Victoria businesses invited to help make this year’s Festival of Trees the biggest yet

The holidays may still be a few months away, but one of Victoria’s most beloved holiday traditions is already preparing to light up downtown — and local businesses are being invited to be part of the magic!

The annual Festival of Trees Victoria is returning to the Bay Centre this holiday season, transforming the downtown shopping centre into a festive wonderland filled with beautifully decorated holiday trees, all in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

While the dazzling displays have become a holiday favourite for families across Greater Victoria, the event is about much more than decorations.

It’s an opportunity for local businesses to give back, showcase their creativity and help make a difference in the lives of children and families across Vancouver Island.

And if last year’s success is any indication, Victoria knows how to come together for a good cause.

The 2025 Festival of Trees raised more than $135,500, with nearly 80 holiday trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organizations.

Since the Bay Centre began hosting the festival in 2015, the annual tradition has helped raise more than $1.7 million for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Now, organizers are hoping even more businesses will join the festivities in 2026.

More than just decorating a holiday tree

For businesses considering getting involved, there are plenty of reasons to participate beyond spreading a little holiday cheer.

One of the most important reasons is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for Island children.

In 2024 alone, 3,766 children from Vancouver Island received care at BC Children’s Hospital. Money raised through the festival helps support specialized treatment, life-saving research and essential care for children and families who need it most.

It’s also a chance to bring employees together for something special.

Instead of another typical workplace holiday activity, businesses can gather their teams, dream up a creative theme and decorate a tree that reflects their company, employees or community spirit.

And there’s no shortage of opportunities to get creative!

Over the years, participating businesses have transformed their trees into everything from elaborate winter wonderlands to imaginative displays inspired by their industries.

Each tree is showcased at the Bay Centre, giving visitors a chance to admire the creativity of local businesses while supporting an important cause.

Visitors can even vote for their favourites through donations, adding a little friendly competition to the festivities.

A little friendly competition for a great cause

Last year’s festival saw some impressive fundraising efforts from participating businesses.

The Victoria Residential Builders Association led the way with $5,080 raised, followed by RE/MAX Generation with $4,450 and Hutcheson & Co. LLP with $3,777.

Meanwhile, Hendra Moving took home the coveted People’s Choice award for its decorated tree.

But regardless of who takes home the honours, every participating business contributes to something much bigger.

“We are incredibly grateful to the sponsors, visitors, and donors who make this tradition possible,” said Darlene Hollstein, general manager of the Bay Centre, following last year’s festival.

“Celebrating 10 years of hosting this event at the Bay Centre reminds us how deeply our community cares for the health and well-being of local children.”

A tradition close to our hearts at Victoria Buzz

For the Victoria Buzz team, Festival of Trees Victoria holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve proudly been part of this incredible holiday tradition for more than a decade, and it’s something our team looks forward to every year.

While the festive spirit is always high and we love being part of the magic that fills the Bay Centre each year, it’s the meaningful work behind the event that makes it truly special.

Over the years, several Victoria Buzz team members have had family members receive care at BC Children’s Hospital, including Victoria Buzz founder Mike Kelly, whose two nieces both received treatment at the hospital when they were younger.

These personal connections have given our team an even greater appreciation for the important work BC Children’s Hospital Foundation supports and the difference it makes for families across Vancouver Island.

For us, Festival of Trees Victoria is more than just a holiday tradition. It’s an opportunity to give back to a cause that has touched our own families, while helping spread a little holiday magic throughout the community.

Here’s how your business can get involved

Whether you’re a small family-run business, a growing company or a larger organization, Festival of Trees offers a festive way to connect with the community while supporting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Participating sponsors receive a six-foot holiday tree complete with white LED lights and can register a team of up to four decorators to bring their festive vision to life.

It’s a chance to build team spirit, showcase your business to the community and become part of a holiday tradition that thousands of Victorians look forward to each year.

And perhaps most importantly, the occasion is an opportunity to help make the holidays a little brighter for Island children and their families.

Businesses interested in joining the 2026 Festival of Trees Victoria are encouraged to register and secure their sponsorship.

You can learn more and sign up through the Bay Centre’s official Festival of Trees sponsorship page.

With another holiday season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your team together, start brainstorming those decorating ideas and help make this year’s Festival of Trees one to remember!