It’s a holly-jolly weekend in Victoria!
From festive breakfasts with Santa and bustling holiday markets, to magical experiences at the Fairmont Empress and the Malahat Skywalk’s “12 Days of Christmas” giveaway, the city is glowing with seasonal cheer.
Warm up by the fire at the Festive Veranda, snap photos under the mistletoe, or explore the treetops with a chance to win daily prizes—there is no shortage of ways to celebrate!
Here are 16 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—December 13th and 14th:
Malahat Skywalk “12 Days of Christmas” Giveaway
Ready to win big this December, Victoria?
Malahat Skywalk is ringing in the festive season with their “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway,” running from December 13th to 24th, and offering visitors the chance to win incredible daily prizes—from hotel stays, dining experiences, ferry tickets and more!
Entering is simple: stop by the Forest Finds Gift Shop when you arrive to uncover the Word of the Day, then make your way up The Tower for coastal forest-to-sky views, before scanning the QR code at The Canteen to submit your answer.
Head to the Malahat Skywalk to make memories with family and friends this December while enjoying breathtaking views of the Salish Sea.
Book your tickets here!
- Where: Malahat Skywalk, 901 Trans-Canada Highway
- When: Starts Saturday, December 13th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa at Victoria West Community Association
Experience the magic of the holidays at Breakfast with Santa!
Enjoy a warm breakfast, festive atmosphere and a chance to meet Santa himself at this free holiday event funded by CFAX Santa’s Anonymous Society.
There will be two seatings from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Registration is required here!
- Where: Victoria West Community Association, 521 Craigflower Road
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Breakfast with Santa at 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 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.
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.
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.
Chinatown Wonders Holiday Market in Victoria
Chinatown Wonders is returning to Victoria Chinatown this holiday season!
Explore a trunk full of unique cultural crafts and gifts designed and made by Chinese creators and businesses in Canada.
The market starts at 11 a.m.!
- Where: By Fan Tan Alley near the Chinatown gate, 541 Fisgard Street
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
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
- When: Saturday, December 13th & Sunday, December 14th – 12 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Emily Carr’s 154th Birthday Party
Celebrate 154 years of Emily Carr with a fun, family-friendly party on the second floor of the Carr House!
This event is free and includes crafts, snacks sponsored by Thrifty Foods, and a door prize for a special gift certificate generously provided by Emerald Day Spa.
- Where: Carr House, 207 Government Street
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 1 p.m. to 3 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.
“Winter Wonderland” Silent Disco Dance Party at Lights of Wonder
Join in on a free all-ages silent disco dance party hosted by Silent DJ Victoria at Lights of Wonder this Saturday!
Dance to one of three music channels, played by DJ Sportmode, SISTr (Global Fusion & High Vibes Dance Hits), and POORCHELLA PALS b2b from 5:40 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
There will be 100 headsets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each headset rental requires government-issued ID as collateral, or $60 per adult. Children must be on an adult’s ID.
Keep an eye out for Buddy the Elf, who will be roaming the square and handing out little holiday treats to kids, as well as musical performances by Vancouver Island Chamber Choir, Friends of Music’s, and Moodswing Orchestra before and after the silent disco.
Don’t miss this glowing night of music!
- Where: Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 5:40 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Brrr-lesque & Baubles! A Winter Holiday Spectacular!
A sparkly night of burlesque, song, dance, and holiday spirit is coming to The Metro on Saturday, December 13th!
The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue’s Brrr-lesque & Baubles! A Winter Holiday Spectacular! sheds layers in a festive, fun way while sharing high-energy choreography, side-splitting comedy, and a joyful dose of sass.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Tickets are $40—get yours here.
- Where: The Metro, 1411 Quadra Street
- When: Saturday, December 13th – 8 p.m.
Downtown Forest of Wishes (with Santa)
On Sunday, December 14th, Chateau Victoria invites you to a heartwarming, family-friendly event in support of Threshold Housing Society.
Explore the Forest of Wishes and meet Santa! There will be festive photo opportunities, free food and seasonal beverages, live holiday music, and children’s activities.
Plus, add your wish to the Forest of Wishes display!
This event is free and open to everyone.
- Where: Chateau Victoria, 740 Burdett Avenue
- When: Sunday, December 14th – 11 a.m. to 2 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.
Stephanie Greaves & Friends – Christmas Show
Join Stephanie with Attila Fias backing her on piano and keys for a fun night of musical favourites and more at Hermann’s Jazz Club!
Tickets are $30—get yours here!
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Sunday, December 14th – 7 p.m. to 9 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.
