7 Things to Do on Christmas Day in Victoria, B.C.

The holidays are a wonderful time to relax and spend time with loved ones, whether you’re planning to keep up existing traditions or make some new ones. Here are some ideas for things to do in Victoria this Christmas Day.

Please note: Restaurants in Victoria are usually very busy on Christmas Day! If you are planning to eat out, please call ahead and make a reservation if possible.

Brunch at the Courtney Room in Victoria, BC

Start with brunch

Victoria’s brunch culture doesn’t take the day off for Christmas. This year, enjoy an elevated brunch experience at Lure Restaurant & Bar or a west coast-inspired buffet brunch at Fathom with lots of fresh, local ingredients.

Lure Restaurant & Bar Fathom

Have lunch out

Who says you have to eat turkey on Christmas? Head to Victoria favourite Don Mee Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown for some epic dim sum, and follow your meal with a meandering walk through Chinatown’s colourful alleys and shops.

Don Mee Seafood Restaurant

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC

Festive afternoon tea

A Victorian tradition, afternoon tea is reimagined with a festive flair at the Fairmont Empress. Nibble sweet and savoury snacks, pinkies up, with your favourite blend of tea in the Lobby Lounge, all done up in festive hues.

Fairmont Empress

Hit the beach

There aren’t many places in Canada where you can visit the beach on Christmas Day without being bundled up in snow gear. In Victoria, many locals and visitors choose to take advantage of our temperate weather and gorgeous scenery with a stroll along Dallas Road or Willows Beach. For families, Cadboro-Gyro Park is a great place to let the kids burn off some energy from all those holiday treats.

Willows Beach Cadboro-Gyro Park

Lights of Wonder

Experience the magic of the holidays at Lights of Wonder in downtown Victoria's Centennial Square. This outdoor event transforms the area into a winter wonderland with light exhibits, light tunnels, a 40-foot festive tree, a Ferris wheel, and best of all admission is free! The lights turn on at 4:00PM every night, a perfect night-cap to your Christmas in Victoria.

A carvery dinner over the holidays at Q at the Empress in Victoria, BC

Gather round the table

There’s no need to feel guilty if you don’t want to cook a Christmas dinner! This year, let the professionals handle the cooking with a festive meal at Nautical Nellie’s Steak & Seafood House, or 10 Acres Bistro. The Fairmont Empress Chrismas Day dinner is already sold out, but Q at the Empress will be open, so you can sip on a festive cocktail while enjoying their beautiful holiday decorations. Remember: Reservations are strongly recommended at all restaurants in Victoria on Christmas Day!

Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House 10 Acres Commons 10 Acres at the Pier Q at The Empress

The interior of Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria, BC

Attend a Christmas service

Visit Christ Church Cathedral for a Christmas service at 8 am or 10:30 am. The second service is especially for families and will include a special Children’s Talk.

Christ Church Cathedral

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The cover of Victoria's Official 2024 Vacation Guide. A crowd of people are on a pier at Victoria's Inner Harbour at sunset on a summer day.

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