If you’re lucky enough to spend Christmas in Victoria, there’s plenty to see and do to celebrate the holiday season. The scenery is stunning and the climate cooperative for the indoor and outdoor events available from November through December.

Go See Santa

The Hotel Grand Pacific invites kids and their families to get their pictures taken with Santa for a donation that benefits the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. There are cookies and hot chocolate in the lobby. Ask for the colouring sheet so that your child can enter the contest that ends on the 25th.

Do Some Shopping

The Victoria Public Market at the Hudson might be the best place to find what you need to make your holiday celebrations unique. Located in the downtown area in the historic Hudson building, you’ll find local artisans, locally grown food and gourmet food services, as well as a children’s play centre, live music and community events.

Downtown Victoria goes all out at night during the season. Don’t skip walking along the harbour at night to view the holiday lights on the British Columbia parliament buildings and stop along the way for a nibble and a warming beverage. The Islands Farms Santa’s Light Parade takes place in late November, it’s free and an event for the whole family.

Tour the Gardens

The Butchart Gardens are stunning all year long, and no less so this time of year. The holiday decorations are breathtaking with lights, especially the Twelve Days of Christmas and anyone can go ice skating. The kids will love riding on the carousel and you can sing along to Christmas carols as you go. Eat lunch at the Blue Poppy Restaurant or something more formal at the Dining Room Restaurant.

Musical Celebrations

Join others at the annual Sing-Along Messiah that the Civic Orchestra of Victoria performs at Alix Goolden Performance Hall. If you have your own score to the Messiah, the orchestra would appreciate your bringing it along to use.

A performance by Tom Jackson benefits the hungry and homeless populations in Canada. The performance is an eclectic mix of theatre and music. Mr. Jackson is a musician, actor and champion for the disenfranchised. All the proceeds go to The Mustard Seed Street Church.

If you count yourself among those who equate Baroque music with the holidays, don’t miss the Victoria Baroque Players’ concert on December 22 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. They will perform J.S. Bach’s Jauchzet Gott allen Landen along with Scarlatti, Torelli and Vivaldi.

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Alair Homes Victoria Custom Home in Winter

Alair Homes Victoria wishes you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons.