1. Lights of Wonder at Centennial Square: The city’s largest holiday light display returns with thousands of lights, music, and plenty of space for kids to explore. The ferris wheel opens on December 19.
2. Festival of Trees: Walk through dozens of decorated trees and vote for your favourite. The Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre is indoors, bright, and perfect on a rainy day. And SEAPARC has a Festival of Trees as well this year.
3. Harbour Holiday Lights: A one-night event along the Inner Harbour with lights, entertainment, treats, and waterfront views. (Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 5 to 8 pm)
4. Driving Tour of Festive Houses: Fill a thermos with hot chocolate and go for an evening drive to find standout neighbourhood displays.
5. Oak Bay Light Up: A community favourite featuring illuminated trees, live music, and a festive atmosphere in Oak Bay Village.
6. Gingerbread Showcase: Support Habitat for Humanity while viewing intricate gingerbread creations. Kids love spotting tiny details and themes.
7. Visit a Holiday Market: Browse local makers, sip warm drinks, and enjoy the seasonal setting. Sea Cider is hosting the Folk Holiday Market on Dec 7. Bilston Creek Farm's Yuletide Market Series feels especially magical with lights and artisan stalls.
8. Christmas by the Sea in Sidney: Is a charming holiday celebration with family activities, festive shopping, and community events.
9. Truck Parade: A highlight for many families. Decorated trucks covered in lights travel the route, making it a memorable winter evening.
10. Downtown Holiday BINGO: Pick up a Downtown Holiday BINGO card and turn your family’s December outings into a fun challenge. Kids can search for festive displays, visit downtown favourites, and try holiday activities as they work toward four in a row. Send Little Local a photo of your completed BINGO card for a chance to win a grand prize!
11. The Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens: This has become an annual tradition in our family. Wander through light displays, visit the Twelve Days of Christmas installations, and try the new outdoor ice rink. Dec 1 - Jan 6.
12. Christmas on the Veranda at The Empress: A cozy outdoor s’mores and fondue experience at the Fairmont Empress.
13. Photos With Santa or Holiday Mini Sessions: From Santa visits to local photographers’ mini sessions, this is a lovely way to capture the season.
14. Brunch with Santa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel: A festive brunch with Santa in a beautiful oceanfront setting.
15. Holiday Concerts: The Victoria Symphony has two standout family-friendly concerts this season. Elf in Concert features the film paired with a live orchestral score. And then there's the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Nutcracker with the Victoria Symphony. These concerts are ideal for older kids who enjoy a full performance.
16. Support a Food Bank or Toy Drive: A meaningful holiday tradition. Let kids help choose items and drop them off together.
17. Watch The Polar Express at IMAX (RBCM): A seasonal favourite and there are 3D showings as well. Showtimes starting Friday Dec. 6.
18. Saanichton Christmas Tree Farm: A lovely place to pick a fresh tree. Open from 9 am to 4 pm daily, and open until 7 pm starting December 1.
19. Merridale Cidery and Distillery: A cozy holiday stop in Cobble Hill. Families can enjoy the decorated grounds, warm drinks, and a peaceful countryside setting. It is a relaxed, low-key outing that feels like a small escape from the city.
20. Festive Bricks of Giving (LEGO): The atrium at The Parkside Hotel & Spa has been transformed into a holiday LEGO wonderland with LEGO cityscapes, model trains, and a bridge built over the koi pond. Families can explore interactive LEGO play stations, check out student builds, and take home a LEGO ornament by donation in support of Rainbow Kitchen’s school meal programs.
