – 4:30 p.m. to late
43rd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade
Victoria’s beloved holiday parade hits the streets on Saturday, November 29th, starting at Belleville Street and Government Street at 5:30 p.m.
With parade floats featuring iconic Christmas characters, like Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer and, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves, it’s a night of family fun you won’t want to miss. Don’t miss this year’s brand new route!
- Where: Starting at Belleville and Government
- When: Saturday, November 29th – 5:30 p.m.
The Cowichan Lake Christmas Parade
The Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce and Country Grocer Lake Cowichan are rolling out their 2025 Christmas Parade—and you’re invited!
This year’s theme is festive and bright, so expect a dazzling evening of lights, music, and holiday cheer.
The parade kicks off at 5 p.m. on November 30th, travelling down the town’s main street before crossing the car bridge and making its way toward the Country Grocer parking lot.
Arrive early to soak up the fun! Browse the outdoor market, listen to live music, sip free hot chocolate, grab a hot dog, and get crafty with family-friendly activities.
And don’t miss the grand finale—Santa himself will be stopping by for post-parade photos!
- Where: Country Grocer Lake Cowichan, 83 Cowichan Lake Road
- When: Sunday, November 30th – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- The parade starts at 5 p.m.
2025 IEOA Truck Light Parade
Holiday magic returns with the 27th annual Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Parade and Food Drive!
Watch over 80 hardworking commercial trucks, which have been cleaned, polished, and adorned with decorations and festive lights, slowly roll along a 35km route through five municipalities in Greater Victoria.
The parade starts at Ogden Point at 5 p.m. and finishes in Royal Bay for 8 p.m.
- Where: Starts at Ogden Point
- When: Saturday, December 6th – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sooke Santa Parade
Bundle up and head over to the Sooke Library to enjoy the annual Santa Parade, as well as other festive activities on Sunday, December 7th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The parade begins at 5 p.m., starting at Journey Middle School, travelling along Throup Road to Church Road to Wadams Way, and then passing by the Sooke Library
Before the parade begins, stop by for photos with Santa starting at 4:30 p.m., enjoy the kids’ crafting station, and warm up with hot chocolate and hot dogs available both before and after the parade.
- Where: Sooke Library, 6671 Wadams Way
- When: Sunday, December 7th – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- The parade starts at 5 p.m.
Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade
Join Peninsula Celebrations Society for the Sidney Sparkles Holiday Parade along Beacon Avenue in Downtown Sidney!
This annual parade runs from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 7th, beginning along Resthaven Drive, running along Beacon Avenue, and then ending at Ocean Avenue.
It’ll be an evening full of holiday magic!
- Where: Beacon Avenue, Downtown Sidney
- When: Sunday, December 7th – 5 p.m.
Esquimalt Celebration of Lights
Mark your calendars! Don’t miss Esquimalt’s annual holiday celebration of dazzling lights and fun for all ages!
The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. on the main stage with performances, music and stories from Victor-Brodeur, Macaulay Elementary, U-Jam Music, Theatre Al Dente and Sasha Moriarty-Schieven, and more.
There will also be a craft table hosted by the Military Family Resource Centre, and face painting by Lila.
The parade begins at 5 p.m., starting at Esquimalt Road and Admirals Road, and wrapping up at Lampson Street.
After the parade, stick around for Christmas carols led by Stephanie Greaves and the Rock Heights Middle School Choir. Warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy popcorn and hot dogs, courtesy of local churches and the Esquimalt Lions.
An evening of holiday cheer you won’t want to miss!
- Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road
- When: Sunday, December 7th – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- The parade starts at 5 p.m.
Comox Valley Christmas Parade
Kick off the holiday season with an afternoon of festive fun in downtown Courtenay!
The annual Comox Valley Christmas Parade starts at 2 p.m., winding its way from Harmston Avenue, down 5th Street, and ending on Cliffe Avenue.
Arrive early to grab a warm drink or tasty snack from one of the nearby local shops, find the perfect spot along 5th Street, and soak in the holiday magic as the parade passes by!
- Where: Downtown Courtenay, 5th Street
- When: Sunday, December 7th – the parade starts at 2 p.m.
Christmas Lights Sail Past
Set sail for holiday cheer at the annual Christmas Light Cruise on December 14th!
This sparkling parade of decorated boats launches at 5:30 p.m. from Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Victoria, making its way to Transfer Beach in Ladysmith for a cozy community campfire celebration.
From there, the boats will continue past Boulder Point and Lagoon Bridge, before returning to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Get ready to experience the magic of the holidays on the water!
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Victoria & Transfer Beach in Ladysmith
- When: Sunday, December 14th – 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
