Top 5 Reasons Victoria, BC Is The Best Christmas Getaway
Beautiful Victoria, British Columbia is the perfect spot for making Christmas memories with the whole family. We’ve curated some of our holiday favorites – old and new.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS AT BUTCHART GARDENS
Butchart Gardens is known for its beautiful fauna in the spring and summer, but while the flowers sleep, the gardens are loaded up with lights and scenes depicting the 12 Days of Christmas. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the Christmas Carolers or take a spin on the ice rink beneath the twinkling lights. An evening spent at Butchart Gardens for the 12 Days of Christmas is the perfect holiday evening.
Fun Local Tip: For children 12 and under, make your own snowflake at home from an 8×11 sheet of white paper. Bring it to The Gardens when you visit, and they will trade you a cup of hot chocolate for your snowflake at their Coffee Shop.
CHRISTMAS AT THE EMPRESS
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Empress. At this time of year, the Castle on the Coast is all dressed up in her Christmas finery with stunning holiday décor and enchanting lights, sure to delight the young and the young at heart. Christmas at the Empress is an annual holiday tradition in Victoria.
From s’mores and festive cocktails on the Veranda overlooking the Inner Harbour, a festive version of our famous afternoon tea, family-style holiday dinners and more – explore the magic of Christmas at the Empress.
HOLIDAY COCKTAILS, FONDUE & S’MORES ON THE VERANDA
The Veranda at Fairmont Empress is the best spot to view the sunset and the Parliament lights. At this time of year, it’s also the best time to curl up under a blanket in front of one of our fire pit tables with a festive cocktail, mulled wine or hot chocolate and make s’mores! Enjoy a classic cheese fondue and top it off with a chocolate lover’s dream dessert fondue.
Date: Fridays & Saturdays starting November 24, 2023, daily from December 22–31, 2023.
Time: Fridays 4:00pm–close, Saturdays 12:00pm–close
VICTORIA HARBOUR LIGHTS
Victoria Harbour Ferries is offering a 3-dimensional light show with sound-reactive animations. This 45-minute show, experienced onboard a Harbour Ferry, tells the tale of a child’s winter dream – all experience from on board your boat on Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour.
Harbour Lights run from December 2-31, 2023
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Victoria has no shortage of Christmas Markets to explore! Grab an apple cider or mulled wine and explore the rows of local vendors selling handcrafted fare and unique gifts.
Shop local this season with Tourism Victoria’s Gift Guide.
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