As a winter destination Victoria is a unique city that rarely sees snow. From misty mornings to dewey evenings and against the sparkling lights of Christmas the city becomes enchanted as the season is brought to life. Throughout December, lights, music and special events fill the streets and venues of BC's capital city.
Event highlights include but are not limited to; Festival of Trees at The Fairmont Empress, A World of Traditions - Oak Bay Christmas Festival, Christmas at The Butchart Gardens, Christmas Writers Festival, Ghosts of Christmas Past and other heritage walking tours, Santa Claus parades, lighted sail pasts and tons of additional entertainment for the entire family.
For more information about local craft fairs visit - the blog.

Best 3 Day Itnerary

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Day 1
Start your Christmas downtown at the Festival of Trees at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Every year, the Festival of Trees transforms The Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital.
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at the annual Christmas in Oak Bay.

The main drag is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland that is distinctly Oak Bay.
Day 2
The Butchart Gardens offers a Tour of Christmas. The world renowned Gardens puts on a very special show of Christmas Illuminations.

Areas of the gardens are highlighted by the spectacular glow of hundreds of thousands of colored Christmas lights. Walking through the gardens in the radiance of these Christmas Illuminations instantly puts one in the mood for celebration.
Day 3
Experience a Horse drawn Carriage Tour downtown along the harbor and in quaint James Bay
Experience Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle as it would have been decorated at the turn of the century. The Castle is lavishly decorated in true Victorian-era style with colourful Christmas trees in all the rooms, ribbons, bows, flowers, fruit, cedar and ornaments.
Our handpicked furnished condo rentals offer visitors to Victoria opportunity to experience a Victorian Christmas with most attractions within walking distance..

EVENTS at Christmas
Free Horse Drawn Trolley Rides Dec 4th

Two free trolleys will circulate on a pre-set route throughout the downtown with 4 stops at: -
Store St. at Chatham St. (in front of Ocean River Sports) -
Johnson St. near Wharf St. (in front of Willie's Bakery) -
Langley St. at Bastion Sq. (across from re-Bar)
Government St. at Fisgard St. (in front of CRD Plaza)

3rd Annual Centennial Square Tree Light Up

kick-off the holiday season in Centennial Square with the third annual Downtown Christmas Tree Light-Up event. The annual lighting of the magnificent Centennial Square sequoia is a growing Victoria holiday tradition. November 26th
Dec 13-15 NADEN CONCERT BAND

The Royal Theatre at 805 Broughton St (corner of Broughton and Blanshard). This is a wonderful evening of music performed by The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific in support of The Salvation Army's toy drive. Admission: $7 and a new unwrapped toy.
Christmas Lights Across Canada 2010

December 2nd, (Free) 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM come celebrate the lighting of the provincial Christmas tree on the front lawns of the Parliament Buildings. Why not come inside your Parliament Buildings during the holiday season and see our greatly decorated 20'+ interior tree? Or, take a free tour and learn about B.C.'s history.

Gingerbread Houses @ Laurel Point Inn

Nov 26, 2010 - Jan 02, 2011 A visit to the Inn will infuse you with the delightful simplicity of annual traditions. Feast your eyes and nose on the creative inspirations constructed from gingerbread. More than houses, they are sculptures and unique works of art created by local chefs.

Annual Maritime Pacific Ship's Lighting

DECEMBER 14TH ~ DECEMBER 24TH, 2010 @ MARITIME FORCES PACIFIC CFB ESQUIMALT Please bring your Financial and Food donations for admission to this spectacular & festive light display! Don’t forget to vote on your favorite ship!
See a list of quality rentals here.