Are you planning a visit to Vancouver Island this holiday season? From dazzling light displays and handcrafted artisan goods to mouthwatering festive treats and enchanting shows, our vacation rental management team has curated a list of the best holiday activities and events from Victoria to Nanaimo.
The holiday season kicks off with the Festival of Trees happening at the Bay Center in Victoria, BC. Stroll through over 90 one-of-a-kind festively decorated trees in support of BC Children’s Hospital.
One of the most popular holiday events in Victoria, The Magic of Christmas at the Butchart Gardens features a spectacular display of lights, including scenes depicting The Twelve Days of Christmas, traditional carollers and a festive brass band, and hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.
Tuba Christmas returns to Market Square in downtown Victoria for one of Victoria’s most beloved holiday traditions! The annual gathering brings together more than 100 tuba and euphonium players from across the region to play your favourite holiday carols. Donations will be accepted for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, a charity that assists the people most in need in the Greater-Victoria community.
Do you have your shopping list ready? One of Victoria’s oldest and best-loved Winter Craft Fairs returns for the 43rd year. From candles to pet accessories, explore and shop an amazing variety of affordable handmade and homemade products from Vancouver Island and Gulf Island artisans.
All aboard! Ride the Christmas Express as it travels through thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the 100-acre enchanted woods of the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Enjoy activities like holiday crafts, fire pits, indoor entertainment, a miniature Christmas Village, and concession goodies.
In a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the Bennet family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley. An unexpected guest sparks Mary Bennet’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
Discover the magic of the season at the Gifts from the Heart Christmas Arts Market! This local community event in Ladysmith is a one-stop-shop for all your holiday gift needs. Come experience the joy of supporting local creators and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
Experience and enjoy the 37th Annual Light Up in 2024! From the last Thursday in November until the second Sunday in January, Ladysmith is ignited with the life of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. Drive or walk down First Avenue (you may also be able to shop) and take it all in to fill your cup with Christmas spirit. Then do it again.
The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of music, dance, lights and decorations. Now in its 16th season, it has become a holiday tradition for many across Vancouver Island. This year’s singing and dancing extravaganza includes musical medleys of well known songs by Van Morrison, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift as well favorites from the musical Grease, a nostalgia set, a collection of James Bond movie hits, Bing Crosby’s classic ‘White Christmas’ and many more classical hits and Christmas favourites.
Visual storytelling virtuosos, the WONDERHEADS, present their signature reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Bringing the magic of imagination to the stage, this unforgettable live experience features spectacular giant masks, whimsical puppets, and unfathomable theatrical invention.
The Nanaimo Art Gallery have thoughtfully chosen an expanded selection of handmade items by local artists and makers to help make your holidays memorable.
Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is excited to welcome back their annual Christmas on the Farm event. Bundle up and take a wagon ride to the farm from Morningstar Golf Course and enjoy a range of kid’s activities, live music, photo booth, hot chocolate, an on-site poutine truck, games, farm animals, and much more.
Do you have an Airbnb property (or several properties) around Victoria or Nanaimo, BC? As your Airbnb management company, Lemon Free Housekeeping can help you manage your property on Airbnb and maximize your monthly income from your Airbnb listings. To learn more, get in touch with our vacation rental management company today!