We’ve almost made it!
With the last weekend before the holidays upon us, there’s no better time to soak up the festive spirit—whether that’s this weekend or in the days leading up to Christmas—with friends and family.
To help you make the most of this magical season, we’ve rounded up a list of festive activities guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit and add some cheer to your plans.
From holiday markets and live performances to Santa skates and more, there’s plenty of seasonal fun to enjoy.
Without further ado, here are 15 festive things to do in and around Victoria to get in the Christmas spirit:
Holiday Magic at Fairmont Empress
Step into the holiday magic at Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress, where festive traditions meet timeless elegance.
Warm up at the ‘Festive Veranda,’ a cozy outdoor space with glowing fire pits, seasonal drinks, and classic winter treats. For a romantic moment, stroll through ‘Mistletoe Magic,’ an enchanting display of twinkling lights and mistletoe made for memorable holiday photos.
Couples can also enter the “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” contest by sharing their moment on social media using #MistletoeMoments and tagging Fairmont Empress on Instagram.
Round out your visit with Festive Afternoon Tea in the historic Lobby Lounge, a beloved Empress tradition featuring seasonal sweet and savoury delights served in a beautifully festive setting.
- Where: Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street
- When: Times and dates vary depending on experience
- Festive Veranda – Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Festive Afternoon Tea & Children’s Festive Royal Tea – Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens
Visit the gardens during the most wonderful time of the year!
Bundle up and stroll through the “Twelve Days of Christmas” displays to discover each scene while you sing along to the classic Christmas carol.
Enjoy the sounds of the season with traditional carollers or listen to the Festive Brass, then stop in at The Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.
Plus, the beloved ice skating rink is back!
Adult tickets are $39.50—grab yours here!
- Where: The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue
- When: Daily until January 1st – 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Yuletide Market Series
Don’t miss their last weekend!
Designed as a retail pop-up store, the Yuletide Market Series has a rotating list of vendors, ensuring no two market weekends are the same.
Catch the last night of their Christmas Night Market, which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hot drinks and food are available for purchase!
- Where: Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road
- When: Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st – hours vary
Festival of Trees
Don’t miss the last two weekends of Festival of Trees Victoria!
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 season.
Head over to the Bay Centre this weekend and see if you can spot our tree!
- Where: Bay Centre Shopping Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Daily until Wednesday, December 31st – During mall hours
Lights of Wonder
Don’t miss the Ferris wheel’s first appearance of the season on Friday, along with live performances by comedy duo Ryan Wallace and Elyott Ryan and throwback band SUGAR, a free festive photo booth, and outdoor games.
There will also be more musical appearances over the weekend to enjoy!
The Ferris wheel will operate Sunday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Centennial Square
- When: Until December 31st – open 24/7, but performance times vary
17th Annual Gingerbread Showcase
The 17th Annual Gingerbread Showcase is open to the public at the Hotel Grand Pacific for another year of festive fun.
Hosted by Habitat for Humanity, this is their main fundraising event, bringing together community members and local creatives in support of affordable housing.
Visitors can browse the incredibly decorated gingerbread houses daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until January 4th, 2026, and vote for their favourite one—earning the winner the honour of being the 2025 People’s Choice Award!
Vote in person or online here!
- Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
- When: Daily until January 4th – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas Tree Village
Experience the magic of the holidays at Esquimalt Recreation Centre’s 10th Annual Christmas Tree Village!
For this event, the Recreation Centre Atrium has been transformed into a holiday heaven teeming with twinkling lights and decorations for all tastes.
- Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street
- When: Daily until January 2nd – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol
Get ready for a truly magical holiday experience, Victoria!
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol returns this December with three enchanting nights at the McPherson Playhouse.
Watch the acclaimed theatrical Imagineers bring a reimagined, entirely visual version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life with giant masks, whimsical 10-foot-tall puppets, and wondrous theatrical inventions.
And the most impressive part? They perform the entire story without a single line of dialogue.
Tickets start at $42—get yours here!
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- When: Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st – showtimes vary
Meant Well Books Holiday Pop-Up
Calling all book lovers!
For four cozy days this December, Meant Well Books will be setting up shop inside Market Square for our very first indoor retail pop-up, beautifully styled by Curated House & Home.
There will be shelves full of our favourite reads, thoughtful gifts, stocking stuffers, and festive touches to help you find something special for everyone on your list.
- Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Santa’s Breakfast at Tillicum Centre
Get ready for a magical morning at Tillicum Centre!
Santa’s Breakfast, in partnership with Hot Dog Guys, is the perfect activity for families of all ages.
From the breakfast tickets, 50% of the proceeds will go to the Saanich Fire Charitable Foundation in support of the Victoria Hospital NICU.
One Santa’s breakfast ticket includes one breakfast sandwich, one hour to spend with Santa per time slot, and unlimited coffee for parents.
Tickets are $10—get yours here!
- Where: Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Road
- When: Sunday, December 21st – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m
Grinch on the Gorge
Join a festive paddle down the Gorge Waterway led by the Grinch on Saturday, December 20th.
Bring your paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes, dress in your best holiday gear, and follow along from Kinsmen Beach at 11 a.m.
Participants should park at Esquimalt’s Gorge Kinsmen Park and remember lifejackets and dry suits—the water may be chilly, but the holiday spirit will keep you warm!
- Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park – Kinsmen Beach, 1070 Tillicum Road
- When: Saturday, December 20th – 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Holiday Music Sessions at Craigdarroch Castle
Step into the festive season with live holiday music in the historic halls of Craigdarroch Castle!
Victoria Conservatory musicians will perform seasonal favourites in the Drawing Room and Dance Hall, as part of the Castle’s holiday celebrations, surrounded by Victorian‑era decorations.
Performances are included in the Castle’s admission. View the schedule for their festive guided tour here.
- Where: Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
- When: Saturday, December 20th to Monday, December 22nd – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Elf in Concert
Jingle all the way to the family-friendly event of the season!
Experience one of everyone’s holiday favourites in a unique and special way this December—Elf in Concert, performed by the Victoria Symphony and projected on a big screen.
It all goes down on Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st, and you can grab your tickets here.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When:
-
- Saturday, December 20th – 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21st – 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21st – 7 p.m.
Bastion Square Holiday Market
Two days of holiday markets!
Head to Bastion Square for this festive outdoor market featuring handcrafted goods from local artisans and makers, live music, and resellers on Sundays.
The perfect place to check off your last-minute holiday shopping!
- Where: Bastion Square Market, 30 Bastion Square
- When: Saturday, December 20th & Sunday, December 21st – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m
Skate with Santa & The Neal Estate Group
Join The Neal Estate Group for a Family Fun Holiday Skate at Pearkes Arena!
The arena and ice will be adorned with Christmas decorations to get you in the festive spirit, and there will be a special appearance by Santa and his elves.
Skate rentals are free while supplies last, and there will also be free hot chocolate to enjoy.
While the skate is free, The Neal Estate Group encourages you to support your community by bringing a non-perishable food item for the Mustard Seed Food Bank.
- Where: Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Road
- When: Monday, December 22nd – 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
