11 Things to do in Victoria this December
This December, Victoria, BC, invites you to a festive getaway, where cozy dining, whimsical markets, and creative showcases blend heritage with inspired holiday magic.
Colours of the season
The festive season transforms the city into something extraordinary, as holiday lights illuminate our famous landmarks and our sense of discovery. Wander through The Butchart Gardens, where the 12 Days of Christmas theme brings each display to life, crafting a botanical wonderland aglow with festive charm. Head to Lights of Wonder downtown, a whimsical outdoor display that radiates with Victoria’s creative spirit, featuring sparkling installations and inviting spaces perfect for a cozy stroll. And along the Inner Harbour, the elegance of the Fairmont Empress and the illuminated grandeur of the BC Parliament Buildings create a stunning waterfront scene, blending heritage with holiday magic in a way that only Victoria can. As the lights shine bright, Victoria reveals a fresh side of itself—an inspired holiday wonderland that invites you to see it in a whole new light.
Check out a festival
Victoria’s winter festivals bring out the city’s creative spirit in the most festive ways! Start with the Festival of Trees, where local businesses and community groups decorate trees that range from classic elegance to wildly inventive. Each tree stands as a testament to Victoria’s artistic heart, filling The Bay Centre with lights and whimsy that inspire holiday cheer for all. Next, step into the sweet side of the season at the Gingerbread Showcase, where local bakers craft intricate gingerbread creations that are almost too beautiful to eat—almost! Both events are perfect for anyone craving a little extra magic, proving that in Victoria, the holidays are a time for imagination and joyful surprises are around every corner.
Dine outdoors
Victoria’s outdoor dining scene brings the magic of the holidays right to your table, and it’s anything but ordinary. Start with WinterLure, an exclusive winter wonderland on Lure Restaurant & Bar’s ocean front patio provides cozy dining in a personal igloo-esque dome, letting you enjoy local flavours of their chef’s six-course dinner under the sparkle of holiday lights. Then there’s Winter on the Terrace at Fathom, where the atmosphere fuses seaside views with festivity, gather round the firepits and savour bubbling pots of fodue and hot beverages and add a dash of warmth and cheer to your holiday nights. And, of course, the Festive Veranda at the Fairmont Empress is a true classic—elegantly dressed in lights and holiday charm, this beloved spot welcomes you to relax fireside, roasting marshmallows and enjoying seasonal drinks as the grand hotel’s glow surrounds you. Each of these spots adds its own twist to the season, blending tradition with modern Victoria flair, making winter dining a true celebration of the city’s unique spirit.
Cozy up in the castle
Hatley Castle transforms into a holiday dream this December, offering a cozy escape straight out of your favourite Hallmark movie. Imagine wandering through this historic gem (a National Historic Site), warm drink in hand, with pajama-clad families and friends embracing the season’s comforts. Draped in festive decor, every room at Hatley Castle radiates with holiday spirit, inviting you to pause, snap a photo, and soak up the castle’s old-world charm with a dash of Victoria’s laid-back, playful flair. It’s a scene straight out of a storybook, blending heritage with holiday cheer in a way that only Victoria can
Cozy Up at the Castle
Holiday shopping
Victoria’s holiday markets add a touch of magic and creativity to December, with each one bringing its own personality to the season. Start with WinterFest 2024, a bustling marketplace filled with artisan goods, local treats, and festive surprises that showcase the best of Victoria’s creative community. Celebrate the season at one of Victoria’s oldest and most-loved winter craft fairs, the 43rd Annual Dickens Christmas Market, which offers an amazing variety of affordable handmade products from over 60 local vendors. For something with a twist, the Merry Witches Yule Market offers a quirky and mystical spin on the season, with unique creations and enchanting finds. And finally, Candy Cane Lane Winter Festival is a holiday wonderland all its own, with artisans, delicious food, and seasonal spirits that bring the best of the holidays to life. Featuring a kid zone with crafts, hot chocolate, face painting, and of course, photos with Santa, Candy Cane Lane is festive fun for the whole family. Each market is a celebration of the city’s artisan spirit, proudly showcasing why Victoria is one-of-a-kind this time of year.
Tuck into a festive feast
Holiday dining in Victoria brings a touch of luxury and playful comfort that’s as inviting as it is delicious. At the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Christmas Day Brunch in the Dining Room is a culinary Christmas miracle—each dish crafted with care, offering flavours that reflect the best of local ingredients and seasonal inspiration. The elegance of the setting, paired with Victoria’s scenic seaside views, makes it an unforgettable way to savour the holiday. Meanwhile, Pancakes & Pajamas at the Hotel Grand Pacific captures the joy of the season in a lighthearted brunch buffet, where families can relax, enjoy story-time with Santa, and get hands-on with holiday crafts and cookie decorating.
Catch a show
Victoria’s holiday shows bring heart, humor, and a touch of magic to the season, with performances that capture the city’s creative pulse. Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders promises a journey into the impossible, as world-class illusionist Vitaly Beckman dazzles audiences with mind-bending illusions. Daniel Lapp’s Home for Christmas Concert fills the air with joyful music, led by Daniel and featuring the youth of the BC Fiddle Orchestra, all in support of music education at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, ensuring a bright future for young local musicians. Festive Cantatas presents the Pacific Baroque Orchestra’s stirring renditions of Bach and Zelenka, an elegant homage to timeless holiday classics. And for a slice of comedy that hits close to home, Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey at the Belfry Theatre brings laughter and truth to the stage. This hilarious play follows a group of moms as they come together to write a show about motherhood, capturing the chaos, charm, and spirit of the season in all its relatable glory. Each show brings something unique, making Victoria a stage for creativity, tradition, and heartfelt connection this holiday season.
Discover the beauty of mending
This December, step into the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for The Beauty of Mending: Kintsugi and Beyond, an exhibit that speaks to the heart of resilience and the beauty found in imperfection. Kintsugi artist Naoko Fukumaru invites you to see how shattered ceramics, mended with lacquer and gold, transform flaws into stunning art, celebrating a centuries-old Japanese tradition that values restoration over replacement. Each piece tells a story of patience, acceptance, and a reimagining of what it means to be whole, from Fukumaru’s intricate repairs to the AGGV’s selected porcelains and paintings. Together, these works remind us that beauty isn’t always pristine—it’s sometimes found in what’s broken and lovingly restored. In the spirit of Victoria’s artistic soul, this exhibit offers a moment to reflect on the meaningful beauty of what endures.
Holiday crafting
For a holiday activity that blends craft with a touch of elegance, look no further than Wine and Wreaths. This unique event lets you indulge in an adult twist on wreath-making, crafting your own 14-inch masterpiece while savouring a glass of wine. With each sip and snip, you’ll experience the warmth of the season and the joy of creation. It’s more than just a workshop; it’s a chance to unwind, enjoy a festive drink, and design a beautiful holiday accent that reflects your own personal style. Embrace the holiday season in a setting that’s sophisticated, fun, and undeniably Victoria.
Wine and Wreaths
Stay and save
Are you planning a pre-holiday getaway for you and yours? Get a Santa’s eye view of the region with a festive deal, the Malahat SkyWalk’s Black Friday Stay and Save is the perfect start to the holiday season. Between November 29th and December 2nd, visitors staying in the region can enjoy 25% off SkyWalk tickets simply by showing their hotel key card. As you wander the elevated walkway through lush treetops, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of forests, mountains, and the sparkling Salish Sea. The experience extends into their cozy gift shop, where a purchase of $10 or more will earn you a keepsake keychain and 10% off your purchase. This is an invitation to see Victoria’s natural beauty from new heights, reminding you that here, we celebrate the season with creativity, inspiration, and the unexpected.
Take in a driftwood art exhibit
This December, immerse yourself in the whimsical world of BIRDS! A Driftwood, Wire & Paper Art Exhibit by local artist Tanya Bub at Gage Gallery. Bub’s work celebrates the unique beauty of our coastal environment, transforming everyday materials into playful, one-of-a-kind creations that are sure to spark joy and inspire wonder. This exuberant sculpture show showcases an enchanting array of birds crafted from driftwood, wire, and paper, each piece brimming with character and creativity. Perfect for families and art lovers alike, this fun and free exhibit invites you to explore the charm of these delightful avian sculptures, where you might even discover the perfect holiday gift for that special someone.
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