Victoria’s second annual Hot Chocolate Festival is in full swing, offering a month-long celebration of indulgent, creative, and heartwarming hot chocolates.
Running throughout February, this year’s festival is bigger than ever, with 28 local businesses crafting their own unique spins on the classic winter treat.
From a Mexican Chai Hot Chocolate at Brentwood Bay Village Empourium to a Fog Hot Chocolate infused with Earl Grey at Faro Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room, the lineup is nothing short of spectacular.
See also: Victoria’s delectable Hot Chocolate Festival returns this February for its second year
The festival even features unexpected twists, like Cold Comfort’s dairy-free spicy hot chocolate ice cream and L’Apero Wine & Cheese Bistro’s Hot Chocolate Fondue with Belgian chocolate and fine cheeses for dipping.
Beyond satisfying your sweet tooth, every hot chocolate purchase contributes $1 to the BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre, helping animals in need while supporting local businesses.
Some of this year’s must-try flavours include:
- Marshall’s Marshmallow Melt at Q Bar, inspired by Paw Patrol, featuring milk chocolate, hazelnut, and gooey marshmallows.
- Passionfruit Dark Hot Chocolate at Working Culture Bread, paired with a buttery shortbread cookie.
- Red Velvet Hot Chocolate at Lure Restaurant & Bar, topped with a cupcake and a spirited Bailey’s option.
- Black Forest Hot Chocolate at Pure Lovin’ Chocolate, made with 72% Fair Trade chocolate and house-made candied cherry syrup.
- Cupid’s Cocoa at The Fickle Fig Farm Market, a white hot chocolate with cinnamon hearts and house-made marshmallow.
With options ranging from traditional rich cocoa to vegan, gluten-free, and boozy delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Full list of participating businesses:
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- Q Bar & Veranda at the Fairmont Empress
- Courtyard Cafe
- Caffe Fantastico
- Flourish BeauTea
- Pendray Inn and Tea House
- Duo Cafe Bakery
- Pure Lovin’ Chocolate
- Cold Comfort Ice Cream
- Malahat SkyWalk
- Working Culture Bread
- Blue Crab Seafood House
- Chocolats Favoris
- Beacon Brewing
- The Courtney Room
- Green Cuisine
- OEB Breakfast Co.
- Selkirk Cafe
- Lure Restaurant & Bar
- Oso Cookies
- Deer & Dough Bakery Cafe
- Faro Handcrafted Pizza and Tasting Room
- The Fickle Fig Farm Market
- Brentwood Bay Village Empourium
- Chocolat & Co.
- L’Apero Wine and Cheese Bistro
- The Drake Eatery
- The Ruby
- Murchie’s Tea and Coffee
Last year, the festival raised over $5,000 for the BC SPCA, and with even more businesses participating in 2025, organizers hope to make an even bigger impact.
So grab your mittens, warm up with a cup of chocolatey goodness, and support a great cause while discovering Victoria’s best cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.
You might just find your new favourite winter treat! Find the full list of participating businesses and their hot chocolate offerings here.
Victoria’s Hot Chocolate Festival
- Where: All across Greater Victoria and beyond—view the map here.
- When: Saturday, February 1st to Friday, February 28th
