Don’t let the holidays pass you by, Victoria!
Even though December is well underway, there’s still plenty of festive cheer to enjoy.
We’ve rounded up the best events happening through the end of the month—holiday workshops, winter festivals, markets, and even drag shows—so you can make the most of this magical season!
Here are 16 holiday events in and around Victoria to enjoy this holiday season:
Little Dickens at The Belfry Theatre
While this event has sold out, be on the lookout for tickets!
As Ebenezer Scrooge, faded theatrical diva Esmé Massengill slinks, sulks, and slanders her co-stars in this campy and salaciously funny version of the classic story.
This holiday season we welcome back Ronnie Burkett, the winner of more awards than can be listed here—including the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.
This is an R-rated affair, strictly for audiences 16 and older.
Admission is by donation—grab your tickets here!
- Where: The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
- When: Tuesday to Sunday until December 21st – various showtimes
Breakfast with Santa at the Kiwanis Club of Victoria
Join Santa for breakfast!
Santa’s coming to the Kiwanis Club of Victoria on Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
There will be a delicious breakfast, gifts for the children, and live music from Rejean!
Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Where: Kiwanis Willows Beach Tea Room, 2740 Dalhousie Street
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Christmas Centrepiece Workshop
Learn how to make a festive Christmas centrepiece at the Edward Milne Community School Society!
This course is taught by the talented Horticultural Society member, Lynda Bell, who will be donating her proceeds from this course to the Sooke Food Bank.
To register call 250-642-6371 or email emcsprograms@sd62.bc.ca—spots are $40 each.
- Where: Edward Milne Community School Society – Art Room, 1010 6218 Sooke Road
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Holiday Tubas
The beloved ‘Tuba Christmas,’ now known as ‘Holiday Tubas’ returns for its annual Market Square event Saturday, December 13th.
In addition to tubas, there will be other horns that stem from the same family tree as tubas, including euphoniums, baritones and potentially some sousaphones and helicons.
Holiday Tubas is free-to-attend, but donations are accepted at the event and will go towards the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, rather than supporting American charities.
This beloved, once-a-year show will be around two hours long with a brief intermission!
- Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 2 p.m.
Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival
Step into the holiday spirit at Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival!
This jam-packed weekend of festivities, includes crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, delicious food vendors, and holiday shopping.
It’s fun for the whole family!
Entry is by donation with some of the proceeds going towards local charities.
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds – Indoors Main Hall & RCMP Barn, 1501 White Road
- When: Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th – 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Muppets Christmas Carol at the Vic Theatre
Leave your inner Scrooge at home and toast the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and felt!
Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and a very grumpy Michael Caine for a truly unique yet surprisingly faithful take on Dickens’ age-old tale.
There will be an early screening for all ages at 3 p.m., and a 19+ screening at 7:15 p.m.
Tickets are available here!
- Where: The Vic Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
- When: Sunday, December 14th – 3 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.
Gay AF Christmas Spectacular at the Vicious Poodle
Want to have a lot of laughs for Christmas?
Gay AF Christmas Spectacular is coming to The Vicious Poodle for a Holi-Gay Comedy Extra-Vaganza!
Experience a fabulous array of stand-up, drag and musical comedy to help make your spirits bright, featuring performances by Julya Van De Sloot, Patti Savard, Nico Marchant, and Lilith Cain.
Online ticket sales have ended, but tickets are $28 at the door!
- Where: The Vicious Poodle, 726 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, December 14th – 7 p.m.
Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas
Experience the warmth, laughter, and timeless Christmas spirit of Daniel Lapp’s 22nd annual Home for Christmas concert, happening December 17th and 18th at the Royal Theatre.
Led by the renowned local musician, this festive folk showcase features over 180 performers ranging from 6 to 86 years old.
Enjoy a lively mix of holiday favourites and folk arrangements, including performances by the BC Fiddle Orchestra, Joy of Life Choir, Shiny H’ornaments, and more.
Special guests include soprano Cathy Fern Lewis and a folk trio with Lapp, Adam Dobres, and Adrian Dolan.
Don’t miss this holiday extravaganza—get your tickets here!
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When: Wednesday, December 17th & Thursday, December 18th – 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Brrr-lesque & Baubles! A Winter Holiday Spectacular!
Head to The Metro for a sparkly night of burlesque, song, dance, and holiday spirit on Saturday, December 13th!
The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue sheds layers in a festive, fun way while sharing high-energy choreography, side-splitting comedy, and a joyful dose of sass that you won’t want to miss.
If you’re ready to feel empowered and laugh hysterically all at once, this is the show for you!
Tickets are selling fast–get yours here! The show starts at 8 p.m.
- Where: The Metro, 1411 Quadra Street
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 8 p.m.
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol
Get ready for a truly magical holiday experience, Victoria!
From December 19th to 21st, watch the acclaimed theatrical Imagineers bring a reimagined, entirely visual version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life with giant masks, whimsical 10-feet tall puppets, and wondrous theatrical inventions.
Expect to leave enchanted, moved, and laughing!
Tickets start at $42—grab yours here!
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- When: Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st – showtimes vary
Elf in Concert at the Royal Theatre
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.
Watch as Buddy the Elf™ travels to New York, in search of his real father, accompanied by the full sounds of the symphony.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 808 Broughton Street
- When:
- Saturday, December 20th – 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21st – 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 21st – 7 p.m.
One Man Lord of The Rings at St Ann’s Academy – Added Show
After the first show sold out in a flash, local performer Charles Ross has added a second performance of his hit one-man comedy at St. Ann’s Academy.
The extra show happens Saturday, December 20th at 2 p.m., giving fans another chance to see his 5,400-second sprint through the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. Ross, who’s toured the show around the world, says bringing it home to Victoria means everything. Tickets are on sale now.
While not festive, this could be a great early gift idea to the fellow Lord of the Rings lover in your life!
- Where: St. Ann’s Academy Auditorium, 835 Humboldt Street
- When: Saturday, December 20th — 2 p.m.
Festival of Trees
Get ready for a holiday experience your whole family will love!
Explore Festival of Trees Victoria, a magical indoor forest of Christmas trees decorated with characters like the Grinch, Frosty, and Cookie Monster. Admission is free, with free parking after 4 p.m. on weekdays and the first hour free on weekends.
Vote for your favourite tree with a donation—every gift supports BC Children’s Hospital, funding life-saving care and research for Island kids.
- Where: Bay Centre Shopping Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Until December 31st – open during Bay Centre hours (closed Christmas day)
Lights of Wonder
Downtown is sparkling with holiday cheer!
Throughout the season, Lights of Wonder will host festive activities, including crafts, musical performances, outdoor games, and more—perfect for locals looking to soak up the holiday spirit.
And, on December 19th, the much-loved Ferris wheel, sponsored by Starlight Investments, is returning! See the dazzling lights from high above from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.on Sunday to Thursday and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
So, bundle up and bring your family to downtown Victoria to join the fun!
- Where: Centennial Square
- When: Until December 31st – open until midnight on New Year’s Eve!
Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase
The 17th Annual Gingerbread Showcase at the Hotel Grand Pacific is in full swing!
Hosted by Habitat for Humanity, this is their main fundraising event, bringing together community members and local creatives in support of affordable housing.
This free event is for all ages and is a great way to spend time with your family and friends this holiday season while supporting a good cause.
- Where: Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street
- When: Until January 4th – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Esquimalt Christmas Tree Village
Experience the magic of the holidays at Esquimalt Recreation Centre’s 10th Annual Christmas Tree Village!
Join the rec centre as they transform the Recreation Centre Atrium into a holiday heaven teeming with twinkling lights and decorations for all tastes.
Explore the trees and vote for your favourite!
- Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Esquimalt Street
- When: Until January 2nd – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more festive fun, keep an eye out for our annual Victoria Buzz Christmas Lights Map—launching this week!
