If you’re ready to embrace the magic of the holiday season, look no further than Vancouver Island’s Merridale Cidery & Distillery!
From a sparkly evening of shopping to visits with Santa himself, Merridale will host an array of events across November and December sure to make your holidays merry and bright.
Plus, we’ve partnered with Merridale to give away an Orchard to Glass Tasting for four people—you’ll find those contest details below!
Without further ado, here are five festive events happening at Merridale Cidery & Distillery this holiday season:
Light-Up & Shopping Night
Saturday, November 15th – 4 p.m. to close
Step into the magic of the season as Merridale lights up for Christmas—the official launch of their Christmas Light-Up, one of Vancouver Island’s most-loved holiday attractions, a display that will fill the farm with holiday magic all season long.
Bring the family for a magical tour through the lights, then cozy up in the Farmhouse and take part in their Holiday Shopping Night (one night only).
Merridale will be sampling from their Merridale Makes line—the perfect way to discover unique stocking stuffer gifts while browsing with a glass of your favourite in hand.
Enjoy tastings and pairings designed to inspire your early Christmas shopping and make gift-giving feel extra special this season.
The Christmas lights will continue to shine nightly through January 5th, so you can visit all season long to take in the glow.
Starting November 14th
Planning a staff party or festive night out? Merridale makes the details easy with their holiday Long Table Meals!
It’s the perfect way to gather with friends, family, or coworkers and celebrate the season together. Have a smaller group?
Enjoy their daily Christmas special: roast turkey with all the fixings—festive comfort served Merridale-style.
Book your table here!
Whisky Jack – Speakeasy Release
November 15th
The wait is almost over. After three years in the making, Whisky Jack is ready to be shared—a long-awaited follow-up to Merridale’s World Whiskies Award gold-medal winner.
Each small batch tells the story of time and craft, shaped by their Cowichan Valley terroir and the care of master distiller Laurent Lafuente. It’s rich, smooth, and full of the character that makes Merridale whisky truly one of a kind.
Available first to Speakeasy Club members on November 15th, ahead of the public release with the option to buy additional bottles—this special moment belongs to those who appreciate the art of slow craft and a good story in every sip. Not a member yet? Join the Speakeasy Club here!
November 29th, December 6th & 7th
Santa’s back at Merridale! Join them on November 29th, December 6th & 7th for festive photos in the orchard gazebo and help support a cause close to their hearts.
This year, every dollar from your Santa photo experience will help protect the wolves that roam Vancouver Island’s wild spaces.
Merridale is proud to support the Raincoast Conservation Foundation—a passionate team of scientists and conservationists dedicated to safeguarding the land, waters, and wildlife that make our coast so extraordinary. By sharing in the magic of the season, you’re helping ensure that these majestic animals continue to thrive for generations to come.
Bring the family, your holiday spirit, and maybe a few wish lists. Every smile captured helps protect the coast we all call home! Book your spot here.
Spirits of the Season – Yule Fuel Lineup
Yule Fuel Liqueur is the star of the season—a rich blend of Merridale’s Cowichan-made apple brandy and Christmas spices. Perfect for gifting, fireside sipping, or elevating any cocktail menu.
And for cider lovers, Yule Fuel Cider returns with its spiced, aromatic warmth—crisp, handcrafted, and unmistakably Merridale.
Stock up early! Both products are available starting November 3rd, and with limited quantities, they won’t last long.
Learn more here!
CONTEST
For a chance to win two tickets to Merridale’s Orchard to Glass Tasting for four people, please do one or more of the following:
- LIKE Merridale on Facebook and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
- FOLLOW Merridale on Instagram, and comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
- SHARE this post on X and/or Threads and leave a comment below telling us once you have. (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 pm on November 25th. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter.
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
- Where: 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill
- When: Events happening throughout November and December – check out the full list here
