Do you really need another reason to visit the BC capital? An ideal trip for Seattleites and visitors from well beyond, there’s a wealth of events in Victoria worth traveling for in 2025.
The city that puts the “British in B.C.” with its double-decker buses and elegant venues for afternoon tea hosts everything from the renowned Victoria Film Festival to holiday parades and concerts. Plus, toss in the intriguing museums, world-famous Butchart Garden, outdoor adventures, and stunning natural scenery, and you know it’s worth more than a day trip. Of course, a day trip is possible too, thanks to our high-speed Victoria Clipper catamaran. To help you make the most of whatever time you have, we reveal the top festivals and events in Victoria for 2025.
Be sure to save the link to our guide for Victoria events. You’ll want to refer to it for planning throughout the year. Our team of Pacific Northwest travel experts at FRS Clipper will keep you updated as more details are made available.
Now, are you ready to get inspired to book that next trip to Victoria? Let’s go!
December
Santa Photos & More at Merridale Cider & Distillery: Now – December 31 (Days Vary)
Merridale Cider & Distillery will be offering all sorts of fun, and delicious food and drink for the holidays. Just a 40-minute drive from Victoria in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, enjoy Christmas turkey dinners served Merridale-style starting November 14. On November 15, the annual Christmas Light-Up features a dazzling light display to enjoy before an evening of local shopping and tasting. Locally made gifts, delicious eats, and hot apple cider, spiked or classic, are all part of the event.
Santa arrives on November 29, and will also make appearances on December 6 and 7. It’s the perfect opportunity for holiday family photos and you can feel good about it too, with proceeds donated to the Raincoast Conservation Foundation.
If you’re looking for a tasty way to kick off your New Year’s Eve, there will be an early celebration hosted here on December 31. While the menu details haven’t been released just yet, there will be a limited-edition cocktail listed specially crafted by the distillery team.
Bilston Creek Farm: Now – December 18 (Fridays through Sundays)
The Yuletide Market Series will return to Bilston Creek Farm, a lavender farm in Metoshin, about an hour from downtown Victoria. Hosted Fridays through Sundays during the holidays, it all begins on November 7. Seven different Christmas markets, designed as retail pop-ups, will be featured. And, with a rotating list of vendors, no two weekends will be the same! Pizza, made in an outdoor cob oven, will be served to help fuel your appetite. The Bilston Cafe will also be open daily, offering hot and cold drinks, along with light bites.
Festival of Trees Victoria: Now – January 5
Held at the Bay Centre, the Festival of Trees is a great way to get inspiration for you own Christmas tree this year. There will be more than 90 all decked out in their holiday best – and, you can even vote for your favorite!
Gingerbread Showcase: Now – January 4
Habitat Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase, presented by Peninsula Co-op and hosted at the Hotel Grand Pacific is back for its 17th year! Professional and home bakers face off, creating gingerbread displays based on a theme. They vie for top honors including The People’s Choice Award – as determined by Showcase visitor votes. Stop by to take in the spectacle and let your voice be heard!
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: Now – December 7
The McPherson Playhouse will host Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, providing the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. This musical journey features the classics, including “Happy Holidays,” and, of course, “White Christmas.” Get your tickets early as these shows tend to sell out quickly!
Lights of Wonder: Now – December 31
Lights of Wonder brings dazzling lights and decor, nightly live music, and a Ferris wheel for a view over it all, from downtown’s Centennial Square.
Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens: Now – January 6
One of the best and biggest events for the holidays in Victoria is the Magic of Christmas at Butchart Gardens. While the colorful blooms are impressive earlier in the year, wait until you see it in December. Butchart will be a breathtaking vision with hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights. Furthermore, holiday music and festive treats are all part of the fun too. Plus, you can combine your ride on the Victoria Clipper with a tour to The Butchart Gardens. Not only does it make it more stress-free, but it means saving money, perhaps to splurge on a special dinner! And New for 2025: The Ice rink is back!!
Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle: Now – January 7
Craigdarroch Castle will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the holidays, capturing the spirit of a Victorian Christmas. It will be all decked out in traditional decor on December 3, while special holiday tours and music can be enjoyed daily from December 13 through December 23.
James Bay Dickens Fair: December 6
Held at the James Bay Community Centre, the Dickens Fair is an over 40-year tradition in Victoria. This year, there will be over 60 vendors, ensuring something for everyone. Producers, bakers, and craftmakers come from throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to present their wares. From 10 am to 4 pm, shop for affordable handmade and home-baked items with everything from delicous foods to candles, clothing, jewelry, and wood work. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique gifts, and perhaps something special for yourself!
A Wonderheads Christmas Carol: December 19-21
Visual storytelling virtuosos, the WONDERHEADS, present their signature reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Taking place at the McPherson Playhouse, it brings the magic of imagination to the stage. Furthermore, the unforgettable live experience features spectacular giant masks, whimsical puppets, and wondrous theatrical invention.
Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More: December 20
A Candlelight concert will take place at Christ Church Cathedral with music inspired by winter, and the holiday spirit, enjoyed under the glow of candlelight.
Holiday Teas: Throughout December
The Fairmont Empress and the Pendray are both hosting special holiday editions of their renowned afternoon tea experiences. Come for the fresh scones–stay for the exquisite desserts and holiday decor!
Elements Casino Victoria New Year’s Celebration 2026: December 31
To celebrate the New Year, you might head to the Platinum Room at Elements Casino Victoria for dinner and dancing to The Midnights, a high-energy, 13-piece band. The doors will open at 6:30 pm. with the dinner buffet available from 7:30 to 9 pm. Afterward, you can burn off all those calories by dancing to live music! Plus, there will be party favors, late night snacks to keep you going, and a midnight toast.
Victoria New Year’s Eve 2026 Club Crawl: December 31
Up for a glamorous club crawl? The New Year’s Eve 2026 Club Crawl will provide exclusive access to four top venues within just a short distance. Hop through the energetic party scene to celebrate the coming year in style. Not to mention, it comes complete with live music from 7 pm to 2 am!
Black and White Affair at Fairmont Empress: December 31
The Fairmont Empress will host the Black and White Affair, requiring a secret password for entry. It’s all about dressing to impress, in black and white of course. You’ll enjoy fresh oysters, canapés, champagne, and a live band for dancing the night away.