Holiday cheer arrives early on Vancouver Island, bringing glowing light displays, bustling winter markets, musical performances, and cozy community celebrations from Victoria to Nanaimo. Whether you’re visiting loved ones or searching for Christmas events near me during a seasonal getaway, the island comes alive with festive experiences worth exploring. Here’s our list of the best holiday events to enjoy across Vancouver Island this 2025 holiday season.
Festival of Trees
Kick off the season in downtown Victoria where the annual Festival of Trees fills the Bay Centre with creatively decorated trees, each crafted by local organizations to support the children’s hospital.
Magic of Christmas Official Light Up at The Butchart Gardens
The highlight of the season – The Butchart Gardens transforms into a radiant holiday wonderland with animated light scenes, outdoor fire-pits, carollers, and hot cocoa by the fire.
47th Annual Victoria Tuba Christmas
Join more than 100 tuba and euphonium players in Market Square for a joyful afternoon of holiday carols in an iconic Victoria tradition. All proceeds support local charities.
44th Annual Dickens Fair
A James Bay tradition, discover handmade gifts, seasonal treats, art, décor and more at one of Victoria’s most beloved artisan fairs.
Lights of Wonder – Downtown Victoria
Lights of Wonder transforms Centennial Square into a dazzling open-air light experience with animated displays, festive music, warm treats, performances, and free family activities.
Esquimalt Holiday Market
A festive community market featuring local artisans, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, kids’ activities, and live entertainment.
The Christmas Express
All aboard for a magical train ride through a glittering forest of lights! Enjoy indoor entertainment, hot treats, holiday crafts and a miniature Christmas village.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
Celebrate the holidays with this witty and charming sequel to Pride & Prejudice set during Christmas at Pemberley.
Gifts From the Heart Christmas Arts Market
Shop locally handmade goods and festive treats at this community-driven market in the heart of Ladysmith.
Ladysmith Festival of Lights
First Avenue transforms into a mile of twinkling lights and colourful displays that brighten the whole Ladysmith town through the holiday season.
17th Annual Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular
Song, dance, live music and holiday classics all come together in this beloved island tradition.
A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol
Experience a magical retelling of Dickens’ classic story with giant masks, puppetry, and imaginative theatrical design.
Winter Weekend Holiday Market
Browse locally made gifts, art and seasonal treats at the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s annual holiday market.
Winter Jamboree in the Old City Quarter
Celebrate the holidays in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter with all-day family-friendly festive fun! Activities include artisan markets, Santa story-time, a scavenger hunt, a story‐book walk, window displays and live performances.
Santa Brunch & Market
Join the festive fun with brunch, photos with Santa, a local market featuring handmade goods, raffle prizes and more.
Nanaimo Christmas Village
The Nanaimo Christmas Village is an artisan-filled German-style Christmas market with holiday food, unique local vendors, festive ambiance, and seasonal flair.
Downtown Nanaimo Winterfest 2025
Winterfest features late-night shopping, food trucks, live music and the official Tree Light Up in downtown Nanaimo’s Diana Krall Plaza.
Christmas on the Farm
Enjoy wagon rides, farm animals, handmade treats, music, activities and cozy holiday cheer at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks.
Cookies, Carols and More!
Get ready for the City of Parksville’s annual Cookies, Carols and More! An afternoon of holiday magic with live music, crafts, face-painting, snacks, and a Santa visit – perfect for families and free to attend.
Milner Christmas Magic
A family-friendly holiday tradition where Milner Gardens glows with thousands of twinkling lights, walk-through displays, Teddy Bear areas, and warming stations with hot chocolate.
Christmas Night Market
Christmas Night Market promises a festive evening under twinkling lights with 90+ local makers, hot chocolate, treats, flame heaters, Santa visits and a scavenger hunt.
If you’re hosting guests for the holidays, keeping things clean can make the season feel a whole lot brighter. While your visitors are out searching for Christmas events near me or exploring Vancouver Island’s festive attractions, you can relax knowing your home or rental is in good hands. Book a one-time holiday clean or a flexible housekeeping plan today.