Victoria B.C. Christmas Guide
1. Winter Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Tea House
A signature Victoria holiday experience in a historic Inner Harbour setting
Start your Christmas trip in Victoria BC with Afternoon Tea at the Pendray Tea House, one of the city’s most iconic winter traditions. Featuring seasonal pastries, warm breads, and premium teas, this heritage tea service offers the perfect introduction to Victoria’s holiday charm.
Details: https://www.huntingdonmanor.com/pendray-tea-house
2. Traditional Sunday Roast at the Pendray Tea House
Cozy waterfront holiday dining at one of Victoria’s boutique Inns
Come join us on Sundays here at the Pendray Tea House, for a delicious, carefully crafted favorite. Our thoughtfully curated menu features three courses: start with a comforting Pear & Parsnip Soup with herb oil and crumbled blue cheese, followed by a main course of Prime Rib Roast Beef with Yorkshire pudding, Duchess potatoes, glazed carrots, and red wine jus, and finish with a classic Bread Pudding served with salted caramel and crème anglaise. A curated wine selection is also available to complement your meal.
For more information: https://www.pendrayteahouse.com/menus/sunday-roast-beef-dinner/
3. Best Cozy Winter Restaurants in Victoria BC
Top local dining spots for comfort food during the holiday season
Victoria’s thriving culinary scene shines in winter, offering cozy restaurants perfect for holiday meals and winter gatherings. Top choices include Brasserie L’Ecole (French dining), Sen Zushi (Japanese cuisine), Cafe Brio (Italian-inspired dishes), and Bodega (Spanish tapas). These restaurants are ideal additions to any Christmas itinerary in Victoria.
4. Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Historic Victoria
A romantic and nostalgic winter activity in downtown Victoria
A horse-drawn carriage ride is one of the most picturesque ways to explore Victoria’s holiday scenery. Travel through Beacon Hill Park, James Bay, and Dallas Road while learning about the city’s history. This is a top winter activity for visitors seeking a magical Christmas experience.
Tours: https://www.victoriacarriage.com
5. Christmas Lights at The Butchart Gardens
A must-see Vancouver Island holiday attraction with over one million lights
The Butchart Gardens transforms into one of Canada's most spectacular Christmas light displays each winter. Visitors can enjoy vibrant holiday décor, themed light installations, and the famous Twelve Days of Christmas walk. This is one of the most popular Christmas events near Victoria BC.
Details: https://www.butchartgardens.com
Transportation options include shuttle service, BC Transit, taxis, and rideshare.
Transit: https://www.bctransit.com
6. Victoria Christmas Lights Tour
Discover the best residential holiday displays in Greater Victoria
Explore dazzling home light displays throughout the region with Victoria Buzz’s annual Christmas Lights Tour Map. This self-guided tour is a festive favorite for families and visitors looking for the best Christmas lights in Victoria BC.
Map: https://victoriabuzz.com
7. Christmas Shopping in Downtown Victoria
Local boutiques, artisan shops, and holiday gift ideas in the city centre
Downtown Victoria is one of the best Christmas shopping districts in British Columbia. Government Street, Lower Johnson Street, and Market Square offer a mix of local boutiques, chocolatiers, tea shops, and artisan stores. Visitors can find unique gifts from shops like Rogers’ Chocolates, Murchie’s Tea & Coffee, Rook and Rose, Little Gold, and ANIAN.
8. Dickens Christmas Fair
One of Victoria’s longest-running holiday artisan markets
The Dickens Christmas Fair, held December 6, 2025, features more than 50 local vendors offering handmade goods, artwork, baked treats, candles, and holiday décor. This festive market is a favorite for locals and travelers searching for unique Christmas gifts.
Info: https://www.jamesbaymarket.com
9. WinterFest at the Royal BC Museum
A multicultural holiday celebration in downtown Victoria
WinterFest, held December 2 and 3, 2025, brings together local artists, cultural performances, winter food, and artisan vendors. This free Christmas event at the Royal BC Museum is ideal for families and visitors wanting to experience Victoria’s diverse winter festivities.
Details: https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
10. Festival of Trees in Victoria
Dozens of decorated Christmas trees supporting BC Children’s Hospital
Hosted at the Bay Centre from November 15, 2025 to January 5, 2026, the Festival of Trees showcases creative holiday trees decorated by local businesses and community groups. It’s one of downtown Victoria’s most photographed Christmas attractions.
More information: https://www.bcchf.ca
11. Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square
Downtown Victoria’s largest outdoor Christmas light display
From November 30 to December 31, 2025, Centennial Square becomes an immersive winter playground filled with glowing tunnels, light sculptures, and family-friendly holiday entertainment. This free Christmas event draws visitors from across Vancouver Island.
Event site: https://lightsofwonder.ca
12. Gingerbread Showcase at the Hotel Grand Pacific
A popular holiday fundraiser featuring edible gingerbread sculptures
Running November 21 to January 5, 2026, the Gingerbread Showcase highlights handcrafted gingerbread creations supporting Habitat for Humanity Victoria. This is one of downtown Victoria’s most delightful holiday displays and a favorite stop for families and visitors.
Details: https://www.habitatvictoria.com/gingerbread-showcase
13. Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle
Victorian-era holiday décor inside one of Canada’s most historic castles
For the month of December, Craigdarroch Castle is adorned in festive decorations and hosts evening performances featuring Celtic and seasonal music. This heritage site is one of the best historical Christmas attractions in Victoria BC.
Tickets: https://thecastle.ca
14. The Nutcracker at the Royal Theatre
A classic holiday performance presented by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Taking place November 28–30, this beloved Christmas production features live accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony and is one of the top holiday events in Victoria BC.
Tickets: https://www.rmts.bc.ca
15. Breakfast With Santa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
A festive family holiday brunch with cookie decorating and Santa Claus
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel hosts a seasonal Christmas brunch perfect for families with children. Event dates will be announced soon.
Updates: https://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
16. Haunted Manor Christmas Mini Golf
A unique indoor holiday activity blending festive décor and whimsical spookiness
Haunted Manor transforms its 18-hole mini golf course into a winter wonderland filled with lights, themed sets, and playful spooky elements. It’s one of the most fun indoor Christmas activities in Victoria for groups and families.
Information: https://www.hauntedmanorvictoria.com
